If death is inevitable, if it is a sure thing that this face, these hands, this body that holds a lifetime of this living, will, someday, no longer be here, if you don’t get to take a single thing with you —
then —
why spend a moment more refusing, worrying about who might disapprove, measuring every move as if there is some fixed formula you must find? Why hold tight to anything?
Why not, instead, love every honeyed drop of yourself, why not leap into life—belly-laughing and light, light like the soft kiss of moonlight, light like the light that you are, have always been, will always be—
why not take this quickly passing day by the hand and dance like there’s no tomorrow? And if you’re too tired to dance, why not rest lightly here just as you are?
by Julia Fehrenbacher
This poignant poem by Julia Fehrenbacher poses a question that resonates deeply within us: Why Not? In the face of life’s fleeting nature, why do we often hold back, burdened by anxieties and hesitations? The poem beautifully captures the essence of embracing life, urging us to shed our self-imposed restrictions and truly live. It’s an invitation to consider a different perspective, one that champions freedom and joy in our everyday existence.
The wisdom of “why not” echoes in unexpected places. I recall a powerful message from a Christmas speech by the Dutch Queen many years ago: “It is the approach of death that makes life even more precious.” This simple yet profound statement struck me deeply as a teenager, and the concept has lingered ever since. The awareness of life’s finite nature can be a powerful catalyst for appreciating each moment and choosing to live more fully.
Fehrenbacher’s poem, especially the opening lines about the inevitability of death, brings this idea into sharp focus. It highlights a universal truth – that our time is limited. This realization isn’t meant to be morbid, but rather a liberating call to action. Why spend precious moments worrying about external judgments or adhering to rigid formulas for life, when we could be experiencing its richness instead? Why not choose joy, love, and authentic expression?
The poem further encourages us to “leap into life—belly-laughing and light”. This isn’t just about grand gestures, but about finding lightness and joy in the everyday. It’s about embracing our true selves, “light like the light that you are,” and allowing that inner light to guide our actions. The question “why not” becomes a mantra for breaking free from self-doubt and embracing our inherent worthiness of joy and fulfillment.
Interestingly, the poem also acknowledges the need for rest. “And if you’re too tired to dance, why not rest lightly here just as you are?” This is a crucial point, especially in our often-hectic world. The “why not” philosophy isn’t solely about constant activity; it’s also about self-compassion and allowing ourselves to rest and simply be. This balance between action and rest is essential for a well-lived life. It’s like the natural rhythm of breathing – inhaling and exhaling, both vital and necessary. This concept is further explored in books like “Rest as Resistance” by Tricia Hersey, which emphasizes the importance of rest as a form of self-care and even resistance against societal pressures to constantly be productive.
Ultimately, the question “why not” invites us to live with greater intention and awareness. It challenges us to examine the limitations we place on ourselves and to consider a more expansive and joyful way of being. For those interested in exploring this further, resources like the “Living Well to Die Well” course offer pathways to cultivate a life that embraces both vibrant living and peaceful acceptance of life’s cycle. So, let’s ask ourselves more often: why not choose joy, why not embrace life, and why not live fully, just as we are?
