The death of leadership and the beginning of life.
Dressed in white clothes as a novice Buddhist monk, I put the key into the ignition of the monastery car. A young Buddhist monk in brown robes is sitting next to me smiling away as I drive him from the English countryside to the heart of London.
I stay in the car outside the modern looking house, the monk enters the house, to chant to a dying young man, surrounded by his family. This was my first experiencing of death, as the following day his body arrives at the the chapel of rest in the monastery.
Each morning for the next week the community chants around the body, a ritual of honour to the person and well wishing and the remembrance of death for ourselves.
My name means Amaranatho refuge in the deathless. It leaves me with a recurring question.
What is it that does not die?
Leadership, coaching and life itself for me asks US to die to the present moment: To be fully with life, regardless of what is happening.
There are many ways to do this.
Bronnie Ware book called the Top Five Regrets of the Dying – A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing is a helpful reminder. Have a look at the slides to see the possibilities.
I wonder which ones resonants with you?
I dedicated this post to all the people that will die in this moment for their peace. May their families and friend grieve well and find peace when ready.
