A fascinating trend in the wellness world involves individuals immersing themselves in death meditation, a practice where they confront and come to terms with their eventual demise. This unique form of mindfulness meditation has gained significant traction on social media platforms like TikTok, amassing 2.5 million views, and Instagram, with over 3,000 posts. Its popularity has also led to the emergence of classes in major cities like New York and Los Angeles, aimed at helping participants find peace with the concept of dying.
While it may seem like a recent phenomenon, death meditation actually has ancient roots. Various forms of this practice exist, with some drawing inspiration from Buddhist traditions such as maranasati, or mindfulness of death. This particular approach reminds practitioners to be prepared for the possibility of death at any given moment, emphasizing the importance of embracing it.
One death meditation practice involves visualizing the body’s inevitable decay to let go of attachments to the material world. In some more intense sessions, participants wrap themselves in white sheets to make themselves look and feel like mummies
By delving into thoughts of mortality, death meditation offers individuals a fresh perspective on the natural process of death. It encourages a positive outlook by challenging the perception of death as something to fear. Another intriguing aspect of this practice involves envisioning the body’s eventual decay, enabling practitioners to detach themselves from worldly attachments. Some participants even go so far as to wrap themselves in white sheets, resembling mummies, as a way to fully immerse themselves in the experience. Alternatively, individuals may write and share their own eulogies in group settings.
One Instagram-advertised class described death meditation as a breath-guided meditation that encourages contemplation of death in its various forms. While some approaches to death meditation may seem extreme, there are lighter techniques available as well. These include imagining significant moments in one’s life and focusing on sensory details such as who was present, the emotions felt, the scents in the air, and the sounds surrounding the experience.
‘It’s remarkable for individuals who suffer from anxiety related to death, dying, and intrusive thoughts surrounding these topics,’ explains Dr. Carolyn Rubenstein, a licensed psychologist in Florida. Death meditation can function as a form of exposure therapy, aiding in the process of confronting and overcoming fears and anxieties.
Dr. Rubenstein emphasizes that death meditation does not eradicate fear or anxiety but provides the tools to view death through emotional and logical lenses. This perspective enables individuals to focus on the present moment and make the most of their lives. Interestingly, research suggests that death anxiety, or thanatophobia, has become more prevalent since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Studies conducted on Lebanese and Chinese populations revealed an increased prevalence of death anxiety, particularly among the elderly.
Dr. Rubenstein explains that the current cultural climate has fostered a greater willingness to openly discuss and share fears surrounding death, especially with the heightened emphasis on spirituality and personal connections brought about by the pandemic. Engaging in conversations about these fears facilitates acknowledgment and understanding.
Moreover, a study conducted at the University of Kentucky suggests that contemplating death can actually enhance happiness. The authors discovered that pondering mortality leads individuals to gravitate towards emotionally pleasant stimuli.
While Dr. Rubenstein advises against death meditation for individuals with severe depression or suicidal ideation, she recommends easing into the practice gradually. For example, one can begin by viewing death as a natural part of life’s cycle or reflecting on departed pets with shorter lifespans. From there, one can expand their contemplation to encompass their own mortality.
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