A New Year’s Resolution You Probably Didn’t Make
New Year’s resolutions. Did you make one? How about this one:
Live Memento Mori!
Probably not, but you might want to consider adding it to your list or simply focusing on it exclusively.
Memento Mori is a Latin phrase which says, Remember you must die.
Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor, wrote regarding memento mori, “You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.”
There are records of a ritual practice that was common during the Roman Empire. At the conclusion of a battle, the triumphant general took a victory ride in a chariot. A crown was placed over his head as he basked in his victory. Standing behind him, though, was a slave or companion who whispered in his ear, “Look behind you. Remember you are a man.” A reminder that he was mortal. The next battle may turn out differently.
I read a book last summer that drives this point home. The author, Emily DeArdo, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of 11. Cystic fibrosis is a fatal genetic disease. It is ultimately terminal. In spite of her grim diagnosis and condition, Emily found a way to live fully and productively. She began living memento mori.
She associated her story to the stations of the cross which is part of her faith tradition. In the next few blog posts, I’ll be highlighting parts of her story and what living memento mori looks like for her. Her life has provided inspiration to many and been a model of how living memento mori might work for all of us.
Consider making living Memento Mori your New Year’s resolution!
Curt Bumcrot, MRE
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