When we are young, we almost never think about dying. As children, life stretches out in front of us, magical and endless. But, as we get a little older, many of us start to wonder about what happens to us after we die.

Some of us think about the spiritual aspects of life after death. Is there a heaven? What will happen to me after I die? Will I see the people that I lost again?

Others think more about the practical aspects of leaving this planet. What will happen to my body after I die? How can I make sure that my family doesn’t have to pay for an expensive funeral? Have I said all of the things that I wanted to say and done all of the things that I wanted to do?

Perhaps, in truth, most of us have both types of questions in our minds.

Well, I can’t help you with the first set of questions. Everyone has to find their own way through the world of spirituality and religion. But, I can tell you about an interesting new idea that I came across for “recycling” your body after you die.

When I Die, I Want to Be a Tree

I recently came across a fascinating product, called the Bios Urn. Their idea is simple. When you die, your loved ones place your ashes in a biodegradable urn. Then, they place a small seed in the urn. Over time, your body literally becomes a part of the tree. Here’s a very short video that explains how the process works.

As morbid as it is to think about death, this idea is so appealing to me. I would love to have a beautiful cherry tree in my children’s garden. I imagine my grandkids playing in its branches.

Most of the time they would think only of their own happiness – and that’s exactly how I would like it. But, occasionally, just maybe, they would share a thought or two for their old grandma, who loved them so much.

Another reason that I love this idea is that it is a cost-effective, environmentally conscious choice. I’ve always thought that my body was the least important part of my being. After I’m gone, I won’t need it any more.

I’m certainly not criticizing people who choose to take the traditional route and be buried in a cemetery. This is a deeply personal decision. But, for me, I’d love to think that my last act was giving something back to the world – something that will help to clean and air and beautify the city in which I lived.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this! Please take a minute to join the conversation.

Does the idea of the Bios Urn appeal to you? Why or why not? What would you like to have happen to your body after you die?