Tag: legacy

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How to Embrace Life by Reflecting on our Mortality

Day of the Dead

As autumn deepens, we enter a season where various cultures around the world take time to honour the dead and reflect on the mysteries of life and death. From Halloween’s playful nod to the unknown to the deep reverence of All Souls’ Day and the colourful, celebratory traditions of the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), these rituals provide profound insights about how we live.

Though many in Western cultures shy away from thinking about death, these festivals remind us that death is not only inevitable, but also an integral part of the human experience. In many ways, they challenge us to confront our mortality and ask, “How am I living in light of the fact that one day, my time will end?”

Celebrating Life by Facing Mortality

The Day of the Dead, in particular, teaches a beautiful lesson: death is not to be feared, but honoured. Families gather to celebrate their ancestors, decorate altars with marigolds, sugar skulls, and photographs, and share stories that bring the deceased to life in memory. Through this act of remembrance, they keep the legacies of their loved ones alive and, in turn, are reminded of the fleeting nature of life.

Similarly, Halloween’s origins as Samhain—a festival marking the end of the harvest and a time when the veil between the living and dead was believed to be thin—speaks to an acknowledgment of death as a natural cycle. It’s not just about ghosts and ghouls; it’s about understanding that death is a part of life’s broader journey.

Living with the End in Mind

In our modern, often fast-paced lives, it’s easy to forget that we won’t be here forever. But when we begin with the end in mind, we gain perspective on what truly matters. Rather than living reactively or by default, we can become intentional about our choices, ensuring that our lives reflect the values and passions we hold dear.

As we step into this season, it’s a perfect time to pause and ask: “What kind of legacy am I creating? How would I like to be remembered?” These are powerful questions that can lead us to deeper purpose and greater fulfilment, much like the reflection and celebration that happens in these global festivals.

Take this time to reflect, not in a morbid way, but in a way that celebrates life. After all, knowing that our time here is finite can be the greatest motivator to live fully and meaningfully.

See also: How to Live Your Life without Regrets

Psychology Today: The Life Benefits of Contemplating Death

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How Honouring the Past Shapes the Future – Legacy and Remembrance

Young girl with pumpkin lanterns

As the autumn season settles in and the days grow shorter, many cultures around the world turn their attention to the themes of reflection, legacy and remembrance. Festivals like Halloween, All Souls’ Day, and the Day of the Dead invite us to reflect not only on those who have come before us, but also on our own place in the ongoing story of life. This time of year serves as a poignant reminder that while our lives are finite, our actions and choices echo forward, shaping the future in ways we may never fully see.

In this blog series, we’ll explore the deep connections between remembrance and legacy. We will look to the past—learning from the lessons of those who came before us—and consider how their legacies continue to influence us today. But just as importantly, we’ll reflect on the future: what legacy are we creating, and how can we live with greater intention, knowing that our actions today will impact generations to come?

Exploring Themes of Mortality, Legacy, and Long-Term Impact

Throughout October, we will delve into the cultural and personal significance of acknowledging mortality, legacy, and the long-term impact of our lives. Each week, we’ll explore different facets of these themes:

  1. Honouring Life and Legacy Through Mortality: We’ll begin by looking at how cultural traditions like Halloween and the Day of the Dead help us confront mortality and celebrate life at the same time. These festivals offer profound insights into living with the end in mind, prompting us to ask: what kind of legacy are we creating? How do we want to be remembered?
  2. The Power of Remembrance in Shaping the Future: Next, we’ll explore how remembering our ancestors connects us to the future through the Seventh Generation Principle, a powerful concept rooted in Indigenous wisdom. By considering how our actions today will affect people 140 years into the future, we gain a broader perspective on legacy, one that transcends our immediate concerns​
  3. The Good Ancestor by Roman Krznaric: Finally, we’ll reflect on Roman Krznaric’s inspiring book The Good Ancestor, which encourages us to take a long-term view of our lives and legacy. Krznaric challenges us to think about how we can become “good ancestors” by making choices that will benefit not just the present but future generations, aligning our daily actions with a larger, enduring vision.

Living with the Future in Mind

At the heart of this series is the idea that our legacy extends far beyond the immediate impact of our lives. By reflecting on what we want our future contribution to be—whether in our personal lives, communities, or the wider world—we gain clarity about what truly matters. These posts will guide you through the process of thinking about your own legacy, not in a distant or abstract way, but in terms of the choices you make every day.

As we embark on this journey together, I invite you to reflect deeply, not only on your personal story but on the larger story we are all a part of. Our lives are intertwined with those who came before us, and they will continue to ripple forward long after we are gone. This October, let’s embrace the opportunity to live with purpose, knowing that we have the power to shape the future.

Stay tuned for the weekly posts, and I look forward to journeying with you through this season of reflection and legacy.