My friend and mastermind buddy, Michael Bungay Stanier, who writes an outstanding newsletter called “Outside the Lines” outdid himself on the latest issue, which talks about “cheating death.” Well, not really, but it’s one of those “Big Issue” newsletters, and is striking.
One link he posted particularly caught my eye, and it’s called “Faces of Death” by photographer Walter Schels (I can’t find a direct link to any website of his, although if you google him there are a number of references). It’s a fascinating piece, and is based upon the simple concept that although we celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and holidays, there is an uncelebrated, unknown day that passes by every year: the anniversary of your own death.
For me, this falls into the category of: Are you really living your life? Is your business enlivening you, contributing to the world? Even in the small things and details, are you bringing love and presence?
Are you? Am I?
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Update: Michael showed me where he posts the newsletter on his blog, so you can see it directly there. Outside the Lines: Do you want to cheat death?
2 Responses
The “Faces of Death” photographs were very powerful. I have often thought that if you knew the exact date of your death, somehow, it would make you slow down and think about those things that are most important in your life.
But it shouldn’t really take that fact to make you focus, should it.
Stanier has some thought-provoking commentary in his newsletter. Thanks for providing the link.
Thanks for coming by, Judy. Wasn’t it incredibly powerful
Michael is a great guy, and really amazing with what he does. He’s worth watching.
And meanwhile, I had a very relaxing, enriching weekend. My spiritual tradition reminds us that as human beings we’re only on this planet in life for what seems like ‘a few hours’- it’s best to really be present for it. 🙂