Episode 74: THE COVID-19 CRISIS: THE VALUE IN FACING OUR MORTALITY

05/02/20 • 55 min

Beneath the fear of illness or death that we feel during the COVID-19 pandemic - whether we acknowledge it or not - is the fear of our own mortality. Some of us may die as a result of the coronavirus, but we will all die sometime. Spiritual practices of the past have included ways to prepare for and accept the end of life. People sometimes believe a quick and painless death is preferable. These old spiritual practices, however, acknowledge the value of having time to get ready to relinquish life and loved ones. With honesty and a willingness to accept our mortality, we can realize what is really important in life and stop worrying about the things that don't matter. We can let go of pride and see the real, lasting value of love, empathy, and helping others.

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Episode 73: THE COVID-19 CRISIS: LEARNING AND GROWING STRONGER IN FEARFUL TIMES

We continue in our "extraordinary reality" of the COVID-19 pandemic, the daily experience of possible death, illness, and financial uncertainty. How can we best deal with our fears? Will we give in to debilitating fear or will we channel our fear into healthy, self-preserving attitudes and activity? By being open and vulnerable about our situation, neither avoiding or pretending, we can get help and learn how to manage ourselves and our emotions and take positive action. As the experience of being able to survive and get through a crisis becomes more familiar, we become more confident and resilient in facing future adversity.

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Episode 75: THE COVID-19 CRISIS: THE VALUE IN FACING OUR MORTALITY, PART 2

Beneath the fear of illness or death that we feel during the COVID-19 pandemic - whether we acknowledge it or not - is the fear of our own mortality. Some of us may die as a result of the coronavirus, but we will all die sometime. What do we lose by denying or distracting ourselves from this reality? For those who ask the "big" questions of life, acceptance of dying and death can lead to answers. What is my purpose in life? What really matters? What does it mean to be a good person? How can I find fulfillment? Facing dying and death gives us a perspective on the value of truth and honesty, selfless love and empathy, generosity and gratitude, dignity and freedom. It gives us the ability to hope, have faith and persevere in the face of adversity.