The only thing in life that is guaranteed is death. The questions of life and our purpose are dictated directly by how we perceive death and subsequently our perspective on life.

I'm a proud Māori, and like many tribal-based cultures that still have fairly substantial, if not fundamental, ties to their ancient traditions, we have a similar perspective on death and subsequent perspective on what is valued in life. The Māori treat death as a stepping stone into eternal life. Once we die, our eternal spirit continues on into the spirit world to live forever. This perspective, I believe, creates a separation of fear associated with death because the belief is that our eternal energy or spirit transcends into another realm to continue on forever.

On the contrary, in many newer age Western cultures, primarily based around Christianity, the concept of death and the aftermath is either misunderstood, not believed in, or simply filled with fear of the unknown. Subsequently, the perception of death is a dark and scary place that creates deep fear and hesitance to live life to the fullest. Obviously, this is a wide and personal observation, but one I believe the association with the perception of death creates either a drive or a stop towards pursuing a happy and meaningful life.

These are both just cultural perspectives, perspectives of aspects of different worlds that I have a deep connection to. However, as I've delved deeper into this journey of self-discovery and researched the various different perspectives, ideologies, cultures, and lifestyles, I have seen common trends in successful people, cultures, and perspectives of life and death.

Universal energy and the collective association with being good humans, simple humans, for each other, as well as the ability to understand that all living beings are connected via an energy that never stops. This creates an outlook on life that allows people to find fulfillment and purpose in everyday life, which contributes strongly in our search for happiness.

Death and our ability to not see it as negative is very difficult, primarily because we don't really have any understanding of it. Our perception is purely tangible and associated with the demise of our physical bodies. However, believing in a universal connection of energies that lives forever can create a mindset of living life to the fullest and making the most of every moment, for every moment is the last moment of its time.

Everyone’s understanding of death is unique and a personal opinion. I believe however, that since death is guaranteed, then what’s the point of worrying about? And regardless of the outcome, we should continue to live life to the fullest, without fear of death.

Be happy, because tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, and all we have is now

Thanks,

Dean