“For a star to be born: a gaseous nebula must collapse. So collapse. Crumble. This is not your destruction. This is your birth.” – Zoe Skylar

Recently, I wrote about the importance of playing. Today, through my sugar hangover, my attention turns to decay, decomposition and death. I wrote this article around “Day of Death”, “Day of All Soul” or “Day of Death”. At that time, we commemorated not only those who passed down from this life, but also the natural passage at the end of all lives.

In Denver, once succulent green leaves have dried up, withered and fallen, and now they start to smell rotten autumn, reminding me that everything must end. Although this may be unpleasant, the fact is that death may come at any time at any age; After a long or short illness, a violent crime or an inexplicable tragic accident.

In my American culture, death feels like a taboo topic, just like “greatness that can’t be mentioned”. Therefore, I appreciate Latin American culture, and they celebrate things like the Day of the Dead. By commemorating death in this way, we are also encouraged to fully live every moment of our lives. We remember every new day and every new breath is a miracle, so don’t take it for granted.

According to the ancient Latin American tradition, death is not the end, but a stage of infinite circulation. In Indian philosophy, death is an opportunity for ultimate transformation. Buddha taught that death is a natural part of life, everything is changing, nothing is eternal, and suffering is inevitable.

Our spiritual practice through meditation and yoga can finally prepare us for the impermanence of the world, and finally prepare us for our own death. Meditation enables us to create space to observe samsara (suffering), and to reserve space for ourselves and others in times of loss, heartache and sadness.

We end every body yoga practice with Savasana or corpse posture. At this sacred moment, we cut off our senses to the outside world. We go deep into the stillness of body and mind. Savasana gives us the opportunity to die, decompose, transform and then rise again.

Savasana helps us feel:

There is no form at all.

Surrender.

Breathing makes you breathe.

Don’t need to know.

Decomposition, allowing new life.

Unlimited possibilities are now open.

If you can, go outside and lie on the earth. Make your body soft, heavy and effortless. Imagine going back to where you came from.

When you finally get up from this position, do it with will and awareness of the gift of living. Remember, every breath you take is an opportunity for gratitude and change.