Bring death into your everyday awareness, perhaps by using an app like We Croak or dedicating a minute daily to reflect on it, to become more present and less fearful in your current life.
When thoughts of death arise, sit with them and observe your fears, which can reveal attachments in this life; then, practice letting go of that clinging to relax into the reality of impermanence.
Accept past actions and, if necessary, make apologies or seek forgiveness, then consciously let go of deep regrets, as this practice makes the end of life less difficult.
Engage in practical discussions about your wishes for dying, such as where ashes go or if you want music, as this is beneficial for people of all ages to consider.
Be a ’loving rock’ for people who are dying by simply being present, loving, and non-judgmental, offering comfort without trying to fix or advise them, which helps the dying person feel held by love.
Engage in conversations about death to reduce your own fear and increase comfort with the topic, and be open about it with children in a natural and appropriate way (e.g., ‘got sick and didn’t get better’).
Practice meditation for 5-10 minutes daily, or even 1 minute, as this consistent habit is highly effective for deriving benefits and is a great way to start a new routine.
During meditation, when you realize your mind has wandered into thinking, compassionately and gently return your focus to your breath or chosen object of concentration.
When distracted by thoughts during meditation, instead of analyzing the thought, investigate ‘who is thinking’ or ‘who is hearing’ to explore the fundamental mystery of consciousness.
Practice self-awareness and awareness of others, including compassion, loving kindness, and mindful listening, especially if you are highly analytical or work in teams, to improve social skills.
Strive to integrate the wisdom typically associated with old age, such as comfort with impermanence, into the middle of your life.
Engage in conversations with close friends to gain new insights and express thoughts, especially if you experience communication challenges like aphasia.
Begin meditation and self-awareness practices now, understanding that ‘waking up’ is a gradual, lifelong unfolding process, not an overnight transformation.