Most of the time, it seems that we are far from death or unwilling to talk about it, yet death is a “required course” in everyone’s life. No one, however, teaches us about this “course.” At some point in the future, we will inevitably encounter it, we cannot avoid it. Perhaps the best way to alleviate the fear, anxiety, and sadness surrounding the unknown of death is to learn about it in advance, to imagine  it, and to accept it. This also helps us reflect on the meaning and value of ‘life’.

“死亡是一枚沉重而干净的果实，我们吃下去，医治太多活着的病症。”

https://www.ted.com/talks/nora_mcinerny_we_don_t_move_on_from_grief_we_move_forward_with_it?referrer=playlist-wisdom_for_living_with_death_and_loss&autoplay=true

First, please take a few minutes to watch this video. I recommend playing it at double speed or starting from the 7:00 of the video, and try to finish within five minutes.

1.How do you think about death.

#Here is a booklet that gathers various perspectives on death from different individuals. Please take a few minutes to read through it#

After reading, based on your own life experiences, please write down your thoughts on death.

Reflect on any “death” you have encountered or,

if you haven’t encountered it yet, think about your current perspective on death in your life.

·How do you perceive death?

·Do you consider death to be a weighty or negative matter?

·What impacts have the deaths and losses you’ve experienced had on you?

·If you haven’t experienced it yet, how do you contemplate the inevitable encounter with death and loss in the future?

·Have your attitudes and perspectives on death undergone significant changes due to specific events or individuals?

2.Those who have lost their loved ones.

#This is a booklet that collects stories from people who have experienced the death of loved ones and loss. Please take a few minutes to read it#

After reading, please choose one question and write your answer.

·If you had only one day to live,

and you could only do one thing that day,

what would you do? Why?

·Alternatively, if your family member had only one day to live,

and you could only do one thing,

what would it be? Why?

After reviewing the resources I’ve provided, by answering these two questions, I hope the audience can learn how to confront potential future death and loss, reflect on their perspectives on death, and reconsider the value and meaning of “life.” The answers will be collected and compiled into a new open resource for wider participation.