expectations

When a soul begins it's rich experience of life on earth, there is an assumption born with it that there will be a long and illustrious story bound to that life. Most often that is the case. However, souls for whom life on earth only spans a few hours, days, weeks or years, the unfulfilled expectation of a life well lived casts an everlasting shadow over that soul's life story and the loved ones who are left grieving. The soul departs with little to savour, and loved ones are left with feelings of intense confusion and heart wrenching yearnings.

Illustrations © Barbara J Holzapfel

If we were to adjust that early assumption to a sentient awareness that virtually every being can end their lifetime at any moment, and in fact will not escape death in their lifetime, perhaps the rattling truth of losing a loved may become just a little more manageable. With that awareness may come a profound and comforting knowing that the impact of a relatively short life to humankind is equally important as those souls who leave many trails of stories in their wake.

In order for our society to transform it's relationship to death and dying from fear and denial, to compassion and acceptance, systems must be created and nurtured to support an appreciation and readiness for all life and death.