Why Thinking About Death Helps You Live a Better Life | Alua Arthur | TED

As a death doula, or someone who supports dying people and their loved ones, Alua Arthur spends a lot of time thinking about the end of life. In a profound talk that examines our brief, perfectly human time on this planet, she asks us to look at our lives through the lens of our deaths in seeking to answer the question: "What must I do to be at peace with myself so that I may live presently and die gracefully?"

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[AskAMortician]

Alua's authenticity and sincerity are the real deal. She's one of our greatest advocates and thinkers around death.

[aphrodite]

Going from watching this a year ago, to completing her death doula training this week and getting to talk to her virtually is surreal!

[lubysisters]

Her talk is beyond beautiful!
I listen to this talk about once a month and I ugly cry every single time. But it inspires me and reminds me to live every single moment and second of my life to the fullest! She is such a gift!!

[mariaolsen]

This TED Talk is one of the best I ever have heard. Thank you, Alura Arthur, for sharing your insights and light with the world!

[adorablebelle]

This talk is poetic and full of wisdom. I want to write down the opening in my journal. So precious.

[deesimzz]

I sobbed so hard at her description of what she believes death to be. Unbelievable talk. So grateful for her wisdom.

[richardlerew]

I have died. You give permision. It is peaceful. It is like floating through a bright eyeball. On the other side there are only those that came before you.

I am currently pregnant AND dying. So I live life. I show love. I smile so largly at the moon and sky I have given myself more wrinkles.

Love life! Death does not hurt!

[arthurslouro]

I'm literally in tears as I watched this TED talk. It felt as if I was listening to a poem that touched me so deeply. Thank you TED for sharing this. What an amazing speaker.

[mmirafuentess]

Looking forward to my first day or lecture of Death doula course!
I am 58, retired Pharm Tech, slightly depressed due to fibromyalgia pains, thoracic outlet syndrome, etc.
However, there is time still to serve others.

[Bise]

I learned alot from this talk but the most that i will take from this is to "hold life lightly", nothing lastly forever.

[SS-keoq]

A life worth dying from.
These are going to be the words I live by. Thank you.

[MindfulClassroom]

How is it I just discovered Alua? This talk is poignant and powerful. I left it thinking more about living than dying. She drives home, our lives are a series of transitions preparing for the biggest transition death. She inspired me so deeply and transformationally.

[narceliankrisa]

I love how she speaks with kindness, poetry, confidence and wisdom. Its been pleasing, funny and VERY touching to listen to her.

[octaviasithole]

I cried😭! Not because of sadness but because what she said makes so much sense. I am making it my goal to live fully in the years that I have left. Thank you ☺️ so much for this talk. 😊

[Nokaoitp]

Aloha and Mahalo to my dear friend who shared this video with me. 🧡🙏🏾🪷☀️

As a born, raised and practicing Buddhist I thought I had a healthy relationship with life and death. After watching you I am sooo encouraged to embrace learning more and become a DD. Mahalo for sharing YOU in the world for these beautiful human experiences and wearing my fav color just makes me love you more! 🧡🧡Mahalo beautiful Alua- I SEE YOU🙏🏾

[Willzd]

Wow wow wow wow wow - she is incredible! What a fantastic speaker, storyteller and thinker. I feel like I just experienced something very special.

[Margochristiaens]

Alua did an amazing job, she inspired me to a new life motto, which from now on reads: 'Don't wait for things to happen, make them happen, because life doesn't stop for you.'

[clinkedylinkedy]

This is the best Ted talk I’ve ever seen. Thank you for gifting us profound meaning, Alua.

[RingfSaturn]

Alua Arthur is a blessed being and her TED talk is extraordinarily beautiful.

[mostguitarswins]

"It is complete, and I am safe" Thank you for turning and facing the things that matter. Thank you for speaking ❤‍🔥🙏