Meaning, Existential, & Life Perspective Around Death & Mortality

Philosophical and spiritual beliefs influence the acceptance of mortality by providing frameworks that help individuals conceptualize the meaning of life and death. These frameworks influence the attitudes and perspectives that individuals develop regarding transcendence or the afterlife, which further shape how individuals process the loss of a loved one. There is much that remains unknown about death. Many individuals find that philosophical and spiritual beliefs provide a helpful structure when seeking answers to some fundamental questions surrounding life’s purpose and what happens after death. 

Philosophical and spiritual beliefs often prompt individuals to pursue a path of self-discovery and seek their life purpose. These beliefs often emerge when people seek meaning in their lives or navigate the experience of processing their loss. Some individuals find that the belief in an afterlife, reincarnation, or spiritual transcendence helps them to cope with the loss of a loved one or to feel less anxious about their eventual death. Since many philosophical and spiritual beliefs come with rituals, practices, and guidance regarding the principles of living a purposeful life, these components can also help individuals accept their mortality since there is often a sense of comfort or solace in living a life enriched according to these values. As these individuals approach death, they may feel that they have fulfilled their purpose in life or that they will experience a peaceful death due to their adherence to their philosophical and spiritual beliefs. 

Many of these beliefs also have a more extensive narrative, which helps individuals embrace their mortality while navigating a much larger spiritual journey. The self-perception of existing beyond the physical realm can influence some individuals to accept their mortality in the context of viewing death as transitioning from one realm of life into another. Ultimately, philosophical and spiritual beliefs provide comfort, wisdom, meaning, and purpose when exploring perceptions of life and death. 

Sources

“The association between death anxiety with spiritual experiences and life satisfaction in elderly people”. Electronic Physician. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5407231/

The contemplation of mortality often influences individuals to reconsider their priorities and live more intentionally. Understanding that there is a level of brevity and uncertainty to life can prompt individuals to refocus on living their lives to the fullest and appreciating circumstances or experiences in the present moment. It often empowers individuals to approach their lives with a newfound purpose and gratitude. 

When we conceptualize the idea of a lifetime based on the average human lifespan and the various interventions that are now available to extend life, the quantifiable experience of a lifetime can seem extensive. Aging and eventually reaching the milestone of becoming an older adult may seem too far away for some individuals to consider planning for the future. However, the reality is that there isn’t a guarantee that anyone will reach the average human lifespan, and life is often shorter than we realize. 

Death is an inevitable part of the human experience; it affects all individuals, regardless of age or any other demographic. This realization becomes all the more evident as we increase our proximity to loss and death-related experiences. A loved one, coworker, or another individual in our social circle who experiences loss may prompt us to contemplate our mortality, by proxy, as we are faced with a stark and ever-present reminder: death is part of life. Our proximity to these experiences reminds us that we can also be affected by death, and eventually, we will also die.

Understanding the transience of life, a shift in focus begins to emerge. The need to reprioritize goals and reconnect with loved ones becomes more crucial than ever before. Many individuals discover their motivation and gradually eliminate activities or tasks that don’t contribute to their personal growth or fulfillment. Those frequently distracted or overwhelmed by stressful circumstances begin to pursue new routines and responsibilities that allow them to live a slower, more intentional life rather than the typical struggle of a busy schedule. 

Contemplating mortality encourages individuals to allow themselves to be fully present in the moment and gain a new sense of gratitude. They understand the limited time available to share with loved ones and gain a greater appreciation for moments spent together. Many begin to find enjoyment and peace from simple experiences they might have overlooked before. The contemplation of mortality enables individuals to appreciate the relationships and experiences that enrich their lives, which ultimately helps them to live more authentically.

Sources

“How the Contemplation of Death Can Lead to Meaning in Life”. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/4000-mondays/202306/how-the-contemplation-of-death-can-lead-to-meaning-in-life

“Thinking About Death Can Make Life Better”. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/thinking-about-death-can-make-life-better/

Coming to terms with your mortality refers to the process of acknowledging and accepting the inevitability of death. It is often a deeply personal and introspective process that prompts individuals to reflect on the overall brevity of life, the value of defining a legacy, and the importance of pursuing their priorities. Like many aspects of the human experience, life is temporary. 

Death is a topic that many individuals are uncomfortable thinking about or discussing openly with others. Most are unwilling to address the matter of death until it cannot be avoided any further, such as when they are faced with handling final arrangements or attending a funeral. Additionally, death is often mistakenly generalized into association with aging, so some people avoid facing their mortality due to the assumption that it doesn’t matter as long as they are healthy and youthful. To come to terms with your mortality is to gain awareness of the fragility of life, including our own, and to understand how the inevitability of a future death shapes life as we know it in the present. 

The experience of coming to terms with mortality is also an invitation to understand ourselves on a deeper level. It is an experience of self-discovery since it often prompts individuals to reevaluate their priorities and reflect on the impact that they want to make in the world around them. For some individuals, it may be the first time that they consider their actions in the greater context of defining a legacy. For others, it might lead to the pursuit of personal growth, healing from past trauma, and reconciling with estranged loved ones. 

Although the process of coming to terms with mortality varies for everyone, it is often a highly transformative journey. Many individuals find that as they learn to embrace their mortality, they also learn to embrace newfound elements of their human experience. Ultimately, most find that they achieve a profound acceptance of death as a natural aspect of life and a greater understanding of the importance of living with intentionality. 

Sources 

“5 Strategies for Accepting Your Mortality”. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mindful-anger/201707/5-strategies-accepting-your-mortality 

“Embracing Mortality: Steps to Accepting Death”. Love to Know. https://www.lovetoknow.com/life/grief-loss/learning-how-accept-death-your-own-mortality