THE FEAR OF DEATH
Research has shown that people who find a strong sense of meaning in their lives tend to fear death less. For instance, a study found that a sense of meaning in life was linked to lower death anxiety. Your self-esteem, or how you feel about yourself, also plays a crucial role. High self-esteem can act like a shield against the fear of death. When you value yourself and feel confident in your abilities, the thought of death might seem less intimidating. This idea is supported by research showing that people with higher self-esteem have less fear of death.
Moreover, self-confidence can be cultivated through service to others. Engaging in acts of kindness and contributing to the well-being of others can enhance our sense of purpose and interconnectedness. It reinforces the idea that we are part of a larger whole and that our actions have a ripple effect on the world around us. This sense of contribution can bolster our self-esteem and provide a deeper understanding of our place in the grand tapestry of existence.
This belief has been shaped by the teachings of various masters, the consistencies between different religious doctrines, and the logical underpinnings of theories like the self-simulation theory or the filter theory of consciousness. They all seem to speak of the interconnectedness of everything, its inherent oneness. When I see these overlaps, along with accounts from near-death experiences and various channeled texts, I can't just dismiss this belief as a figment of my imagination. Yes, my evidence is subjective, but I find it hard to believe that all these sources could be delusional.
Upon my death, my physical self may cease to exist. All that confined me to this individualized self may wither and disappear, but my true self is not just about this. I am never merely "inside" me, but am the outward radiation of my thoughts and actions. My existence is what I put out into the field, the inter-being relationship of everything. For instance, when I perform a kind act or share a positive thought, it's like sending ripples through the interconnected web of existence. My body is not just a vessel for an individualized soul; it is an outward expression of the one infinite creator, which is not confined to my physical self, and therefore cannot die.
I know I can't prove any of this, but the bliss I feel when I see this to be true is an undeniable work of grace. It frees me from the fear of death and helps me to see the value of life beyond just feeling sorry for my mortal self. It encourages me to make the most of my time here, by sharpening my skills and being of service to others. Even by simply spreading positivity, I feel I'm contributing to the greater whole. I may not escape the wheels of samsara in this lifetime, but I believe I have made significant progress. Perhaps in a few more lifetimes, I will get to experience total freedom, which will be painful, no doubt.
