Learning to Die – 5 reflections before dying

Life is an inescapable journey that we all share, and death is a fundamental part of this experience. Often, we tend to avoid thinking about our own mortality, but Roberto Whyte, an entrepreneur, speaker and author, invites us to embrace the reality of death in order to learn to live fully. In this article, we will explore Roberto Whyte’s valuable reflections on the subject, as well as the lessons we can draw from the five things people often regret before they die, according to nurse Bronnie Ware.

Addressing the Issue of Death

Death is a certainty in everyone’s life, and it is the nexus that connects humanity as a whole. However, in today’s society, we often avoid facing the reality of death and live in an illusion of immortality. Roberto Whyte reminds us that learning to die is fundamental to learning to live fully. Death should not be seen as a taboo, but as a natural part of human existence.

The Art of Conscious Living

Sages throughout history have taught us that understanding death is essential to living with awareness. Through awareness of our own mortality, we find the key to living more authentically and meaningfully. We realize that life is fleeting and that we must seize every moment.

Reflections of People at the End of their Lives

Bronnie Ware, a nurse who cared for terminally ill patients for more than two decades, shared the five most common thoughts people have before they die. These reflections provide valuable lessons on how to live a fuller and more meaningful life.

1. Living True to Self

One of the main regrets of people at the end of their lives is that they wish they had had the courage to live according to their own values and desires, rather than conforming to the expectations of others. From an early age, we are often taught to adapt our behavior to fit into society, creating a mask that hides our true essence. The awakening of consciousness leads us to shed this mask and live authentically.

2. Don’t Overwork

Work is an important part of most people’s lives, but it is also an aspect that can consume a great deal of time. Those facing death often regret overworking and not finding a balance between work and life. This reflection reminds us of the importance of seeking work that has personal meaning and not allowing work to dominate our existence.

3. Expressing Feelings

The third common regret refers to the expression of feelings. Often, we are silent about our feelings, which can lead to regrets about not expressing our love and appreciation for the people who matter most to us. The awareness of death urges us to be more open and honest in communicating our feelings, so that there will be no regrets in the future.

4. Maintain Contact with Friends

Friendships are treasures in people’s lives, but sometimes we neglect them in the midst of everyday responsibilities. When facing death, many people regret not having kept in touch with friends and not having valued these relationships enough. This reflection invites us to cultivate and maintain our friendships, recognizing their importance in our lives.

5. Cultivate Happiness

The last reflection people share at the end of their lives is the desire to have cultivated more happiness instead of seeking it in material possessions, power or fame. True happiness comes from deeply enjoying life and human relationships. This lesson reminds us that the accumulation of material goods cannot compare to the richness of meaningful experiences and relationships.

Life Lessons from Roberto Whyte

The story shared by Roberto Whyte about a businessman friend who faced his own death offers a powerful lesson. Often, in the pursuit of success and social recognition, we lose sight of what really matters in life. The wisdom that comes at the end of life shows us that the most valuable things are the shared experiences, the authentic moments and the search for genuine happiness.

Life is a series of lessons that must be lived to be understood. Awareness of our own mortality gives us the opportunity to reevaluate our priorities and live more meaningfully. Death is not to be feared, but embraced as an essential part of human existence.

Conclusion

Learning to die is a process that allows us to learn to live fully. The reflections shared by Roberto Whyte and the experiences of people at the end of their lives remind us of the importance of living authentically, valuing relationships, expressing our feelings and seeking happiness in the simple things in life. Instead of fearing death, we can use it as a reminder that every day is an opportunity to live with awareness and meaning. Death teaches us to appreciate life to its fullest, and this lesson is a priceless gift to each of us.

Don’t believe anything you just read, experiment and think for yourself.

What did you think of the article? Leave us a comment

Wake up

Wake up!

Direction / Production: Wake Up

Lighting / Photography: Cesar Jumpa