The Statistics of the Dead and Why I Choose to be Grateful

Last Updated on September 21, 2023 by The Unbounded Thinker

If more than 150,000 people die every month, and today none of your friends or family members is dead, then you have a big reason to smile.’ – Sadhguru, Indian Mystic.

Before falling in love with esoteric philosophy, I used to be sad and angry. My focus on material possessions and social status prevented me from noticing the infinite blessings I had.

I worried about not having more possessions than my friends, and I was angry at life because some people – who I thought were happy – despised me. This ended after I stumbled upon the above quote, meditated on it, and researched about the world’s death rates.

I discovered that more than 2,000 people die every day in car crashes, and about 1 million people die in road crashes every year. I also found that more than 2.5 million people die from diseases every year, and in total, about 40 million people die every year.

Moreover, I realized that the world has lost about 30 million people from January 1^st, 2019 to July 15^th, 2019.

The statistics of the dead enlightened me that more than 5,000 people die every day, and therefore, more than 10,000 people mourn every day. It then dawned on me that I am a blessed person who must be happy every day because all my family members are alive.

Again, the statistics of the dead reminded me of how stupid I had been: I always worried about lacking replaceable material possessions instead of being thankful that the most precious people in my life were alive.

I thus shifted my focus from worry to being grateful for the amazing irreplaceable people I had; the only magnificent beings who can go out of their way to help me.

I smile every day when I wake up in the morning and not receive death news about my family members. I know I will lose my loved ones one day, but in this period that they are alive, I know I have a BIG reason to be happy and thankful for the mysterious grace that keeps them alive.

May the Infinite Intelligence bless all your family members, and enlighten you about their importance in your life so that you love and be grateful for them.

May Peace of Mind be With You.