do not fear Death

By Jeahnelle Garcia

“From my rotting body, flowers shall grow

And I am in them and that is eternity.”

-Edvard Munch 

Death is scary. It’s natural to be afraid of It- the Great Unknown. Whether you’re afraid of your own Death of that of the people around you, it’s normal. Everyone has some fear or at the very least mixed feelings about Death. You aren’t alone. 

What do you think of when you think of Death? Do you think of a loved one or pet that has passed on, or maybe some form of afterlife? There are many speculations and ideas of what happens and that’s the main cause of the fear and anxiety surrounding Death. Some fear the loneliness, pain or the concept of non-existence. Whatever the case, it seems that it’s natural for human beings to fear Death.

“No one's ever lost forever

When they die they go away

But they will visit you occasionally

Do not be afraid”

-Amanda Palmer, “Lost”

Losing someone is one of the worst universal human experiences. Parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, pets- every one of them is painful. Jamie Anderson said “grief is love with nowhere to go”. Oftentimes it’s the absence that hurts the most. When someone around us passes, it can also be a reminder of our own mortality, which can be scary.  It is hard to remember in difficult times that existence isn’t only psychical. When someone you love Dies, they are not Gone entirely; Love and Grief are as real as Death, and your love for the person, or animal, is still there and always will be. Whether or not you believe in spirits or an afterlife, Memory and Love still exist. Nothing is lost forever. 

Grieving is an important process when someone passes. If you or someone around you has recently experienced loss, it is important that you, or they grieve and have the support needed. The five stages of grief are denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. These are not always felt in a linear succession- humans are not 2 dimensional, after all. No matter what, it is important that you allow yourself to feel your emotions and allow yourself to heal. When grieving, there are a few things you can do, including joining a support group, talking things out with caring, continuing to speak with and about your loved one. Most importantly, be patient with yourself. And remember that it’s okay to ask for help.

“And all things end

All that we intend is scrawled in sand

Or slips right through our hands

And just knowing

That everything will end

Should not change our plans

When we begin again”

-Hozier, “All Things End”

Many people use music as a coping mechanism for the many struggles that come with being human. This playlist, “do not fear Death”, is a soft playlist that can help anyone who needs it to feel some comfort and allow themselves to feel their emotions surrounding Death. The songs quoted in this article, and more, can all be found in my playlist “do not fear Death”. Remember, avoiding the inevitable will only make it worse. Learning to not fear Death is not an easy task, and it isn’t something many people accomplish. But it’s important to try. 

“Know it's for the better

Know it's for the better

Know it's for the better

Know it's for the better”

-Phoebe Bridgers, “Waiting Room”

Listen here! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1DTw2zLXtWIomfYjeB5aEF?si=JXo65r6qRFa6agQ8UkkGxQ&pi=u-OjHpZkXARLOy