Wikipedia defines Halloween or All Hallows’ Eve as a celebration observed on the 31st of October. It begins the three-day observance of Allhallowtide, the time in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead.
Today, we know all sorts of things that can be explained with the help of science. Over 400 years ago, most people thought the earth was flat and the idea that their belief might be wrong was not only incomprehensible, but also instilled fear in those who even considered it. However, scientists like Newton and Galileo were able to demonstrate the earth was actually round and, subsequently, Neil Armstrong proved it to doubters with pictures of the earth from the moon.
We know why volcanoes erupt; we know why hot lava burns and eventually turns to hard black lava rock; we understand why earthquakes happen and can predict hurricanes, tropical storms and so many other natural occurrences. But there is something that happens every day on our planet that no one truly understands: death, or I should say, the afterlife. People die every day and no one truly knows where they go or what happens next. We believe all sorts of things: reincarnation, heaven, hell, purgatory, or even nothingness. We watch tv shows that seemingly prove there may be ghosts among us, or a way to still interact with those who have passed before us. The Bible compares death to sleep more than fifty times, “for the living know that they will die; but the dead know nothing” (Ecclesiastes 9:5 NKJV).
We know the girl screaming and running from the serial killer will suffer Post- Traumatic Stress disorder. But, we don’t know what happens immediately after she is murdered or exactly where she will be for the remainder of eternity. We connect this fascination subliminally with our own fear of death and fear of the evil around us. We know why people die. We know the causes. We know our ceremonial departures. We just don’t know FOR SURE what happens—with any scientific proof despite billions of people trying. Since the earth was formed, nearly 100 billion people have lived on the planet. Yet, no one knows for sure what happened to the 93 billion people no longer with us.
Are we reunited with our lost loved ones? Do we see a replay of our entire lives and finally understand the meaning of our pain? Do our ancestors that have passed before us protect us and guide us in our lives on earth or are they simply gone? Many of us would like to believe that we are accepted into Heaven upon death, but that’s not exactly what the Bible states.
So what happens when you die? It’s a question that has crossed everyone’s mind, because death happens to everyone, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, or status. It is the unconquerable foe that has taken over the likes of Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar. Postulates or theories by minds like Einstein or Stephen Hawking can never truly be proven.
Many psychologists have asserted that people are heavily motivated by fear of their own mortality. The way I see it – the best we can do is live the healthiest lives we are currently capable of – not just by eating well, exercising, avoiding bad habits, getting enough sleep, and managing stress, but also by prioritizing fulfilling relationships,ensuring that you are aligned with your soul’s work, staying in a positive head and heart space, taking steps to feel spiritually connected, and living an all-around wholly healthy life.