Wellness takes a twist on social media with 'death meditation'
For as long as humans have existed, the mystery of what comes after death has fascinated us. It is a mystery that spans across cultures, religions, and philosophies. While no one truly knows the exact answer, a recent wellness trend has captured the interest of people on social media where wellness enthusiasts are exploring the concept of death with something called "death meditation."
What is death meditation?
Death meditation comes in several forms! One approach, Maranasati or mindfulness of death says that death is not a scary concept, but rather a natural process. Another technique involves visualizing the body's gradual decay to release attachments to material things. In more intense sessions, participants wrap themselves in sheets or compose personal eulogies to read out loud to a group.
What is Maranasati?
The Buddhist practice of Maranasati involves being fully aware that we will lose everything we hold dear—our health, loved ones, self-identity, roles, and ultimately our current life. This practice teaches that rather than being disheartened or gloomy, being mindful of death can liberate, uplift, and energize the human spirit. It motivates us to live purposefully, being aware that death could come at any moment.
People with fear of death could find relief, claims psychologist
While death meditation varies in intensity, it can also adopt a more gentle approach. Dr. Carolyn Rubenstein, a licensed psychologist in Florida, explained to Daily Mail that death meditation can offer particular benefits to those grappling with anxiety related to death and intrusive thoughts about it. That's because it serves as a form of exposure therapy, aimed at confronting and managing fears and anxieties.
Why contemplate death?
Confronting our mortality can be unsettling and, for some, troubling. However, as per the mental health app Headspace, by befriending the idea of death and approaching it with mindfulness, its impact might not be as unsettling. Although we still experience grief and pain deeply, we become more capable of accepting loss and finding inner peace with the notion of death.
Research indicates reflecting on death may result in greater happiness
Research from the University of Kentucky indicated that reflecting on death might actually result in greater happiness. The study's authors, Dr. Nathan DeWall and Dr. Roy Baumeister, noted that pondering death tends to shift our focus toward positive emotions. However, it is important to note that engaging in death meditation is not recommended for individuals experiencing severe depression or having thoughts of suicide.
