So, someone famous suddenly dies (no name needs to be mentioned).
And after years of abject obscurity (suffering abject obscurity, I might add)…
There’s an avalanche, a flood — a tsunami — of love, kind words, appreciation, and support.
Likely, profits coming in from their past work too.
Love, kind words, appreciation, support, and profits that would have immensely benefitted the living person while they were here — breathing and alive.
Missed.
A missed opportunity.
And it’s such a mirror for how we live our lives, isn’t it?
We love people, and only when they’re gone do we all show up in love, kind words, appreciation, and support.
Ask yourself…
“Who do I love?”
Did you answer that?
Okay, good.
Well, for the love of all that’s holy —please do not wait until they’re gone to shower them with love, kind words, appreciation, and support.
Do that now.
* * *
And, on a side note, a little true story.
My Zen teacher, being a wise person, decided that on her 60th birthday, she would hold a memorial service — for herself.
(Zen teachers can get away with this stuff because they’ve got a love affair with death.)
She invited the entire Sangha to a celebration.
A celebration of her life.
From all across the globe, everyone came.
- Music was performed.
- Speeches of love, kind words, appreciation, and support were given.
- Food was served (her favorite meals).
- Decorations were strewn.
- Even special t-shirts were worn by everyone (pink tie-dyed heart-shaped shirts).
Throughout the day, the celebration continued while my teacher sat in a small box in the middle of the reserved park. The box was covered with a black mesh that allowed her to see and hear everything without anyone else being able to see or hear her.
It was an inspirational day I’ll never forget.
* * *
I recall that day now as I wish this kind of celebration for everyone alive.
Imagine the world we would live in if memorial services were given to living people we loved.
If those people knew, felt, and experienced our love for them now.
While they’re alive…
Here with us.
In lovingkindness,
Alex
