‘Memento Mori’
take a step back, every morning
"Come to terms with death, thereafter anything is possible." Albert Camus
Hello,
As we embark on the second edition of the 'Sebastian’s Leadership Reflections' newsletter, we set sail on a trip of profound introspection with the ancient wisdom of Seneca’s writing “On the Shortness of Life” as our compass - 'Memento Mori.'
"Memento Mori," Latin for 'remember that you die,' is a profound philosophy that has been engraved into the human consciousness through the ancient stoic philosophers. Seneca, wrote extensively about this in "On the Shortness of Life." This concept paradoxically emphasizes not the inevitability of death but the vitality of life.
Instead of dwelling on the fact that death is unavoidable, “Memento Mori” encourages us to recognize the precious significance of life itself. By contemplating our mortality, we become more aware of the limited time we have on Earth, and this awareness serves as a powerful reminder to appreciate the present moment, to make the most of each day, to live intentionally.
In our first newsletter, we explored the premise that learning to lead oneself is related to learning to live. So, what better way to venture deeper into this journey of self- discover, of self-leadership than by contemplating the fleeting nature of our existence?
As you take your first sip of coffee in the morning, picture this: eyes closed, you dedicate a mere 30 seconds to remember 'Memento Mori.' It may feel counterintuitive, but to start the day contemplating our mortality, rather than instilling a sense of fear, the practice will serve as a natural catalyst for humility, gratitude and intent; a powerful reminder to cherish each day and to lead mindfully.
It is this acute awareness of life's finite nature that sharpens our perception of its preciousness. The same way that to lead oneself effectively, self-awareness is paramount, to fully appreciate each new day, we must cultivate an intimate understanding of life's fleeting nature.
Seneca, in his infinite wisdom, articulates this beautifully: "It's not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste much of it. Life is long enough, and it has been given to us in generous measure for accomplishing the greatest things if the whole of it is well invested. But when life is squandered through soft and careless living, and when it is spent on no worthwhile pursuit, death finally presses, and we realize that the life we didn’t notice passing has passed away."
Pause here for a moment. Reflect on these words. How do they resonate with you?
Seneca further observes, "You act like mortals in all that you fear and immortals in all you desire." This insight urges us to acknowledge that our present moment is sufficient, to remove the shackles of fear and the intoxicating risks of instant gratification. Instead, we should strive to fill our hearts with gratitude and appreciation for the present moment.
However, it would be a mistake to suggest this is an easy endeavor. On the contrary, it is a challenge, a continuous struggle to balance our human nature with our higher aspirations. Leading oneself doest not follow a simple formula; it's a journey. It is a sophisticated dance of learning, calibrating, refining, falling, and rising again.
The essence of 'Memento Mori' extends beyond the physicality of life and death. It symbolizes the transient nature of opportunities, relationships, moments, and yes, leadership roles too. Recognizing this can make us more conscious, humble, and empathetic leaders. It pushes us to seize the day, make the most of our opportunities, cherish our relationships, and leave a positive impact in people’s lives.
So, as we say ‘bye’ to this second edition of the newsletter, let's embrace the spirit of 'Memento Mori' to live our lives at their full potential. Let it be our humble yet bold guiding for excellence
P.S. As a “Treat” I’d like you to enjoy some of the music that kept me company while writing …
“Lead yourself, Learn to live. Lead others, Learn to Build.”
If you enjoyed reading this post consider subscribing to the newsletter, joining the community and sharing your thoughts
Anything that reminds us that every day matters it's a great! That every day needs to start with a purpose regardless of what that purpose is. For me it can be as simple as looking forward to see a friend, have a good day at work, get some workout in or just take a walk and admire the nature. Anything goes as long as we're grateful for each day and mindful that they're not infinite.