For the person facing death, there is generally fear, most likely emanating from the unknown. There are ideologies that attempt to undermine this fear. I have known an exceptionally zealous Christian to turn into a wall of incoming fire without a hesitation and proceed to command. In the moment a round skipped off the top of his helmet, I wonder how much his devotion drove him into the fight, or whether he was acting on the instinct, flee danger or destroy it. A good soldier is trained for the latter. And that day no one died except the enemy. I used to pray before every mission, but the anxiety of death was unpacifiable. When it came down to it, adrenaline always carried me through.
More taxing still, is losing a loved one or the though of it. I've heard of some people trying to turn this into a celebratory event. That beer should be raised in remembrance and sorrow turned into the gladness of having known the departed. I'd like to cultivate this attitude in those that love me, although I know that in my closest family, it's unlikely there'd be anything but languish, as I will undoubtedly feel the same when they go. My only theory is based on selfishness. That with them will go apart of myself, the parts they know better than myself, along with all the experiences we've shared and knowing they will not bring me the joy they always have.
Death is very difficult. Why? Do you believe this is alway so, or that accepting it can be eased through committment to a certain ideology? What is it that causes us to mourn?
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