Why I Will Have Norah Jones Playing at My Funeral

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Buddhist tradition says that when an enlightened one dies there’s an opportunity for enlightenment for all of those present. In my personal opinion, when anyone dies, there’s an opportunity for enlightenment for those remaining.

First of all let me tell you why I actually like funerals. Funerals are the one social ritual which make me question my life choices and meaning. This doesn’t happen as intensely for me at births and weddings. I’ve never gone to visit a new born baby and asked myself, “What is the meaning and purpose of my life?” However, at every funeral, I have asked such questions.

So, I am acutely aware of the power of funerals to create introspection, self-analysis, and possibly evenenlightenment! As such, I plan to use this power for the benefit of those who will one day attend my very own funeral.

My hope is that when people leave my funeral that they will vow to become their best selves, be inspired to live an authentic life, and to find new courage.

So what does this have to do with Norah Jones?

I have found that one of her songs has the same effect on me as funerals. Listen closely to the sultry tune “When the Day is Done.” It’s full of reflection that only endings can trigger:                           

“When the day is done…”

“When the bird has flown…”

“When the game’s been fought…”

“When the party’s through…”

In addition to magnifying the reflective power of endings, I feel like this smoky song somehow conveys my life message which is : Live every day as though it is your last, leave no plans unmade, leave no words unsaid, and do your best to leave no regrets behind.

So, for the sake of possible enlightenment, I’ve decided to play Norah Jones at my funeral.

Monica Williams-Murphy, MD, an emergency physician, is an author and public speaker whose focus is empowering patients and families in critical and end-of-life decision-making. Her book, "It's OK to Die" and companion website are devoted to transforming the end of life into a time of peace, closure and healing. To buy the book and learn more about Dr. Williams-Murphy’s work, visit www.oktodie.com.