A friend called me other day to tell me he has cancer; prostate cancer to be exact. The news came as quite a surprise to him. Young, strong and fit he is determined to beat this. As a father and husband, he is even more determined. Several friends of mine have called me this year to share similar personal news. The diganosis of cancer has that effect. Each friend sounded defiant, yet with a slight air of resignation. Facing one’s own mortality can do this. The fear of death is often called the “mother of all fears,” the epitome of stress! In it is wrapped so many other fears, including the fear of the unknown. The beauty of youth is the illusion of immortality. The luxury of wisdom over time is the irony that we know we each must die. If we live long enough to realize this, we must walk bravely through the valley of death, rather than run in the opposite direction (which many people try to do). To walk bravely in the face of death is the epitome of courage. Mythologist Joseph Campbell described this as being an essential part of the Hero’s Journey, for until we do this, we cannot return home the victor. No one knows the hour of his or her death. As the expression goes, “It comes like a thief in the night.” But we can prepare ourselves, by resolving issues, making amends and fighting the good fight. So walk through the valley of death with your head held high. Indeed, there really is no other way.
• Stress Tip For The Day:
Are there issues you need to resolve? Are there loose ends that need tying up? Are there people who need to hear the words, “I love you” from your lips? Are there amends (asking forgiveness) you need to make now? These are all aspects of walking through the valley of death with your head held high. These are all aspects of fighting the good fight. These are also aspects of living a balanced life. We shouldn’t wait to attend to this unfinished business until the last few breaths on our deathbed. To live a life with no regrets might seem a daunting task, but you can only live to the fullest when you are indeed living. It takes courage to face stress head-on. It takes courage to LIVE your life.
• Links/Books Worth Noting:
I couldn’t help think that when I was reading Andre Agassi’s best selling book, Open, that he was making amends…with himself. I never really followed his career as a tennis player, but I LOVED his autobiography. I highly recommend this book, not only is a good read, and an amazing study of human psychology, but a good lesson for all of us model…by being OPEN.
On a related theme, the Institute of Noetic Sciences has studied the frontiers of consciousness for over four decades. Here is a link to one of the current articles from their online journal. Enjoy!
http://www.noetic.org/noetic/issue-five-december/toward-a-common-spirituality-scaffolding-for-evolv/
• Quote for the Day:
“Have the courage to live. Anyone can die.” —Robert Cody
Photo of the Day:
A photo taken yesterday of a sunset on Ke’e Beach, Kauai. Enjoy!
Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net
© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.
