Happy New Year!

Maranasati Meditation: Recollections of Death

Many of us consider death to be a morbid topic. We do not wish to contemplate death, either our own or that of a loved one. As humans, we are cursed by the knowledge of our mortality--we already know how this story will end. But a pathological fear of death is unhealthy. An antidote to this fear is to replace some of the uncertainty about mortality with a more conscious awareness of death. This post is brought to you in the name of exposure therapy.  

I listened to a Tim Ferriss podcast while driving to West Virginia for work. I thoroughly enjoyed his wide-ranging conversation with author and professor Arthur C. Brooks. Tim is truly a master interviewer. His questions come from deep research and boundless curiosity. He attracts some of the most accomplished guests you could imagine. At about one hour and 29 minutes into this particularly  fascinating interview, Tim asked Arthur, "Could you please describe your death meditation and why you have a death meditation?"   

Arthur's response connected with me. I am working on updating my Estate Plan, so I have a comfort level with the topic of my mortality. I consider myself a Christian, but I have read from a wide range of wisdom traditions and I find value in the sometimes curious paths that other cultures have taken to the same destination. 

Arthur, a Catholic, explains the Theravada Buddhist practice of familiarizing oneself with the truth of their future death through a meditation called Maranasati. The meditation involves the rather macabre technique of contemplating cadavers or photos of cadavers in 9 stages of decomposition ending in dust. They examine the first one and they say, that is me. And then after contemplating they move to the next one and say, that is also me. And what are they doing? They’re familiarizing themselves with the truth of their future such that they can be liberated from any fear of physical death.

Arthur goes on to say that as a Christian, he does not have a fear of death, per se. However, he does have a fear of losing his mind, of somehow not being fully himself. He has students who fear academic failure. Perhaps you have a particular fear that robs you of being fully present. Brooks advocates the Maranasati Meditation technique as a means of confronting all manner of fear. As he says, 

"we won’t be fully alive until we actually face the death that really matters to us." 

Reminding ourselves of our transience helps us truly embrace life. Let me provide a guided script for a form of Maranasati Meditation. This and other scripts like it are available in the references cited below. Practice this a few times without pictures, until you are comfortable with the progression through 9 stages. Then, feel free to adapt the model to your deepest existential fears. 

1     Death is inevitable.  No one is exempt.

Holding this thought in mind, I abide in the breath.

2     Our life span is ever-decreasing.  Each breath brings us closer to death.

Holding this thought in mind, I delve deeply into its truth.

3     Death will indeed come, whether or not we are prepared.

Holding this thought in mind, I enter fully into the body of life.

4     Human life expectancy is uncertain.  Death can come at any time.

Holding this thought in mind, I am attentive to each moment.

5     There are many causes of death – even habits, desires and accidents are precipitants.

Holding this thought in mind, I consider the endless possibilities.

6     The human body is fragile and vulnerable.  Our life hangs by a breath.

Holding this thought in mind, I attend to my inhale and exhale.

7     At the time of death, material resources are of no use to us.

Holding this thought in mind, I invest wholeheartedly in practice.

8     Our loved ones cannot keep us from death.  There is no delaying its advent.

Holding this thought in mind, I exercise non-grasping.

9     Our body cannot help us at the time of death.  It too will be lost at that moment.

Holding this thought in mind, I learn to let go.

I'll close with this quote from Steve Taylor, via his post on The Conversation

"Death is always present, and its transformational power is always accessible to us. Becoming aware of our own mortality can be a liberating and awakening experience, which can – paradoxically, it might seem – help us to live authentically and fully, perhaps for the first time in our lives." 

Here's to confronting our fears as a means to living authentically and fully! Please visit the references below for additional context and inspiration. As always, comments and questions are welcome. 

Memento mori: Remember that you will die.

References

The Tim Ferriss Show with Arthur C. Brooks on YouTube

Tim Ferriss' blog post with Arthur C. Brooks

Arthur C. Brooks Interview Transcript

The nine contemplations on death

Positive Psychology on Maranasati Meditation

Buddhist Inquiry Shining the light of death on life Part I

Buddhist Inquiry Shining the light of death on life Part II

Corpse Meditation a Buddhist Practice

Cadaver Meditation: Anatomy and the Body

Why contemplating death can help you live a happier life

Abraham Lincoln and Abductive Reasoning

 

Splendid Torch

Keeping it Real with Rich Paul

 

Do and Be Better

 

Words of Wisdom from the Oracle of Omaha

Are you addicted to achievement and adventure? Are you afraid of missing out? Does this disposition make you feel anxious, competitive, or insecure in some way? You are not alone! 

There is a cure, and it may surprise you. 

Sometimes, we get so caught up in our calendars, schedules, agendas, and endless To-Do lists that we forget why we are even here on this Earth. We focus on improving our activities, our achievements, our adventures--our "doings"--until we lose our balance. Nothing is ever good enough, and time rolls by ever faster, increasing a sense of separation. 

All the attention we pour into doing things better, faster, and cheaper may come at the expense of deepening and improving the essence of who we are: our values, character, and demeanor.

I am reminded of the phrase, "Peaceful Being and Purposeful Doing" by Steven Lawson, creator of the Monk Manual. Like Warren, Steven suggests that true happiness lies in finding and maintaining the balance between our Being and our Doing. Warren emphasized the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who push us to both do and be better.

We are not just our accomplishments; we are values on display, for whatever precious little time is allotted us. There is nothing wrong with the drive to enhance productivity. Do your best! But don't neglect the personal growth and development that comes from study, introspection, and contemplation. We must also endeavor to be the best possible version of ourselves. 

Contemplation is necessary, but not sufficient. Nothing happens until something moves. The cure I alluded to above lies in helping others. We must get out of our own heads and be of service. Be kind to yourself, and in your dealings with others, be just a little kinder than the situation requires. No drama or negativity, just positive reinforcement and encouragement. No jealousy or hate, just bringing out the absolute best in each other. 

Warren's words of wisdom are a perfect share for Wisdom Wednesday. If you would like to explore this topic deeper, let me know. My mastermind group for publishers exists to develop that sweet spot between being and doing.  

Word of the Day: COURAGE

 

Word of the Day: Ipsedixitism

 

Hands Around the World

“Hands Around the World” is inspired by the legacy of world-leading humanitarian and visionary, Ken Kragen, the creator of We Are the World and “Hands Across America”.

I am old enough to remember Hands Across America, a public fundraising event held on Sunday, May 25, 1986, when about 6.5 million people held hands for 15 minutes in an attempt to form a continuous human chain across the contiguous United States. The event was a partial success. The actual coast-to-coast chain did not fully materialize, but participants and supporters still raised $15 million for charities after operating expenses. 

There is something beautifully compelling about the notion of a human chain stretching around the world, uniting people of every age, race, religion, and ability in one unbroken line. For more information about “Hands Around the World”, visit their website or send an email to: info@hands.world.

For my part, I started wondering whether it would be possible to form a human chain that could encircle the planet. Could the current population of Earth, standing side by side and holding hands at arm’s length, wrap around the Earth’s equator? 

Let's explore! 

Assume 

• relatively flat and stable surfaces, 
• sufficient time and logistical support, and 
• the ability to stand on water… ha 

Circumference, C, of the earth at the equator 

• In miles: 24.9k mi 
• In feet, C = 24.9k * 5.28k = 0.131477 billion feet

Population, P, of Earth 

Overall, P = 8.058 billion 

• Children 0-14 years of age comprise 25%

Average Handspan, H, in feet 

• Overall, H = 4.0 feet
• Adults: 4.5 
• Children: 3.0 

Calculations 

• W = (P * H) / C 
• W = (8.058 billion * 4 feet) / 0.131477 billion feet 
• W = 32.23 billion feet / 0.131477 billion feet 
• W = 245.14 wraps around the equator! 

Conclusion 

The population of Earth, standing side by side at double arm intervals and holding hands, could encircle the Earth at the equator not just once, but over 245 times! I find that astonishing. 

The Earth seems big, but it may be smaller than one thinks in relation to the population. It takes 32.87 million people to wrap around the equator once. If everyone alive on the planet were to join in simultaneously, the ranks would be 245 deep.  

Ken Kragen

Ken Kragen left a powerful legacy. Kenneth Allan Kragen (November 24, 1936 – December 14, 2021) was an American music manager, television producer, author, speaker, and non-profit consultant, best known for his role in organizing the 1985 benefit record "We Are the World" and the 1986 charity event Hands Across America.

Happy Birthday, Elvis Costello!

 “Through a two-way looking glass, You see your Alice”

                    —Beyond Belief, by Elvis Costello, born 25 Aug 1954

The Gin Palace, Dublin

Happy birthday to the one and only Declan Patrick MacManus, aka Elvis Costello, 69 years young on this day.

Why a pic of The Gin Palace? If you know, you know! For anyone who is in search of a clue, read through the lyrics below.  

I took the photo on August 22nd, 2023, and could hardly wait to share it on the 25th. 

Beyond Belief

History repeats the old conceits

The glib replies the same defeats

Keep your finger on important issues

With crocodile tears and a pocketful of tissues

I'm just the oily slick

On the windup world of the nervous tick

In a very fashionable hovel

I hang around dying to be tortured

You'll never be alone in the bone orchard

This battle with the bottle is nothing so novel

So in this almost empty gin palace

Through a two-way looking glass

You see your Alice

You know she has no sense

For all your jealousy

In a sense she still smiles very sweetly

Charged with insults and flattery

Her body moves with malice

Do you have to be so cruel to be callous

And now you find you fit this identikit completely

You say you have no secrets

And then leave discreetly

I might make it California's fault

Be locked in Geneva's deepest vault

Just like the canals of Mars and the Great Barrier Reef

I come to you beyond belief

My hands were clammy and cunning

She's been suitably stunning

But I know there's not a hope in Hades

All the laddies cat call and wolf whistle

So called gentlemen and ladies

Dog fight like rose and thistle

I got a feeling

I'm going to get a lot of grief

Once this seemed so appealing

Now I am beyond belief

I got a feeling

I'm going to get a lot of grief

Once this seemed so appealing

Now I am beyond belief

I got a feeling

I'm going to get a lot of grief

Once this seemed so appealing

Now I am beyond belief

Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Elvis Costello

The Motte and Bailey Fallacy

 A medieval Motte and Bailey castle, the namesake for an interesting logical fallacy

Are you interested in logical fallacies? That is to say, do you study common flaws in thinking either to avoid them personally or spot them in sales pitches and other persuasive arguments? In my experience, this has become a critical survival skill.

If you are with me so far, (a) thank you, and (b) have you heard of the Motte and Bailey Fallacy? This particular logical flaw is not as well-known as, say, the Strawman or the Appeal to Authority. And yet, as evidence-based truth-seekers and diligent data skeptics, we must keep our eyes peeled for simple mistakes as well as deliberate attacks. 

The motte and bailey fallacy is a rhetorical technique where the proponent is essentially saying two things: one more defensible but less interesting (the motte), and one less defensible but more interesting (the bailey). The concept was invented by Nicholas Shackel and was popularised by Scott Alexander.

In a typical motte and bailey argument, the proponent will establish common ground with the opponent. This safe or neutral space is analogous to the motte. For example, the proponent might ask, "Are you in favor of inclusion?" And the obvious answer is, "Of course!"  Who would be opposed to inclusion?  Having established the motte, the proponent can now assert that language which is offensive to minorities has the effect of excluding them by making them feel unwelcome. When the opponent counters with a freedom of speech argument, the proponent can claim, falsely, that the opponent is against inclusion. See how it works? 

I would welcome your thoughts on this type of fallacy. Please feel free to leave a comment. Have you seen this fallacy before? Can you cite some examples? Will you keep an eye out for it to avoid using it yourself, or being tricked by it? 

For your convenience, I have included some references below. Feel free to use those or others of your choosing--there are many just a quick search away. 

Thanks for reading. The world needs evidence-based truth-seekers and diligent data skeptics now, more than ever! 

References 

What are Logical Fallacies? 

https://successfulstudent.org/the-art-to-argument-persuasion-logical-fallacies/

https://kreativcopywriting.com/10-logical-fallacies-know-spot/ 

What is a Motte and Bailey Castle (the namesake of the Motte and Bailey Fallacy)?

https://www.castlesworld.com/tools/motte-and-bailey-castles.php

https://www.worldhistory.org/Motte_and_Bailey_Castle/ 

What is the Motte and Bailey Fallacy?

https://answersingenesis.org/blogs/patricia-engler/2021/01/27/logical-fallacies-motte-bailey-arguments/

https://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Motte_and_bailey

Remember and Honor: Memorial Day, 2023

 

In memoriam

The following 39 comrades-in-arms died while in service to the Nation. We remember their sacrifice this Memorial Day, and always.

Chronological

• WOC Lee Price, 1978, helicopter accident, Alabama

• CPT Mario Fajardo, 1991, minefield accident, Iraq.

• SPC Gilman, 1999, traffic accident, North Macedonia.

Pentagon 9/11/2001

Colleagues, alphabetically after Leadership

1. LTG Timothy Maude, 1947-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

2. CSM Larry Strickland, 1949-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

3. SPC Craig Amundson, 1973-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

4. MSG (Ret) Max Beilke, 1932-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

5. COL Canfield "Bud" Boone, 1948-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

6. SFC Jose Calderon, 1957-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

7. CTR Gerald Fisher, 1944-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

8. COL (Ret) Ron Golinski, 1941-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

9. LTC Stephen "Neil" Hyland (fellow Notre Dame alum), 1955-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

10. SGM Lacey Ivory, 1958-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

11. LTC Dennis Johnson, 1953-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

12. MAJ Steve Long, 1962-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

13. CTR Terry Lynch, 1952-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

14. MAJ Ron Milam, 1968-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

15. DAC Odessa Morris, 1947-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

16. DAC Deb Ramsaur (Germany), 1956-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

17. CW4 William Ruth, 1943-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

18. COL Dave Scales, 1956-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

19. DAC Marion Serva, 1954-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

20. LTC (Ret) Gary Smith, 1945-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

21. DAC Patricia Statz, 1960-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

22. LTC Kip Taylor, 1963-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

23. SGT Tamera Thurman, 1976-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

24. LTC Karen Wagner, 1961-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

25. SPC Chin "Sunny" Pak Wells, 1976-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

26. CTR Ernest Willcher, 1938-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

27. MAJ Dwayne Williams, 1961-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

28. CTR Edmond Young, 1979-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

29. DAC Lisa Young, 1963-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

9/11 victims who were family of my colleagues

• DAC Patty Mickley, sister of a friend, 1959-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

• DAC Don Simmons, husband of a friend, 1943-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

• DAC Cheryl Sincock, wife of a friend, 1946-2001, 9/11 terror attack, Pentagon

Chronological, continued

• MAJ Pete Graff, 2003, suicide, Charlottesville. Pete was an exceptional platoon leader in the 497th Engineer Company.

• SES Reginald Brown, 2005, pancreatic cancer, Pentagon. I was Mr. Brown’s Military Aide when he suddenly became ill.

• LTC (Ret) James Daron, 2010, lymphoma, Kansas. Jim and I served together in Iraq and I dedicated my Iron Butt Association ride to him.

• MAJ Joe Jones, 2012, colon cancer, Virginia. Joe and I served together in the Pentagon.

ONLY 16 COUNTRIES LEFT!

Thank you to the unknown (to me, yet) but most welcome visitor from the British Indian Ocean Territory!  

As of April 13, 2023, readers from 226 of 242 countries (a whopping 93.4% of the globe) have visited this page at least once, according to my friends at Flag Counter. 

Who's next? Cabo Verde? Mauritania? Palau? How about Saint Bart's? Only 16 remain....

Perhaps one of you regular readers will decide to become a digital nomad and work from a tropical paradise with good Wi-Fi. That lifestyle sounds appealing to me, too! Let's go island-hopping and check into PhilosFX as we travel. So who's with me? 

Which country will be the 227th?    

Cabo Verde

Palau

Tuvalu