Introduction
The quality of our minds is determined by the nature of our daily thoughts. When our thoughts become trapped in the mundane and repetitive, our mental landscape turns arid and monotonous, silently sapping our happiness. To counter this, we must strive to expand our minds, unlocking our imagination and enriching our experience of life. One way to achieve this profound expansion is by connecting our consciousness to the Cosmic Sublime. This journey delves into the boundless expanse of space and time, the awe-inspiring birth of the universe with the Big Bang, and the exploration of primeval landscapes on our own planet. By contemplating the infinite potential of our own brains, meditating on mortality, and embracing the endless marvels of everyday life, we can unlock our minds to their fullest potential. December serves as a reminder to embark on this journey to reach the Cosmic Sublime.
The Fear of Mortality
Death, our greatest fear, silently shapes our lives in profound ways, often without us realizing it. This pervasive fear permeates our mental landscape, casting a shadow over our ability to truly live. In our modern culture, we have become adept at denying and hiding from death, isolating it within the sterile walls of hospitals and avoiding its mention in polite conversation. This death denial fosters a collective anxiety that lingers beneath the surface of our daily existence, infecting our thoughts and decisions.
A Shift in Perspective
Centuries ago, death was a constant presence. People bore witness to it regularly, from the streets to their own homes. The act of killing one’s food was a stark reminder of life’s fragility, and religion often provided solace in the face of mortality. Today, we are sheltered from the reality of death, and this lack of exposure leads to a repression of our mortality. This unspoken truth festers within us, causing latent anxiety and impacting our relationships, decisions, and overall well-being.
Embracing Mortality
To break free from the grip of this unspoken fear, we must confront our mortality directly. We need to acknowledge that our time is limited, that we could cease to exist at any moment, regardless of our age or circumstances. This realization instills a sense of urgency, compelling us to pursue our dreams and appreciate the vividness of life. Every color, sound, and connection takes on new intensity when viewed through the lens of mortality.
Personal Revelation
For author Robert Greene, this revelation came as a shock when he suffered a severe stroke just two months after completing “The Laws of Human Nature.” His stroke served as a stark reminder of his own mortality, forcing him to confront the very concept he had written about. Greene’s recovery journey brought into focus the importance of appreciating every aspect of life, from relationships to simple pleasures. Understanding the fragility of existence deepened his empathy for others, connecting him on a primal level with the universal human experience of mortality.
The Power of the Sublime
Confronting our mortality unlocks a powerful force that Greene aptly calls the Sublime. It opens our eyes to the incredible world we inhabit, illuminating the countless wonders we often take for granted. By acknowledging our mortality, we pierce the veil of complacency that shrouds our existence and embrace the profound beauty of life. It is a concept that resonates deeply with Greene, who came perilously close to losing his own life.
Conclusion
Imagine mortality as a vast ocean, its depths harboring both fear and wonder. Instead of retreating from its dark depths, we are encouraged to embark on a journey, casting off in our metaphorical boats to explore the unknown. The Cosmic Sublime beckons, offering the promise of expanded minds, enriched lives, and a deeper connection to the world and those who share it with us. As we enter December, let it serve as a reminder to confront our mortality, embrace the Sublime, and sail into the infinite possibilities that lie beyond our fears.
