Fear of Death

When you die... what then? Do you just go blank in nothingness like someone pulled the plug on a TV?

Do you wander the earth haunting those you left behind? What about heaven and hell? Do they exist? If so, which one will you end up in and why? What about those you left behind? What about cremation???

There are so many questions when talking about death and dying, far too many to even begin to answer in one blog.

For this reason, I will comment with regard to the fear in general. Fear comes from what you think and believe, right. So, let's start with thoughts.

One fears death because either they don't like what they think will happen or they are unsure of what will happen. In order to not be afraid of death (I don't mean the way you die, but what happens once dead) you must be at peace with the dialogue that is in your head about this or change it.

If your thought is that once you die the switch in your brain that allows you to perceive senses is turned off and everything ceases, you must decide if you are at peace with that. You must then also decide if you belive it unwaveringly. If not other options creep in and can instill fear or at least bring an unsettled feeling.

If you think you will be reincarnated then your beliefs should be in alignment with that. You must become at peace with a paradigm for that as far as what you might become and what might determine that.

If you think there might be an after life inclusive of heaven and hell then you should determine what you belive about that. You will need to explore what that entails and includes as well as what determines to which location you inevitably go.

Maybe you have another thought about it. If you are settled on it, then you likely have no fear about it.

Or, if you are not sure what you think then a time of searching is in order. Being unsure or on the fence is unsettling. I recommend searching these options out. Do some research so your thoughts have something to include that you can find peace in.

If you are from a Jewish family and wrestle with that read the writings, the Talmud perhaps or meet with a Rabbi. Or, read other faith's teaching to rule it out. If you are from a Christian background, read the Bible or meet with a pastor or priest. Or again, read other faith's writings to possibly rule them out. Search out wisdom and understanding.

My clients don't hear me say "become a Christian." I am one and at peace with dying because of it, but I encourage clients to find their own thoughts on which they can rest their faith and feelings.

It's your journey and your faith. It's also your peace and you must search it out.

Search till you find a line of thought that you agree with and brings feelings of peace. Once you do this your fears regarding dying will cease because you can rest in those thoughts and no longer wrestle with what-ifs.

When you settle on what you find peace in fear will no longer haunt you.