How to meditate on death | Amor Fati

Contents:

1. How To Meditate On Death

2. Amor Fati

How To Meditate On Death

My experience:
Meditation has been a part of my life for many years now. I was practicing it during the moments of joy and sadness. In fact, It has been my constant companion for a couple of years now.

Meditation is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in yourself, to find answers in yourself.

But why meditate in the first place?
Your mind is functioning in such a way that sometimes it doesn’t want to look inwards. It is looking outside as if the answers were there. In fact, they are not.

In some sense we are being learnt to look for the answers outside. Repeating myself over here: Imagine living whole life and not getting to know oneself.

The biggest insights of my life came from practicing meditation.

Only through meditation I manage to really change the way I interact with everything that comes to my life.

Meditation has taught me how to:

• Sit still

• Stop overreacting

• Appreciate what I have

• Understand my emotions

• Discover my authenticity

• Relax in the truest fashion

The essence of meditation is constant process of learning how to appreciate what you have.

The most beautiful thing we have is our LIFE.

Why mediate on death? You may ask

Well, because everyday we are getting closer to death.

We are not entitled to have another day to live - even if we think so.

We are so focused on our emotions - mostly to the bad ones - that we tend to forget the precious life we have.

While we are living our best lives - we need a reminder that the death is coming. It is essential.

There is a phrase “Memento Mori” - Remember about death. This phrase is not about death, it is more about life.

If you could walk around with this thought in your head more time, to really have that awareness that it’s actually going to end. That’s the trick.

Embracing the awareness of our mortality can be a profound catalyst that empowers us to navigate life’s defining moments.

When we confront the inevitability of our own mortality, a remarkable shift occurs within us.

The trappings of external expectations, our pride, grip of fear - it all dissipate in the face of death, revealing what truly matters. We must remember that we have limited time on Earth.

Understanding this - is quite liberating. We are freed from illusion of having anything to lose.

This way we revealing our authentic selves.

Modern society does not encourage us to contemplate death on a daily basis.

How to meditate on death?

We will cover the benefits of meditating on death as well.

First, let’s cover HOW to do that.

There are several ways to do that:

1) Read obituaries every morning.

Learn from the legacies of those who came before you, for they hold valuable lessons.

Recognize that everyone starts as a beginner, facing the unknown with a mix of uncertainty and hope. It is by making the most of their circumstances and fearlessly embracing their vulnerabilities that they carved their paths to success.

Emulate their audacity and willingness to take risks, for it is in doing so that they truly blossomed.

2) Look at something related to death.

Here is a small tweet related to this..

I love abstract art because everyone can interpret the painting in their own way.

To me, this “UNTITLED” piece of Mark Rothko symbolizes death.

In fact, it might be his las paintings before he took his own life.

What I do is this:

1. I open this painting on my screen. Full resolution.

2. I look at it for about 5-10 minutes. Sometimes even more. This is what death looks like to me.

3. I try to follow the path of emotions here. Whatever comes - comes. I only try to acknowledge my emotions. I DON’T fight them.

4. I take my notebook and write about my experience after the meditation. This PART IS ESSENTIAL

3) Just meditate.

Search Youtube for guided meditations on death.

You can take an ambient playlist and imagine death when meditating.

Or you can simply close your eyes. Turn on your imagination - and acknowledge everything that comes to your mind.

The key is not to dwell on those thoughts.

Start Meditating on Death today. Everyday you are getting closer to it.

I hope you will find a source of wisdom in this type of meditation.

Remember: Death is coming for us all.

Now let’s dive into the second part!

AMOR FATI

Have you ever found yourself yearning for a deeper sense of fulfillment?
Have you ever wondered how to navigate life’s challenges with grace and purpose?

I think that all of us did..
How to embrace every twist and turn of our journey, even the unexpected and uncomfortable moments and transforming them into opportunities for growth?

This part of the newsletter will be dedicated to the concept of “Amor Fati - Love of fate”.

But HOW do you actually love your fate? What are the practical implications of this concept?

These questions I asked myself when I was arguing with my Professor of Philosophy after the seminar on the topic of Stoic Philosophy.
At a certain point in my life, I noticed that I was unhappy: doing what I hate, studying what detested. Having unfulfilling discussions with people I didn’t really like.
Everything seemed to be out of balance. Negative thoughts were clearly outweighing positive ones. It was quite a painful time.

I didn't like my way. I was embarrassed. I blamed everything around me for this - even, perhaps, the most sacred thing we have - our fate.

And as often happens in life, in moments of difficulties, fate begins to help you.
Listening to you fate - your main guiding principle - will lead you to a fulfilled life.

Now I will delve into the profound concept of “Amor Fati”, Explore how it can transform our perspective on life and provide some practical implications of this concept.

The beauty of this concept is that it is deeply rooted in various philosophies.
While I’ve previously touched upon it in the Twitter thread, let’s now embark on a more elaborate journey to understand its essence and its potential to enrich our lives.

Here is this Twitter thread: for any you who might be interested.

It is a shorter, more condensed version of what I am writing about right now.
I urge you to check it out after finishing reading this piece of the newsletter.

At its core, “Amor Fati” challenges us to embrace every aspect of our existence, even the seemingly unpleasant and challenging ones.

Rather than resisting or avoiding them, we are encouraged to view them as valuable opportunities for growth, wisdom, and self-improvement.

It is an invitation to accept our fate and make the most of it, while many of us try fighting against the currents of life.

The Stoics believed that “Amor Fati” was a powerful tool for attaining inner peace and leading a fulfilling life, irrespective of external circumstances.

It enabled individuals to seize control over their own lives by accepting the things they couldn't change and directing their focus towards what they could influence.

It's a profound reminder that our true power lies not in controlling the external world but in mastering our inner selves.

What are the implications of this concept?

Practical Implications of “Amor Fati”:

These are the pillars of “Amor Fati”? Let's explore them further:

1. Embrace the Present Moment:

   “Amor Fati” invites us to fully immerse ourselves in the present moment, accepting it as it unfolds.
   Rather than resisting or wishing for things to be different, we learn to appreciate the beauty and lessons inherent in every experience. Practice mindfulness and cultivate awareness to savor the richness of each moment, whether joyous or challenging.

2. Practice Gratitude:

   Gratitude is a powerful tool in cultivating “Amor Fati”.
   By shifting our focus from what we lack to what we have, we develop a deep sense of appreciation for the blessings in our lives.
   Expressing gratitude for both the favorable and unfavorable events nurtures acceptance and fosters a positive perspective, enabling us to find meaning and lessons even in difficult circumstances.

3. Let Go of Control:

   “Amor Fati” urges us to recognize the limitations of our control over external events. Instead of futilely trying to manipulate outcomes, we redirect our energy towards what we can control: our thoughts, actions, and responses.
   By releasing the need for absolute control, we experience a newfound sense of freedom and focus on making the best choices in alignment with our values.

4. Find Meaning in Everything:

   “Amor Fati” teaches us to find purpose and meaning in every aspect of life, no matter how trivial or challenging it may seem.
   Every encounter, every setback, and every triumph presents an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
   By reframing our perspective, we transform setbacks into stepping stones and find value in the journey itself, rather than fixating only on the destination.

5. Live in Accordance with Nature:

   Living in accordance with nature means aligning ourselves with the fundamental principles of the universe and accepting the impermanence and unpredictability of life.
   Just as nature follows its cycles of birth, growth, decay, and renewal, we too must embrace the ever-changing nature of existence.
   By appreciating the interconnectedness of all things and flowing with life's rhythms, we find harmony and peace.

In the pursuit of understanding 'Amor Fati' and its transformative power, let’s now turn our focus to its practical implications. 

While the pillars of 'Amor Fati' have been introduced, let's dive deeper into each one individually, providing you with more than just abstract ideas.

By delving into the intricacies of each pillar, you'll gain a clear roadmap for applying these timeless principles to navigate life's challenges and uncover profound fulfillment.

Here is the list of this pillars with a question: “HOW to..”

How to Embrace the Present Moment?:

• Practice mindfulness: Cultivate awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and sensations in the present moment.

• Engage fully in activities: Whether it's working, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing hobbies, give your full attention and immerse yourself in the experience.

• Let go of distractions: Minimize multitasking and focus on one task at a time, allowing yourself to be fully present and engaged.

How to Practice Gratitude?:

• Keep a gratitude journal: Regularly write down things you are grateful for, both big and small.

• Express gratitude to others: Take the time to express appreciation and thankfulness to the people in your life.

• Shift your perspective: Instead of dwelling on what you lack, consciously shift your focus to what you have and express gratitude for those blessings.

How to Let go of control?:

• Identify what you can control: Recognize the aspects of a situation that you have influence over, such as your attitude, choices, and actions.

• Release attachment to outcomes: Accept that some things are beyond your control and focus on doing your best without fixating on the result.

• Practice surrender: Trust the process and have faith that everything will work out as it should, even if it doesn't align with your initial expectations.

How to Find meaning in everything?:

• Seek lessons in challenges: View setbacks and difficulties as opportunities for growth and learning.

• Reframe your perspective: Look for silver linings or positive aspects in seemingly negative situations.

• Align with your values: Connect your actions and decisions with what truly matters to you, finding purpose in even the smallest tasks.

How to live in accordance with nature?:

• Observe natural rhythms: Pay attention to the cycles of nature, such as sunrise and sunset, changing seasons, and the ebb and flow of life.

• Embrace impermanence: Accept the transient nature of life and appreciate the beauty in its ever-changing state.

• Connect with the natural world: Spend time in nature, whether it's taking walks, gardening, or simply appreciating its beauty, to foster a sense of harmony and interconnectedness.

That might seem quite overwhelming, but don’t worry. Take it one step at a time.

RECAP:

In conclusion, "Amor Fati" offers us a powerful philosophy to embrace the entirety of our existence.
By accepting our fate, finding meaning in all experiences, and living in alignment with nature, we can discover a profound sense of peace, resilience, and fulfillment.

It is a mindset that empowers us to navigate the ups and downs of life with grace and gratitude, recognizing that every moment is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

Ready to embrace your fate and live a more fulfilling life?

Reflect on challenges: Shift your perspective to view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.

Practice mindfulness: Set aside time for mindfulness to be present and appreciate each moment.

Cultivate gratitude: Keep a gratitude journal and focus on the blessings in your life.

Let go of control: Release the need for control and focus on what you can influence.

Connect with nature: Spend time in nature to find inspiration and live in harmony with its rhythms.

Start your journey towards "Amor Fati" today.

Embrace your fate, find meaning in every moment, and live a life aligned with your truest self.

Love your fate.

Hey, thanks for reading!

Will be happy to hear your feedback!

I’ve got a question for you: What would you like to see more in my newsletter? Feel free to DM me anytime. Will be happy to chat.

Till next time!

Preview of the 5th letter:

1. Holistic thinking

2. ...