“Memento Mori”: A philosophical tool for finding clarity in life

“Memento mori” is the Latin word for ‘remember that you [have to] die’. It’s not a call to despair. It’s a call to appreciate life right now.

It’s an ancient practice of remembering that life is not unlimited and using that knowledge to do everything in your power to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. Or better still, using that to determine how we spend our lives.

“You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.” Marcus Aurelius said.

“Memento mori” is a call to reflect, pause and ponder our place in the universe. It’s also a call to be mindful of our daily choices and remember to do everything in our power to embrace the fullness of life right now.

The human fate is mortality. You know that already. But how many times do you use that to remind you to live life to the fullest every day?

Focus on what gives you meaning

“Do every act of your life as though it were the very last act of your life.” — Marcus Aurelius

It’s a simple reminder to focus on the essential priorities in life. The mortality of life can help us focus more on what’s important and less on the insignificance of the many worries that occupy our minds.

Life offers the rare opportunity to live in the moment, slow down and take in everything around us, but we insist on hurrying every process and chasing an illusion. Knowledge of your mortality is not meant to despair us.

Reflecting on your mortality is meant to remind you to choose actions, routines and habits that allow you to live a meaningful life today, not tomorrow or next year.

It’s meant to encourage you to pursue the essential and simple life that guarantees happiness instead of chasing an illusion. Life is what we have right now. It’s making the most today or seizing the day.

Use “Memento Mori” to find clarity

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love …” — Marcus Aurelius

Life is finite, but not many people think about the limits of time. When you treat life as a gift, you use wisdom to determine the direction of your life and how you spend every day.

“The Stoics used Memento Mori to invigorate life and to create priority and meaning. They treated each day as a gift and reminded themselves constantly to not waste any time in the day on the trivial and vain,” explains Ryan Holiday.

When you mindfully appreciate life, you choose your actions and reactions carefully. You become aware of what matters and what doesn’t and use that wisdom to find peace, calm and meaning amid the chaos around you.
“It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.” writes Marcus Aurelius.

Many people don’t appreciate life until they are close to losing it or when they don’t have the freedom and time to enjoy the gift of time.

Time is finite — don’t hide from your mortality

Your days are numbered. Use them to throw open the windows of your soul to the sun. If you do not, the sun will soon set, and you with it.” — Marcus Aurelius

Today, right now, think about all the good and meaningful things you are capable and fortunate to experience.

The possibilities for a rich and meaningful life are endless. Even if you rent your time to make a living, you can still plan and schedule unique experiences in your day, week or year.

In a profoundly chaotic and rushed world, we are too busy to notice the details of life worth our attention. We barely pause to spend quality time in nature and with the people that bring out the best in us.

If the future uncertainties are a cause of worries, think about what you can control and everything else outside your control and choose your next action accordingly.

“Memento mori” can be an important reminder we need to slow down, notice more and live life to the fullest. The knowledge of our mortality can guide you to choose meaningful experiences.

“Memento mori,” can be difficult to practice — but contemplating our mortality can help us determine our next action to live a meaningful life.

Key takeaways

Life is finite. Don’t hide from your mortality. Use it to inspire how you live. Learn to slow down, do less, focus on the essentials and learn to be present more. Start your day slowly and intentionally.

Make time to disconnect and spend more time with those you care about. Appreciate the gift of life and enjoy the often-overlooked details of life. Spend more time in nature and enjoy the serenity of greenery.

This article originally appeared in Medium.