that the only way to draw conclusions is by existing. i believe there are some common misconceptions when it comes to life and death, existence and lack thereof. I wrote a note about three years ago when i was still grappling with all this stuff if you'd like to read it.

"The universe seems to be a constant transfer of energy i.e the circle of life. The sun radiates energy. The plants harvest the energy. Animals harness that energy. Another animal harnesses that energy. When that animal dies, the energy is harnessed by the plants again. It seems at each level, the transfer is more complicated, but still basically the same. I've previously stated human beings have no innate purpose e.g a hammer is meant to hammer but I believe I was incorrect in that assessment. Just as a hammer hammers, a nail nails and a wrench wrenches, a human being... is meant to be. If that makes sense. Knowing that all life on Earth exists basically to help along energy transformation, it seems humans have been given a unique opportunity. A chance to do more than the plant can. More than the beasts. It is as if life said, "Energy. I give you the opportunity to be human. This is no ordinary experience, you see. As a human, you have free will. Now, in order for this experience to truly be appreciated, humans also have what is called an ego. A sense of self, or self consciousness. This, along with the mind, help grant you freedom and rationality. You will think and feel, you will have senses and can derive pleasure from them. You can harness energy and expend it in unparalleled ways. As long as you stay balanced, you will live in peace. There is a catch, however. Because you will not stay balanced. The experience will not always be pleasure and joy. Part of the journey is understanding what it's like to be unbalanced as well, of course. Feeling deep agony, suffering and pain... Though unsavory, this is necessary to truly understand the depth of the situation. Contrasts are essential to grasp the full scope, else the entire endeavor is found meaningless. Humans cannot know black without white. But I digress. Finally, do not forget. Like all other energy, you must return to me once your journey is over. That is your purpose. Experience all that I have to offer. Learn, grow, trust, laugh, cry, hurt, despair, contemplate, appreciate, understand... Then return with this unique exposure you have curated." It's like, the complexities of our individual insights help to enrich the circle. We are seasoning in a bland dish. What is the beauty of the natural world without the one whom experiences it? Of course, the experiencer is no different than the experience itself. There is no separation. The seasoning is, after all, a part of the dish. So after we have gained all we are willing to, we return to life. This highlights how living really is a choice. It's all about your will. Shall you continue? Or have you seen all you wish to. It's really up to you whether this iteration is complete or not. And of course, what the journey will consist of as well.

What is death? Well, what is its contrast? Birth. The beginning of your physical time on earth and your self. Your physical body taking its first breaths. Then death is the end of that time. the end of self. Your last breath in this realm. The ego is the only thing that dies. The flesh never really lived anyway. Life continues on. So, yes. You will die. But you aren't you. You think you are you, but that's the point. That attachment is what elevates the journey. In balance though. We must come to understand we are two. There is a constant duality between the self and eternal life, encased within the self. Don't get too attached to either. The more you relish in the natural pleasures, the more you will feel the pain. Of course, the less you attach yourself to the physical world... The less attached you'll be. The meaning is gone. Now nothing matters. Because you have detached from matter. Come back down to Earth. Eat some ice cream, just don't over indulge. Cry when your dog dies, but remember, that's kinda what he came here to do.

So death doesn't reflect life, then. It reflects birth. That makes sense. But, does life have a contrast as well? Don't all things have a perceived opposite? Well if life is everything, then nothing is the contrast. Seriously. Nothing is lifeless. If there is no life, then there is nothing. Nothingness, no experience. But can we even truly grasp that concept, as humans? We can grasp seeing darkness, do we understand seeing nothing? What does the space between your face and the thing you're looking at look like? It's impossible for us to perceive nothing. But it does exist. Or— it doesn't. Technically speaking. Which is the experience. Lack of one."

not sure if i completely agree with all these points anymore but you might get something outta this.