Fear Of Death
Pondering the inevitability of death can have a different effect on different people. For some, this prevents them from taking risks. I’m not necessarily referring to the risk involved in activities such as skydiving or tightrope walking. These types of risks may fall into the category of “high” or “extreme.” What I’m referring to is the risk that comes with leaving the house each day, driving to work, voicing your concerns to a boss, starting a project/business, engaging in a new activity, connecting with someone you do not know, or confronting a friend/family member.
As seemingly simple as these risks may be perceived by some, these are risks that cause immobility, among others. What may come as a surprise is that the perception of them being risks in the first place stem from a fear of death. Most anxiety stems from a fear of death.
Anxiety is an emotion that is experienced within the most primitive part of our brain, the amygdala. I use the word primitive because, at the dawn of the earliest incarnation of humankind, the amygdala was the part of the brain responsible for survival.
This would look like creating/finding shelter, warding off predators, anticipating dearth/shortage in supplies, etc. As humanity has evolved, we have had to focus less on the fundamentals; however, it does not mean that the fundamental/primitive anxieties aren’t necessarily attributed to other areas of our life.
Justification for anxieties comes through our rationalized and intellectualized responses to the news, Twitter/Facebook feed, or forms of input from our daily lives, such as anticipated situations/experiences becoming realized.
Belief can create biases that are experienced at a deeply unconscious level. These biases become confirmed because they are unknowingly sought as a way to serve as protective factors against death. While perhaps useful in some cases, this can be utterly irrational in others.
Essentially, unchecked beliefs can create biases that prevent a wide breadth of potentially positive experiences. This translates to a life unlived; or living within the confines of one’s own misery/hell. Leaving this form of suffering behind is challenging but ultimately rewarding.
Fear of death does not necessarily have to be such a debilitating force. In fact, if we allow it to, it can liberate us. Reminding ourselves about the imminence of death can act as motivation.
If you were to say to yourself, “death could arrive at any moment,” and then ask, “what could I do now to enjoy the remainder of my life?” what would you do? Our reflections on mortality can be revealing in the sense that it can dictate how we find fulfillment, meaning, purpose, moral/ethical obligation, and cause in the moments that have yet to come. Our time is limited, and yet we truly have no idea just how limited it is.
These reflections do not mean to live irresponsibly. They point to live our lives as if we had a second opportunity to do so. We can strive for longevity and simultaneously live in the moment. We can provide for others and provide for ourselves.
Death is the final frontier; however, there are many journeys to take prior to the end of the mere chance of the miraculous occurrence known as life. Opportunity awaits, as do the gifts we experience with each opportunity that we take. Embrace your fear. Let it provide you with the power that necessitates self-actualization.
Looking for ways to embrace this fear? Feel free to explore AdamGWalterbach.com or contact me at 720.551.5863