Memento Mori

Tim Bunting Kiwi Yamabushi at Yamadera in Yamagata Prefecture

In August, I'll be turning 33, the same age Jesus was when he died, and I feel I should add that I'm already halfway-through living the amount of time my dad did (62). My grandparents all lived past 75, with the oldest falling just before their 90th birthday, so if I go by my grandparents, I should live long, but there really is no guarantee on things like this as my dad's situation would attest to (and as much as I hate to admit it, the same goes for mum). I like to think because of my situation I have a greater appreciation for life than others in my demographic, and I sometimes use this as an excuse to do things impulsively. If I'm trying to decide between doing something and not doing it, for example, I tend to lean towards doing it, whereas in the past I may not have been so adventurous. In a way, this blog is a result of that type of thinking.

However, I don't think you need such horrific experiences to remind yourself to live a little. Even just reflecting on what you have, and the Stoic activity of picturing what life would be like without certain people, the ones closest to you, this can be enough to push you into action, and to appreciate life more.

P.S. If what you have in mind has a risk of harming others, find something else for now. I have a friend who very recklessly does things without regard of others all because they became tired of the situation. That is the exact behaviour that allows such a situation to continue, and we all need to take responsibility for each other, especially those most at risk of getting seriously ill or even dying from COVID-19, the exact people my friend hadn't even considered when they did what they did.

ENJOYED THIS? HAVE MORE.

MOUNTAINS OF WISDOM

Subscribe to my yamabushi newsletter

RECENT BLOG POSTS

person holding blue ballpoint pen writing in notebook
Here’s the blueprint. Where’s the footprint?
cloth with artistic design
Instigate. Investigate.
person running near street between tall trees
Don’t lose your Mojo

YAMABUSHI BLOG POSTS

Menial Labour vs. Creative Labour
student with documents and laptop happy about getting into university
The opportunity to learn
close up photo of a yellow rubber duck
It might be a duck

RANDOM POSTS

It’s all part of the learning
silhouette photo of man throw paper plane
A Collection of Magical Moments in a Package
man in white t shirt and black pants in a running position
Easy to set goals
Tim Bunting Kiwi Yamabushi

Tim Bunting Kiwi Yamabushi

Get In Touch

Sakata City, Yamagata, Japan 

tim@timbunting.com

Share this:

Like this:

Like Loading...
Scroll to Top
%d