Reflections on death

Lately, the topic of death has been popping up in conversations with my friends, and it got me thinking. Death, much like s*exuality, is one of those sensitive subjects in Western society. But I’m all for diving straight in, so I figured I’d put my thoughts down and see where they take me.

First off, I see death as a gateway to something different. Science tells us that we are made of energy, and energy is never destroyed—it merely transforms. So, when we die, we don’t just disappear; we shift into something else. But what exactly do we become? Right now, I have two theories, and I’d love to share them with you.

The first, and one I deeply resonate with, is the idea of reincarnation. Many spiritual traditions believe that our souls are eternal and that we return, lifetime after lifetime, to learn valuable lessons. Earth, in this perspective, is like a giant school where we take courses in forgiveness, unconditional love, compassion, kindness, standing up for what is right and all the other juicy topics of human experience. The challenges we encounter serve as opportunities for self-discovery, and the people we meet play roles in helping us navigate this grand learning experience.

Based on how well we navigate our lessons, we either repeat the class or graduate to the next level. So death is like a summer holiday when we have a break, go to the beach, catch up with our friends and return in September. Based on how we learn our lessons, we either revisit certain experiences or move forward to new realms of understanding. And if I had my way, my next incarnation would be as a cherished house cat—resting in the sun, enjoying affection, and experiencing life with ease and contentment. Now, wouldn’t that be a wonderful transformation?

The second possibility is simple, poetic, and undeniably beautiful: we become one with nature. Our bodies decompose, nourishing the soil, feeding the trees, and cycling back into the elements. We become part of the air that people breathe, the water that falls as rain, the very essence of life itself. In that sense, everyone who has ever existed is still here, just in a different form. Isn’t that a comforting thought?

I was thinking, what if there is really no reason to fear death? Of course, losing someone we love is heart breaking, and the absence of their physical presence can feel unbearable. But perhaps if we reflect and reach an understanding of what death means for us, we could find some peace in it. If we consider that nothing is truly lost, only transformed, then in a way, we never really say goodbye. We merge with the elements, with the wind that caresses the trees, the rain that nourishes the earth, the warmth of the sun that touches our skin. We become part of something greater, something vast and infinite.

Maybe, just maybe, in the grand tapestry of existence, we are never really apart—we are always together, always connected. Because in the end, we all become one.

And maybe if we think that this life will one day end for us, we will live each day with more joy and appreciation. We would value our time and the time we spend with people in a different way.

If we truly understood that our days are numbered, wouldn’t we laugh a little more, hold our loved ones a little tighter, and let go of unnecessary grudges? Wouldn’t we take more chances, speak our truth more freely, and savour the little things—like the warmth of a morning cup of tea or a hug from a dear friend?

Perhaps mortality is not something to fear but a gentle nudge reminding us to embrace life fully, to make meaningful connections, and to cherish every fleeting moment. In the end, it’s not about how long we live, but how deeply we experience life while we’re here.

Stillness In Motion - Sailing and singing with the whales - Lulu & Mischka