When Death Roars

Embodying an Invincible Calm During The Storms of Life

In the summer of 1996, I faced one of  life's most profound storms when my father, also my best friend, passed away from a heart attack while traveling alone in London U.K. The ordeal of retrieving his remains and navigating the somber process of funeral arrangements amidst family members paralyzed by grief taught me a deeply personal lesson about resilience and peace.

This experience echoed a massive lightning storm I once endured where I was reminded of the Stoic and Taoist philosophies that have helped find inner strength over the years. 

Albert Camus once reflected, “In the midst of winter, I discovered within me an invincible summer.” This sentiment profoundly resonates with my journey through grief. It’s about discovering that untouchable core within us that withstands life’s seasons.

Taoism teaches the concept of “wu wei,” or effortless action, which is about aligning so perfectly with life's flow that actions feel as natural as breathing. Similarly, Stoicism emphasizes endurance and self-control, teaching us to distinguish between what one can and cannot control—a lesson that was crucial as I dealt with the unpredictable elements of my father's passing.

These philosophies have shown me that resilience is not merely about enduring but about thriving through acceptance of change. It’s learning when to move and when to be still, when to resist and when to let go. 

The Stoic Marcus Aurelius reminded us, “You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

From this fusion of Eastern and Western wisdom, I've learned that resilience involves a deep acceptance of life's inevitable challenges. It's about the courage to continue, recognizing our vulnerability and understanding that we are part of a greater whole. This courage is quiet, stemming from an acceptance of the present as it is, not as we wish it to be.

Through my father's death, I discovered that resilience is not just about survival; it’s about transformation. It involves finding that invincible summer within, even in the heart of winter. This is the true essence of navigating life’s storms, not by avoiding them but by transforming them into sources of growth.

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