Memento Mori
Remember that you will too die
Remember that you will die.
To remember death is to begin the alchemical process: descending into the self, burning away illusion, and emerging with gold. Time waits for no one.
We spend our lives caught in the mundane—day-to-day tasks that consume our time and attention. Our days are full, often overflowing with worry, stress, and distractions: career, family, finances, hobbies. But how often do you truly stop and turn your attention inward?
If you're anything like me, it's too little—certainly not often enough. The days come and go so quickly now.
In contrast, think back to the slow pace of our youth—how time seemed to stretch endlessly. Waiting for the school bus home, or for Christmas to finally arrive... We wished away time then, not realizing how precious it truly was.
Now, I find myself in my late 40s. I watch my grown children navigate their own paths in life, and in their journey, I begin to reflect on my own. I think of the mistakes I’ve made, the moments of success, and the story that’s unfolded. I wonder: What will I leave behind for those who come after me? And does it matter?
Is it narcissistic to believe that the imprint of my life has any significance in the grand scheme of things?
What about me? Am I ready to leave this world? Does my soul, as I understand it, meet the standards I would set for a life well-lived?
This past Sunday, I spent some time in meditation on the subject.
Were I to meet my Maker today, could I honestly say I did my best?
I am fallible. I know that.
I am not worthy of the perfection expected if I were to face the final test and judgment. But as a Christian, I trust in the One who came before me—who will speak on my behalf. I will stand before the Grand Architect with hope in immortality.
Still, I ask myself:
What can I do today—right now—that might better prepare me, so that my Redeemer can truthfully say I tried to be a good man?
Will my sons and my family grieve my departure through this veil of tears? And again—does it matter?
Visita Interiora Terrae Rectificando Invenies Occultum Lapidem
"Visit the interior of the earth, and by rectifying (purifying), you will find the hidden stone."
This alchemical axiom is more than poetic—it’s a guide.
We must all take time to look inward and dissolve the illusions we build around ourselves. Those illusions shape our worldview, feed our ego, and create a false sense of control. But death awaits each of us, and it will level us all—ready or not.
So why wait?
Start the Great Work now.
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
How have you reflected on your own mortality? What does Memento Mori mean to you?
Excellent post. I too well remember just how terribly long a year seemed when I was a kid. I thought I'd never get out of School it took so very long. Now, in my mid 50's I look back at what I think was something recent and realize that years have passed. Time just flies.
It's all just perception I suppose, but clearly in the scheme of things I've got little time left!