During a discussion at my meditation group one of our members recommended an app that reminds users that they are going to die at random times throughout the day. I thought I’d give it a whirl so I downloaded it.
The idea seems really morbid. Indeed, the idea of thinking about death seems really depressing. But my gut was nudging me to try it.
So the next day I downloaded the app (We Croak is the name of it) and proceeded to have my day interrupted by notifications on my watch and phone saying “remember, you are going to die.” The first few days in my head I would read, “remember you are going to die soon” but I realized the terrible error of my ways and corrected my brain.
So yeah, five times a day I get a gentle reminder that I am going to die, with a quote to ponder.
I like it.
Instead of making me depressed it has given me a profound sense of clarity. This little gentle reminder of my inevitable demise is like a knife that cuts through all of the bullshit. It is making me realize that my time on this planet is limited. So how am I going to spend my time? I feel like this tiny bit of clarity is helping me make better choices. Do I want to spend the next 20 minutes scrolling through Facebook, or do I want to spend the next 20 minutes reading my book? Or sketching? Or writing a poem? Or, or, or.
It’s been an eye opening experience and one I highly recommend.
Blatherskite 
It sounds like it has had a wonderful effect on you, Moni. I might try it. I like Memento Mori. I have a wonderful life sized resin skull (human) that I bought for the purpose of reminding me to appreciate every moment. I love and admire it a lot, as I love bones, so the effect I was looking for has subsided as it has become like an art work to me. I’m going to download the app now, I think. 💭
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It really has! Yeah, Memento Mori is, I believe, the same idea. I always kind of avoided it, but now I totally get it!!
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I’ve just had my second quote. The only shame is that there isn’t a place where you can review them all at a later point. Strange that it is kinda fun. 🤔
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I agree! It would be great to see quotes from earlier in the day
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That was one of Marcus Aurelius’ meditations… powerful stuff! As I push towards being 60 years old, it’s much more real than when I was in my 40s…
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Really powerful stuff! I wish that this was something I’d found when I was a lot younger. I feel like I’ve wasted a lot of time in my life. But now is as good as time as any to start appreciating each moment. 🙂
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