We can learn a lot about life from the dying. 

Profound wisdom often comes from those whose earthly life is slipping from them. The rest of us can listen to their last words, but if only we could get inside their spirits and understand their perspective. Are they just contemplating their lives, wishing they’d lived them more virtuously? Perhaps with less stress, less competition and less revenge? Maybe with more forgiveness, more empathy and more generosity? Or are they trying to share with us a realization of a more purposeful way to live? To have a life filled with meaning and depth of character? 

Either way, the ruminations of the dying can be valuable gifts to the rest of us still sojourning our earthly existence. 

Such was the topic of a homily given to our parish by a visiting Irish priest. Tall, slim and blond, Father John’s smile was gentle. Easy. And it radiated from a soul in total peace.

Father John believes there are three practices for the living that can be gleaned from the words and actions of the dying. These basic practices can enrich our souls and lead us to an abundant life. That is, a life in which every facet of our being—our minds, bodies, and spirits—overflows with heaps of plenty. Plenty of such things as contentment, equanimity and serenity. Father John’s peace illustrated that he, indeed, lived out the wisdom he shared.

The transformative practices are: 

Love Well

To love well seems easy. But is it, really? It’s easy to love those we love. But loving well means striving to love the unlovable, which isn’t so easy. To love humanity well doesn’t mean we have to accept the actions of others. It just means we must strive to love everyone regardless of their actions. 

But how do we love everyone? Love is best expressed through our actions. Kindness, patience and active listening—especially when we least feel like it—are some examples.

Live Well

From a personal perspective, to live well means to care for our minds, bodies and spirits. We thrive when each facet is feed what it needs to operate at its optimum level. Some examples include: sufficient sleep, proper nutrition, exercise, solitude and prayer. 

From a social perspective, to live well means to care for others through our actions. When we live well with those around us, we are also loving them well.

Let Go

We’re all going to let go someday through death. That’s the ultimate in letting go. But letting go of life with peace in your soul is determined by the choices you make while you’re alive. 

To let go of such things as unforgiveness, hate, stress, anger and revenge while living means having less regrets while dying. That’s not to say it’s easy. But nothing worthwhile ever really is. 

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Putting these practices into action calls us to dig deep inside ourselves to carry them out as a way of life. But when we do, oh, what better versions of ourselves we can be. 

Letting go of negativity in our lives makes room for the abundance of such things as tranquility, compassion, patience and thoughtfulness—things that lead us to love well and live well. 

An abundant earthly life awaits us. Wisdom shared by the dying tells us so, if only we will choose wisely.