Why do we spend so much of our lives preparing for the inevitable, rather than fully embracing each moment as it comes? This question has lingered with me for years, becoming more urgent as I've crossed the threshold of my seventies. The awareness of our mortality, the ever-present countdown we all share, has both unsettled me and inspired a deeper exploration of how to live fully, even as we acknowledge our finite existence.
Living Fully While We Wait To Die emerged from my own journey through this question. Over the years, I've encountered profound stories of loss and resilience, particularly in my work with families of victims grappling with sudden tragedy in airlline crashes. These encounters have pressed upon me the sense of urgency and importance in living life with intention, mindfulness, and appreciation for the simple, everyday moments that often go unnoticed.
This book is an invitation to explore how mindfulness and presence can transform our relationship with life and death. It's about embracing the impermanence with a spirit of exploration and gratitude, finding depth and meaning in the time we have. My hope is that in sharing these reflections and insights, you too might find ways to enrich your journey, celebrating each moment as it unfolds.
As you read this, know that a second installment is on the horizon. The next chapter of this exploration will dive into the possibilities of extended life, the ethical and societal questions it raises, and how these emerging realities intersect with our search for meaning. Our shared journey doesn't end with understanding mortality; it expands into the exciting and challenging potential future of human life.
