“To consider that. after the death of the body, the spirit perishes is like imagining that a bird in a cage will be destroyed if the cage is broken, though the bird has nothing to fear from the destruction of the cage. Our body is like the cage, and the spirit is like the bird… if the cage becomes broken, the bird will continue and exist. Its feelings will be even more powerful, its perceptions greater, and its happiness increased…” — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
I love this quote as it speaks to challenging our understanding of life and death. That understanding needs challenging as it often impacts how we live. Many fear death, see it as unjust, or avoid the idea altogether… preferring some subconscious sense of invincibility.
Almost two years ago, I experienced a brain bleed or TIA or mini stroke and I so very much remember being in that first CT Scan. I knew nothing of what was going on inside my head; nothing. I remember lying there and posing the question to myself, “What if I have only 90 days left?”
The answer was powerful, intriguing and inspired by the quote above. I was overrun with thoughts of how I would live and work my possible final 90 days, before my cage supposedly would break. I was positively overwhelmed by the notion that I would bring “all the guns” if I had but 90 days. That meant I would live and serve as very best I could and can.
As the journey continued, I started realizing that I probably would have more days. I understood that test after test was confirming the mystery that we could not find a cause. I understood that, residual affects aside, I had more time. That notion of what I would do; it became less urgent.
Life and Death
My point is this. We must needs reflect on our own mortality; not as something dire… but as something real. We must consider that (a) we will die, (b) we know not when and (c) death is not a door slamming 
shut but one opening. The result is both freedom and urgency… to live the life that matters and counts, for us. Yes, if you fully understood these three ideas… how might they impact our understanding of the precious nature of our life and the idea that we will not end?
Having not an end, expands our concept of Patience as we understand that time has no real meaning, except to measure in this world. Having a sense that there is a doorway though; it reinforces the urgency of making this life count. It matters, now. So, we end up with freedom and urgency in powerful balance… to live our best lives. My choice is to meditate on these notions, and to own them. I want to reinforce my own approach to life… an approach that does not fear death but sees it as a reminder that this chapter we call life is important as a chapter would be in any book. It must be written in our living it.
I constructively challenge you to investigate for yourself. Download the Secret Truth© for free on our shop. It is a compilation of wisdom from many traditions. View this powerful video from Kesha that boldly encourages us to find our strongest being. See where these thoughts might take you, and your work. A sense of spirit strengthens our capacity to study, work and live in this life. A true sense of spirit strengthens our ability to live our own epic life. As we note on our home page…
- In these times of uncertainty and change, walking with an assured step is vital. We call it Humble Swagger™; a genuine, robust, caring, tenacious and healthy confidence grounded in nobility, humility and certitude. It is about being determined to do the right thing and bring everyone together to achieve excellence in doing so.
A powerful sense of spirit advances such. As I and we head into a new stage for Epic Engage™, and with the above in mind and heart… we offer this assortment of 44 posts, perspectives and resources… in service to impact, leadership and character at school, work, business and community.
Why 44?
Ultimately, I have no idea. All I know is that, for the last 6 months or so, I keep consistently seeing the number 44 multiple times a day, without “looking” for it. I am not into numerology per se but have checked it out. The best I can read is that it supposedly references creative forces and that one is on track and very close to best path… that there is a need for focus and discipline in building one’s dreams… and building something to benefit many generations. It is apparently about building for both the present and the future… and the need for being realistic, pragmatic, efficient, disciplined, confident, conscientious, balanced, and methodical.
Bottom line is I like the message. 🙂
Then, quite unplanned, I created the following list of resources to offer. Lo and behold, there were 44. I may lose people on this, lol. Still, there truly was no plan on my part. 44 was the number. It may or may not mean anything at all. Regardless, here are the 44 resources.
- 1 new project serving educators, entrepreneurs and emerging leaders
- Links to conversations with 12 leaders around the globe
- 9 perspectives on taking charge of your work and life
- 17 free sources and resources around character, leadership and service
- 5 professional CAPS speakers right here in Newfoundland and Labrador
As for me, and in the spirit of living… tomorrow I am going to see Despicable Me 3 and Spider-Man Homecoming and then rock out some Karaoke, lol.
Peace, passion and prosperity… and reflection.
Barry Lewis Green, aka The Unity Guy™
Barry is ultimately a vocalist, strength coach and educator. His work is about exploring, identifying, practicing and mastering our strengths and building upon them through practical and powerful unity and resourcefulness. That is why Barry is The Unity Guy™. EPIC Engage™ is an extension of The Unity Guy™. The Epic work is all about building strong, united and inspired cultures lead by character… at school, work, business and community; where everyone matters and contributes everyday.
PS
Our work is all about character. We work hard and joyfully to help build character driven, united and resourceful organizations and communities around the globe.