Writing from Arohananda for The Winter Discourses –
Life-conversation Sexuality and Death weekend retreats in August 2024
The inevitable emotions that arise when we confront our mortality can be uncomfortable, unfathomable, and potentially terrifying. This discomfort often drives us to seek distractions, consuming endlessly to avoid facing the certainty of death.
We often question the cosmic irony of being given a body with so much ability, only to ultimately face death. Yet, this realization can also serve as a powerful motivator to truly live.
It can be a Life teacher that shows us that every ending is a birthing into unknown potential.
The finite nature of our existence in a constantly changing world can inspire us to embrace the joy of being alive, appreciating the simple wonder of breathing and experiencing life.
Navigating the complexities of human existence requires a delicate balance. Our human experience encompasses suffering, loss, loneliness, and emptiness, alongside moments of intimacy, passion, and joy. Embracing this full spectrum of emotions is what defines our humanity.
The fear of death and the unknown often prompts us to cling to notions of immortality, whether through leaving a legacy or through genetics. However, true peace can be found by embracing the gaps between our personal narratives and facing the unknown. It is within these gaps that we can find contentment while still alive.
It is easy to get caught up in our own stories and the emotions they elicit. Yet, true growth and transcendence come from acknowledging discomfort and embracing uncertainty. In this space lies the potential for peace and freedom as we navigate the complexities of being human