Get comfortable with your own mortality.
While many people seem to act as if they will live forever, this is simply not the way things work. No one in history has ever escaped the ultimate exit plan - death. Along with birth, it is the defining characteristic of human life which unites all people regardless of class, religion, or nationality.
Despite it's certainty, however, few people contemplate the reality of death because it's too grim. But what if something as certain and universal as mortality could be harnessed as a tool to build your strength and resolve? What if reflecting on your imminent death allowed you to fully engage in life? These questions are at the core of today's episode; how to use Momento Mori and reflection on your own mortality to eliminate excuses and clarify your actions. When you accept that the next breath could be your last, suddenly it becomes easier to quit those bad habits that aren't serving you, and double down on what you know to be your true calling!
A few resources that are mentioned throughout this episode:
1. Mike wrote an article on the topic of Momento Mori for Breaking Muscle - you can read it here: http://breakingmuscle.com/fitness/memento-mori-a-simple-practice-for-a-complex-time
2. If you want to learn more about the 12 Labors Project, and the physical tasks that Mike has completed while use Momento Mori as a strategy to keep moving forward even under inconceivable physical stress, follow him on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/mikemccastle/?hl=en
3. If you want to dive deeper into the history and cultural significance of Momento Mori, The Daily Stoic has a great piece which you can read here: https://dailystoic.com/history-of-memento-mori/
We hope you enjoy the show, and until next time - We wish you strength, and good health!