I am form. I am energy. I am in a state of constant flux; changing at every fluid, infinitesimal point in time. The calories I consume fuel the fingers which transcribe thoughts.

If energy is the prerequisite for life, death is simply the loss of this essential energy. If we are blessed enough to live a full life and die a natural death, old age becomes synonymous with losing the ability to function as a whole. The mind’s construct, “I”, dies, but the body remains. We call the body dead because there is no energy which supports its legs; no will to course blood and oxygen through its veins. The “I” therefore exists dependently on the cooperation of mind and body. The mind is a self-awareness of the body and a projection of its “self”. Consequently, death is the combination of a lack of energy and the body’s natural deterioration.

That being said we become buckets. Buckets with a tiny leak at the seams. When the water empties the bucket is still a bucket, but its essence is no longer present. The energy put into creating the bucket will slowly compost, and transform into new forms of energy. We exist temporarily so long as our body, and mind, are able to function and cooperate with one another.

There is no point in preserving the bucket, for it is subject to the infinite nature of time. The only thing we can do is be useful and appreciate our temporary existence. Water without a bucket lacks form, and a bucket without water is empty. As I see it, the best we can do is empty ourselves; give to those who thirst and water that which we find beautiful. Our purpose should be more than simply waiting, biding our time, until our well dries up. It is nobler to sacrifice oneself for others and to cultivate; indifference and selfishness are crimes against the spirit.