Photo Credit: Wendy Scofield

A Short Contemplation on Death

by Freeman

As the specter of death gestures towards us, must we respond with fear, anger, and blame?

Or may we let death touch our heart, so we may hold the grief purely, free of story?

May we allow the heartache to be as it is and accept that this grief belongs?

May we embrace grief as a beloved teacher, here to show us how to make our heart more tender, more compassionate, more open, more loving?

May we let our teacher grief remind us of both the preciousness and the fleetingness of all life?

May we let our teacher grief show us what truly is important about our earthly existence?

May we let our teacher grief inspire us to courageously treasure and honor every moment; by making every moment one of deepening connection, of deepening love, of deepening mercy?

Given the many lessons grief has blessed us with, can we cherish and appreciate our grief?

Having embraced grief, have we not also befriended death?

Having embraced death, have we anything else to fear?