Embracing Mortality: What The Swimmers Taught Me About Living Fully

As the year winds down, I found myself drawn to a film that promised more than entertainment. The Swimmers, a poignant tale of courage and resilience, left me profoundly moved, echoing the teachings of Sadhguru (Founder of Isha Foundation) that I strive to imbibe in my own life.

Watching The Swimmers brought into sharp focus the privileges I often overlook. The film follows the harrowing journey of Yusra and Sara Mardini, two Syrian sisters who fled their war-torn homeland with nothing but courage and a dream. Their story made me confront the safety and freedom I often take for granted—luxuries that many around the world are denied. It’s humbling to realize how easily we fixate on minor imperfections, all the while overlooking the immense privileges that shape our lives.

The Mardini sisters endured unimaginable challenges, yet they refused to let their circumstances define them. Sara, for instance, did not let being a refugee in a foreign country stand in the way of her dream to reach the Olympics. She trained tirelessly in a refugee camp—surrounded by sparse resources and uncertainty—and convinced a coach to believe in her, embodying resilience and determination.

One moment in the film deeply moved me: Sara discards her cherished swimming medals into the ocean to lighten the load of their sinking boat. That act was a stark reminder of how much we accumulate in life, clinging to things that ultimately hold no meaning. At the moment of death, what truly matters? What will make our lives worthwhile?

When I reflected on this, I realized how much sadness I would feel if my time were to end now. I haven’t lived enough, laughed enough, danced enough, or seen enough of the world. Why does it take contemplating mortality to appreciate life? Why do we so often take it all for granted?

This reflection has spurred me to act. To bridge the gap between intention and action, I’ve decided to pursue my passion for dance. This means signing up for classes, performing whenever I can, and refusing to let self-doubt hold me back.

But keeping this awareness alive is not easy. I often find myself slipping back into complaints and complacency. This is where Sadhguru’s wisdom has offered invaluable guidance. He teaches a profound evening practice: to go to bed as though it were your deathbed.

Sadhguru’s Evening Practice: A Deathbed Contemplation

Before sleep, Sadhguru suggests taking a few moments to consciously set aside everything you’ve accumulated—your body, your thoughts, your emotions, even your relationships. Sleep not as a person, but simply as life. If you do this, you will wake up feeling lighter, more vibrant, and open to new possibilities.

This practice isn’t morbid; it’s liberating. It shifts our focus from everyday concerns to the beauty of existence itself. It’s an invitation to live each day with awareness, to embrace life’s fleeting nature with grace. Reflecting on mortality doesn’t have to be a burden; it can be a reminder to cherish what we have and to live with intention.

The Swimmers is more than a film—it’s a mirror reflecting the resilience inherent in all of us, urging us to embrace our privileges with gratitude and pursue our passions with courage. Watching the sisters’ journey made me question my own: What am I holding onto that no longer serves me? What dreams have I postponed in the name of comfort or fear?

If you haven’t yet, I invite you to watch this movie, which received a standing ovation at a film festival for its raw and powerful storytelling. It’s based on real-life events, making its lessons even more poignant. I also recommend watching Sadhguru’s video, Live Like Today Is Your Last Day, where he shares profound insights on mortality and living fully.

Perhaps it is life’s fleeting nature that calls us to live fully. Let’s not wait for life’s brevity to force us into action. Let’s live, laugh, dance, and dream while we can.