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Confronting Our Mortality


Reflecting on our own mortality is a profound and deeply personal experience that often prompts us to confront our fears and anxieties about death. This introspective journey can be triggered by significant life events or milestone ages, leading us to contemplate the transient nature of life and the inevitability of our own mortality. In this article, we will delve into the complexities of reflecting on mortality and navigating the fear of death, offering insights and strategies for managing these existential concerns.

The Weight of Mortality:

Reflecting on our mortality can be a confronting experience, causing us to reevaluate our priorities and the way we live our lives. It can serve as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of cherishing each moment. However, this contemplation can also stir up existential anxiety and evoke a deep sense of unease about the unknown.

Confronting the Fear of Death:

The fear of death is a universal human experience, rooted in our instinct for self-preservation and the unknown that lies beyond life. This fear can manifest in various ways, from subtle unease to overwhelming existential dread. It may be triggered by personal experiences, cultural influences, or simply the contemplation of life’s impermanence.

Coping Strategies:

Seeking Support: Encourage individuals to reach out to mental health professionals, counselors, or trusted individuals to discuss their fears and anxieties surrounding death. Seeking support can provide a safe space for expression and offer valuable tools for managing overwhelming emotions.

Mindfulness and Meditation: Engaging in mindfulness practices and meditation can help individuals cultivate a sense of peace and acceptance, allowing them to confront their fears with a clearer mindset.

Exploring Existentialism: Encouraging individuals to explore philosophical and existential concepts can provide valuable insights into the nature of life, death, and the human experience. Engaging with existential literature and thought may help individuals find meaning and purpose amid their reflections on mortality.

Embracing Life Amidst Mortality:

While reflecting on mortality and confronting the fear of death can be a daunting journey, it also presents an opportunity for profound introspection and personal growth. By acknowledging our mortality, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for life, cherish our relationships, and seek fulfillment in meaningful experiences.

Reflecting on our mortality and grappling with the fear of death are deeply human experiences that warrant compassion and understanding. By engaging in open conversations, seeking support, and exploring coping strategies, individuals can navigate these existential concerns with resilience and introspection. Embracing life’s transient nature while acknowledging our fears can lead to a profound sense of acceptance and a renewed appreciation for the beauty of existence.

CONTACT RON:

  • Reach out to schedule an individual session for personalized support.
  • Explore comprehensive courses on mental health at FamilyHealer.tv.
  • Inquire about scheduling a seminar for your organization to promote mental well-being. Send an email to Rehuxley@gmail.com
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Parenting Through the Tough Times

By Ron Huxley, LMFT

No one likes to go through tough times. Everyone would prefer to avoid extreme challenges and painful relationship encounter but we all go through them. How we endure them reveals what we are a really made of…Difficult situations reveal our parenting character and attitudes quicker than anything else in life. 

Attachment researchers call this “rupture and repair”. A rupture can be anything from a minor disagreement to a child stealing or running away to a major incident like a death or divorce. All families have them but how do they discover how to repair? It is the ruptures that tear down old strategies that didn’t support healthy communication and connection. Ruptures quickly remove strongholds in our relationships that prevent us from having the family of our dreams. This can be considered a good thing. It doesn’t feel good but it provides an opportunity to redefine our relationships. 

One way that families repair is they break agreements with lies they have believed about themselves and their family. These are often dysfunctional beliefs learned early in life that served to protect us from painful rejections and taught us our to get needs met even if it was distorted and manipulative. Fortunately, if we learned dysfunctional and distorted ways to navigate safely in relationships, we can learn new ideas and adopt healthier beliefs about how to have intimacy and connection. Most parents never stop to reflect during rough times to discover these new truths. 

Take a moment to ask yourself what did I learn about myself and my relationship during this most recent crisis? What was identified that needs to change and what am I willing to do to change it? Are you going to keep doing what didn’t work so well in the past and lead to this recent moment of pain or are you going to find a new thought and a new truth? 

Imagine you are taking a helicopter ride straight up, about a mile high, and look back down at your situation. What do you notice that you didn’t see before being so close to the circumstance? What details stand out to your now and what new directions do you need to get yourself and your family unstuck? You don’t have to know all the steps just yet. What is the first step that you feel you need to take right now to get healthier. 

The other way that successful families met tough times is to not blame one another. Even if someone else created a mess, they look at themselves to determine what messes are on their side of the street that they need to clean up. They stand on the principle of “the problem is the problem. The person is not the problem.” It can take a lot of emotional strength to stand on that thought but the truth is that you cannot change anyone, even a small child. You have to clean up your messes and your can model/teach your child how to clean up their messes. Guiding children, not controlling children is the real goal of parenting. 

Learn more power parenting tools with Ron Huxley’s parenting book: 

Love and Limits: Achieving a Balance in Parenting