Dr. Steve Taylor, a psychologist at Leeds Beckett University, believes many individuals live disconnected from reality, taking life for granted. To counter this, he employs a unique exercise with his students, assigning them a hypothetical "date of death" one year in the future.
"We human beings take life for granted. We live in a world of familiarity and have become disconnected from reality. We almost seem to doze off and forget that we are alive in the world and that our lives are temporary and fragile."
This exercise prompts students to contemplate how they would spend their final 365 days. Surprisingly, most responses reflect mature and spiritual considerations, focusing on relationships, nature, and personal growth.
The concept of a "date of death" gained real-world significance with former England football manager Sven Goran Eriksson. After announcing his terminal diagnosis in January 2024, Eriksson fulfilled his wish to manage a "Liverpool Legends" charity match in March, featuring Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, before passing away in August 2024.
Dr. Taylor's research into near-death experiences reveals their profound impact on individuals' perspectives. Many develop a heightened appreciation for life, becoming less materialistic and more aware of life's intrinsic values.
The author shares a personal brush with death from 50 years ago, narrowly escaping a bomb blast at the Tower of London. This historic fortress, founded in 1066 during the Norman Conquest, became the site of a suspected IRA attack, part of their 1969-1997 bombing campaign in England.
Dr. Taylor suggests that such experiences can be beneficial, helping people appreciate life more fully. He notes that women tend to be more receptive to these transformative experiences than men.
For those who haven't had a near-death experience, certain films can serve as a safer alternative to increase mortality awareness. Movies like "Groundhog Day" (1993), "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946), and "Thelma & Louise" (1991) offer new perspectives on everyday life.
"I feel awake! Wide awake! I don't ever remember feeling this awake… Everything looks different."
The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of living in the present moment and not squandering time. As Benjamin Franklin, one of America's Founding Fathers, wisely stated, "Do not squander time, as that is the stuff life is made of."