In recent weeks, I’ve been sharing an intriguing notification from my phone with friends. The message reads, “Don’t forget, you’re going to die.” Their reactions often blend confusion with concern, prompting me to clarify the context behind this unusual alert.
This notification comes from an app named WeCroak, designed not to provoke anxiety but rather to inspire a deeper appreciation for life. Each day, the app sends me five reminders at random intervals between 7 AM and 10 PM. When I tap on the notification, I’m greeted by a thought-provoking quote about death, sourced from a diverse range of voices—be it a philosopher, poet, or even a film star. While the quotes are a delightful addition, the notifications themselves serve as the core feature that resonates with me.
Embracing Life Through Mortality
The concept behind WeCroak is both simple and profound. By regularly confronting the reality of our mortality, users are encouraged to cherish the small, often overlooked moments in life. Whether it’s savoring a warm cup of coffee, feeling the sun on your skin, or exchanging smiles with a stranger, the app nudges us to find joy in the everyday.
This philosophy draws inspiration from Bhutanese wisdom, which suggests that to lead a happy life, one should contemplate death five times a day. Personally, I’ve found this practice to be remarkably effective. Despite enjoying a relatively comfortable existence, it’s all too easy to slip into a routine where days blend together. The app serves as a gentle reminder that our time is limited—approximately 4,000 weeks on average. Whether I’m weighing the decision to hit the gym or selecting fruit at the grocery store, these notifications prompt me to pause and appreciate my circumstances.
For those who find themselves lost in endless scrolling or harboring grievances about colleagues, WeCroak might offer a refreshing perspective. The app is designed with user privacy in mind; it does not track your activity, incorporate social features, or gamify your experience. Instead, it delivers its haunting yet enlightening message with the hope of encouraging reflection on what truly matters in life. Just be prepared for the puzzled looks from friends when you introduce them to this unique approach to mindfulness.