Aging is a process which is maligned in the neurotic media of developed countries. This has to do with products which are sold by making aging the enemy. Cosmetics, hair dyes, plastic surgery, pharmaceuticals.
This distancing of the mind and awareness from natural aging creates and propagates mental illness, an unhealthy dissonance between reality and self perception. The illusion of youth fosters a sense of agelessness and immortality. These are neurotic defenses against the fear of death.
To approach death in this state of denial is simply stupid. As a hospice nurse, I can attest to the additional agony and suffering this leads to as death inevitably approaches.
Practice is about natural life. It is about being yourself as you learn about yourself. You cannot practice by hiding yourself.
This distancing of the mind and awareness from natural aging creates and propagates mental illness, an unhealthy dissonance between reality and self perception. The illusion of youth fosters a sense of agelessness and immortality. These are neurotic defenses against the fear of death.
To approach death in this state of denial is simply stupid. As a hospice nurse, I can attest to the additional agony and suffering this leads to as death inevitably approaches.
Practice is about natural life. It is about being yourself as you learn about yourself. You cannot practice by hiding yourself.
