Also called Áraw ng mga Patáy in Filipino culture and in Mexican culture, Dia de los Muertos.  This holiday falls on November 1st and it is when we remember, pray for and honor loved ones who have passed.  

Death is inevitable.  And with yesterday’s passing of Hip Hop legend Heavy D at the very young age of 44, we are reminded exactly how short life can be.  In the words of Steve Jobs: “No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don’t want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because death is very likely the single best invention of life. It is life’s change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new.” 

“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart… Stay hungry. Stay foolish.” 

Life.  It’s a series of momentous events and choices.  Choices which can be the best, most satisfying decisions we’ve ever made.  And other times…not quite.  But believe that every move you make is meant to be.  I am a true believer of fulfilling your destiny.  Finding your treasure. Your instincts are already telling you what your destiny is.  All you have to do is listen.  We are all here for a reason and your heart knows what that reason is.  Your intuition is THE guide to what your heart wants.  Listen to it.  Follow it.  Even if you don’t know what it is, take steps every day to get you closer to it.  So that when that inevitable day comes, you know you’ve done everything you possibly can, to fulfill your heart’s reason for being.

Here are some beautiful altars currently on display at Smashbox Gallery.  Dia de los Muertos, a reminder for each one of us to start living life, now.    

Wishing you a peaceful journey Heavy D. 
|Sunrise| May 24, 1967 – |Sunset| November 8, 2011
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7gG0i2Ncn0[/youtube]
“Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.  You’ve got to find the treasure, so that everything you have learned along the way can make sense.”