Lars Von Trier’s new film Melancholia (out in theaters 11/11/11 but viewable on iTunes now!) is nothing short of a masterpiece. This is a clip of the opening prelude to the film, well worth the 8 minutes.
The film is about two sisters, Justine (played by Kirsten Dunst) and Claire (Charlotte Gainsborg) who must face the end of the world when they realize that the approaching planet “Melancholia” (is this Nibiru?) will collide with the earth. It is a fascinating look into different ways that we humans can face our deaths – Justine looks upon death with deep depression, while Claire has a panic attack.
While no one knows for sure if Elenin or Nibiru or the asteroid YU55 will collide with the earth and cause it’s demise, Melancholia reminded me of a realization I had about my quest for enlightenment – in order for me to have perfect peace and transcend this reality, I am going to need to come to complete acceptance of my death. In my view of things, enlightenment means not fearing anything, but instead loving everything. That includes death, as morbid as it sounds. I wanted to share two experiences I have had that have helped me overcome my fear of dying – not that I am completely ok with it yet! But they helped me.
During my time in the dark, I had an opportunity to experience life without seeing my physical body. It was definitely not a complete death experience, but a major part of my world had literally disappeared. It made me think about life in a slightly different way when I emerged, because I had experienced myself without the visible world around me, and especially without the sight of my physical body. I was more than my physical body.
Another experience I had earlier this year was a brief but intense dream of what I would identify as the “new earth” or the “5th dimension”. It was a beautiful vision of earth, but not as we know it now. The center of the earth was visible, and it was a star. Coming out from the star was crystal clear water, and the surface of the earth was floating forest islands. This was all very cool, but the most amazing part about it was that my consciousness was in the center of the earth – in other words, I was the earth. I could feel the whole thing. I didn’t see any humans, or animals. But the whole thing was living, and it was me! Obviously a way cool experience that only lasted for 30 seconds unfortunately, but it helped me lose identification with my current body.
It’s funny that Melancholia prompted me to remember these things. Does it sound like I should be in the crazy house? Don’t lock me up till I can finish the film, please.
Anyone else have experiences that helped them deal with their death?
