Stephen Jenkinson, grief advocate and author, discusses mortality and death with the host, sharing insights on embracing mortality, societal views on death, and reflections on personal experiences with loss. The conversation explores fear, attachment, and the paradox of trying not to die while living, challenging perspectives on risk-taking and the seduction of life after losing a friend.
Witnessing death leads to a deeper appreciation for life and a perspective shift on mortality.
Reflection on mortality enables personal growth and a transformative understanding of existence.
Exploration of risky behaviors reveals the seductive nature of avoiding death and the intertwining of fear and thrill-seeking.
Deep dives
Reflections on Death and Risk-Taking
Engaging in risky activities like skiing and base jumping, the podcast explores the profound impact of witnessing death and reflecting on mortality. The host shares his experience of his friend dying in an avalanche and how it forced him to confront his own mortality, leading to a deeper appreciation for life. Through conversations with Steven Jenkinson, the complexities of death, dying, and the relationship between risky behaviors and mortality risk are deeply examined.
Facing Existential Fears and Acceptance
The episode delves into the existential fears and acceptance of death. The host reflects on the idea that one's death could mean the end of existence, a responsibility that can be burdensome. Witnessing the death of a friend offers a perspective shift, highlighting the continuity of life beyond individual existence, leading to a sense of relief and acceptance of mortality.
Exploring the Seduction of Risk and Death
The conversation delves into the seductive nature of risky behaviors and the pursuit of thrills while avoiding the consequences of death. It contemplates the idea of seducing death to elude it, drawing parallels between seduction in life and death-defying activities. There is an introspective discussion on how fear, risk-taking, and the concept of death intertwine in personal experiences and relationships.
Significance of Witnessing Death and Life's Fragility
The podcast touches on the profound significance of witnessing death and its impact on understanding the fragility of life. Through personal experiences like caring for the deceased friend's body and witnessing grief, the host gains a deeper connection to mortality and the transience of existence. The episode emphasizes the transformative power of confronting death and how it can reshape one's perspective on living.
The Journey of Reflection and Growth
Reflecting on personal growth and insights gained from the experience of death, the podcast concludes with a journey of reflection and growth. The host contemplates the impact of mortality on relationships, risk-taking, and the value of embracing life through accepting the inevitability of death. The episode emphasizes the transformative process of confronting mortality and seeking a deeper understanding of existence.
Stephen Jenkinson is a Canadian writer, teacher and grief literacy advocate. He's the author of Die Wise: A Manifesto for Sanity and Soul. He is one of my favorite authors and Die Wise has been so helpful for me.
In this episode we discuss my recent experience with death; when my friend Erik died in an avalanche while we were skiing together. I use this time with Stephen in an attempt to be seen and heard, to learn, to share, to heal, to grieve. It was amazing and I hope you enjoy listening in on it. Thank you Stephen, for your time and inquiry and insight.
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https://orphanwisdom.com
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