The Legacy After Death: What We Leave Behind
Again, I found myself in a discussion thread- they have become great resources for reflection and writing. The question posed was a little ambiguous, on the topic of Death. What we thought about Death. Strangely framed. But it made me think about the Question, so perhaps it was a very effective question. I was not sure if they were asking how we approach the reality of our own death? Or what we consider regarding death itself?
In terms of approaching death, the way it was taught to me: if Death tapped you on the shoulder NOW, this moment: Are you ready to go? Have you said all of your “I love you’s,” “I’m sorry’s,” and “goodbyes.” In other words- is there anything still unresolved in your Life? Are you able to cross without unresolved issues. In the Andean mesa training- we spend 6 months covering various aspects of this “Reality.” We even experience our own death and Death Rites.” It is very sobering to write and then lay there and listen to your own obituary/eulogy. And it is far more emotional than most people could anticipate. In that regard, it is also exceptionally powerful. These things are an excellent way to recapitulate and revisit our past with a more critical(?) eye and heart. What really matters? What really didn’t matter?
Granted, all of this is not the real-deal. But it is probably the closest approximation of the experience, short of a near-death experience. And, like suddenly finding oneself in a burning house- we never *really* know what will be important, until we are in that moment. Run out of a burning house, only to look down at your hands later and ask– why did I grab the toaster..? Granted, down the line- that may be a very powerful meditation, as sometimes in those moments we are more honest than we believe. Those moments can be very revealing. Other times, however.. a duck is just a duck. 🙂
I remember a story from another of my teachers. Laying out under the stars in Peru, looking at the sky, with her teacher. The sky there is so close and vivid, compared to most of the US. The colours show up more of each of the stars, reds, blues, yellows. And there are a few billion more, it seems.
Anyway- he asked her. ” If one of those stars went out, would you miss it?”
She reflected for a while- watching all those millions of lights, before finally conceding,” No. I probably wouldn’t.”
“That is what it will be like when you die. Get over it.”
What he meant to convey, I will guess ( since I was not there), is that we are not the end of the story, nor the center of the story. But rather, one tiny piece of the story. And that story WILL continue after we have gone.
The outcome of this then: What will we leave behind? What legacy, however small, because for good or ill, given the butterfly effect and chaos theory etc- each and every presence has made an affect on the fabric of the universe. When we can no longer paint on that physical canvas… what will that painting look like?
We cannot change it afterwards. The time to make a difference in the outcome, is during the process of creation. Live intentionally and conscientiously. This way, when Death does take your hand, it can be one more conscious choice, moving forward, with grace, through one more transition. The next chapter or next story, in a higher, invisible realm. This way we move forward, the way we move from one home to another: having cleared away the accumulated clutter. leaving behind the things we no longer need, so we can move forward, unencumbered. The good things, the happiness, the love and joy: those things, they move us forward!
I am an Education Specialist, Health Coach and Author. I work with aspects of the teachings I have learned from Andean shamanic and cosmology, to health, nutrition and education. Everything is energy. Energy must flow. Like water, when it does not flow, it stagnates and is not healthy. These techniques help your life to flow. I have been initiated into many of the ancient lineages and learned ceremonies, rites of passage and healing techniques. I have worked as a healer and done workshops and taught some of these aspects – passing the teachings on.
Author of:
Dancing in Your Bubble : ancient teaching, modern healing
Natural Support for Alzheimer’s
Getting a Handle on Happy : find and fix causes of stress and depression
The Naturally Smarter Kid : a parent’s guide to helping kids succeed in school and life
Cafe of the Hungry Ghosts : behind the veil of ordinary – a paranormal-ish fiction book
http://BeingHerd.com
http://repairalz.com
