On death...

Here is a morbid but potentially life giving blog on death! 

Life and death aren’t enemies - they’re dance partners. They move together, not just in the grand scheme of existence but inside us, in every cell. It might sound grim to start with death, but stick with me - because understanding how cells die can teach us how to live with more purpose.

We’ve always believed birth and death are life’s only certainties. But science is rewriting that story. Today, technology lets us choose genetic traits, surrogates, and even debate when life should end. These choices confuses our old ideas about beginnings and endings. There is more in the pipeline of technology too! But these two certainties still remain. 

We are not talking about that here - something else. Death that preserves, protects and gives life. I have been facing it every day. Every day one fish in my fish tank dies (guppies), but then I see many baby fish, swimming around. Did the mother give birth and die? (Any one who knows how to prevent fish maternal deaths, please let me know :))

But here we are considering the life and death of cells. From the moment we’re born, our cells start dying. Millions of cells perish every second, keeping us healthy and balanced. If they don’t die when they should, chaos follows - think cancer. If they die too much, we face strokes or nerve damage. So, death is not destruction; it’s maintenance. And the dead ones give space for the new ones. 

Cells have their reasons - stress, infection, growth changes, or signals from the immune system. And they don’t just vanish randomly; they follow rules.

• Apoptosis: The graceful exit. A cell breaks down quietly, no drama, no inflammation.
• Autophagy: The survival trick. A cell digests itself to recycle resources when times are tough.
• Necrosis: The messy breakup. A cell bursts, causing inflammation and trouble for its neighbors.

Even in death, cells communicate - some whisper for a clean removal, others scream for help.

So, what does all this biology mean for us?

• Mortality Is Real: We spend too much time regretting the past or fearing the future. Death reminds us to live now.
• Let Go to Grow: Like apoptosis clearing old cells, we need to shed outdated fears and habits. Holding on too long? That’s emotional necrosis—chaos that hurts us and those around us. Or allow autophagy in some areas to use resources more effectively.
• Endings Create Beginnings: Just as cell death makes room for new life, letting go opens space for growth. Old experiences become the soil for tomorrow’s dreams.

When we embrace this cycle, mortality stops being scary. It becomes a nudge to live intentionally - right here, right now. Life and death aren’t opposites; they’re partners in renewal. Every ending is a chance for a fresh start.

So, take a cue from your cells: release what no longer serves you, welcome what’s new, and keep moving forward. In dying, we’re reborn - again and again.

But then this is not easy. Every death leads to grief. The more you love the more you grieve. And that grief will remain till you die, but do not forget to live even when you grieve.