I am not sure if I am doing this correctly, but let's hope for the best.
We did not have the capability to wonder or worry about being born, so I have to assume there is a reason for this. I also don't think that the human mind is truly capable of understanding or truly comprehending eternity. We just don't have that ability, to my knowledge. Perhaps for good reason? If everyone knew innately why they were born, and when/how they would die, where would that leave us? Would we still try to live life? There has to be a reason for this mystery! How could there not be?
I, personally, want to believe in reincarnation to a degree. As far as religion, I don't think one religion is necessarily better than another, but I do believe one might be a better fit for one. However, the majority of people involved in religious affirmations were born into that particular religion. Is that by chance? I also don't know the answer to why I am American, and not Indian, or Saudi, or Asian.
So, there appear to be more questions than answers. We can not control being born, or choose how we die, so it seems senseless to dwell on it. Humans are curious beings, so dwell we will. ( I'd love to hear that in a really good Yoda voice)
I might be more interested in knowing why I was born, and why to those two people, but obviously ALL of these questions can not be answered and fall into the "no control zone." So, why waste your time in something we have no control over? I choose to embrace what I do have control over. I tend to follow the sayings from "Desiderata," that is MY guideline to trying to live a "good" life. I guess the real wow factor is we have the ability to continue to strive for answers, but if you can't tell me why I was born, you surely can't explain death to me. I just hope that from this point on I make decisions that will matter in my future.
To those that are curious about Desiderata:
DesiderataGo placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.
© Max Ehrmann 1927