WILDLY FREE ELDER
The Artistry of Aging
DAY 15: A Shift In Perspective
Cloud Mist, Blue Ridge Mountains, Western N. Carolina
Opening my closet today I happened to glance at one of the book titles in my bookcase and pulled it out – The Book of Joy. How perfect for this mid-way journey of 31-Days of Joy and Laughter Project.
Having danced with Archbishop Desmond Tutu in Bali, Indonesia many years ago now where he was the keynote speaker for a Global Healing Conference, and having always loved the playfulness and wisdom of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Getting those two together is quite something – joyful moments to be certain….and very, very playful!
“Deeply moving and laugh-out-loud funny, Mission: JOY is a documentary with
unprecedented access to the unlikely friendship of two international icons who
transcend religion: His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu. In their
final joint mission, these self-described mischievous brothers give a master
class in how to create joy in a world that was never easy for them. They offer
neuroscience-backed wisdom to help each of us live with more joy, despite
circumstances.”
One of the “8 Pillars of Joy” spoken about in this book is a quality of the mind – perspective. The way we see the world, and our life within it, is how we are in the world. This viewpoint impacts the experiences and challenges we may have and in turn has the power to change the world we live in.
Our perspective toward life can be our final and ultimate freedom – a way of looking at life in a more operational way versus a defining way. This perspective is often based on limited self-interest and self- awareness – but when we open up our lens to a wide angle view more possibilities reveal themselves.
“For every event in life there are many different angles. When you look at the same event (challenge or situation) from a wider perspective, your sense of worry and anxiety reduces, and you have greater joy. “
His Holiness the Dalai Lama
I often feel that what the world needs right now in these crucial times is a shift in perspective. A shift away from focusing on the symptoms and a rewire to address the core causes of disruption and imbalance. This also can have great impact in our daily personal lives.
It has taken some time for me to “get out of my own way”, let go, and open to unfolding possibilities and synchronicity. Perhaps it has for you as well.
As a small example, when I relocated from Austin, TX back to California (Relocation #6 of 7) several years ago now, I thought I needed to save money and be more prepared to set up a home base before I could set a date for leaving. My mind told me this was sensible and safe.
However, when I tried on the flip side of that thinking this possibility appeared – “I trust that there will be more resources that will appear when I simply set a date to pack up and start the move” – I felt freedom in that moment.
Within that letting go an opportunity came in to work with a friends company remotely that funded my relocation and meant I did not have to “hit the ground running” to build up my energy medicine/yoga therapy practice right away. A wider perspective.
Because I was willing to see beyond the, what seemed like, more secure and safe decision (inner conversation) to save money and wait to move, an opportunity emerged from willingness to let go into a larger area of possibilities.
Even when we may be constantly bothered by something in our daily life, a different perspective can make a world of difference. Several months ago now I moved from an extremely quiet and peaceful environment to a space on a busy road leading to a small downtown area.
This road is not only traveled frequently by cars and trucks but also fire engines and police cars with sirens blaring. Mind you it is only a small one lane both ways winding road, but the siren noise dramatically disturbed my peace of mind and being. Or so I let it.
One day while standing out on the front porch a fire truck went by with sirens blaring. My landlord, who lives right next door to me, came out on the porch with his hand on his heart and a smile on his face. Curiosity drove me to ask what meaning these noisy trucks had for him. He proceeded to tell me that he was a volunteer fireman for 19 years and simply loved watching them go by bringing back all of his memories.
From that point on every time I hear the sirens I only have to envision a man standing on his porch with his hand on his heart and a smile breaks out on my face. Incredulously I no longer have an adverse reaction to the noise.
Allowing time for the mists to clear, as in the image at the top of this post, a different perspective and a vast array of possibilities will reveal themselves.
Hand on my heart…..joy and freedom is nestled in perspective.
About 31 Days of Joy & Laughter Project:
As elders with a long life behind us and not as much embodied life before us, and as humans on the planet Earth at this time, we are being faced with incredible challenges that compete to take our attention.
A couple of days ago I realized I no longer choose to have my attention taken by the fear, doom and gloom broadcast daily, whether on our smart phones news feed or while talking to others. I am weary of it all and need a higher vibration energy bath!.
It is not that I don’t want to know what is happening in the world, but instead the question I am posing to myself, and to you, every day is – where do we want to place our attention? We most always have a choice.
For the month of December I am placing attention on joy, laughter, creativity and acts of kindness as a experiment to see what unfolds. Seeking out and being aware of moments of joy sometimes hidden in the deep pockets and lining of each and every day that seem to get passed over without even looking back. They are always there.
Each day in December you will find a small nugget of joy, humor, creativity or small act of kindness that found me and pulled my attention which will be posted here. I invite you to join me and share your experiences and what you noticed so that we may spread it around! (Please use the “Comment” section below).
If you don’t want to miss any of these posts simply sign up for the blog here:
https://wildlyfreeelder.wordpress.com/blog/
You can also find all of the posts in the archives here: https://wildlyfreeelder.wordpress.com/2021/12/
Gaye Abbott, Natural Passages Consulting, 12/15/21. Please feel free to share this post and link to WildlyFreeElder
Considering a move? Finding Home: Conscious Relocation Services by Gaye Abbott
DAY 14: Awaken
Sunrise Over the Blue Ridge Mountains, Western N. Carolina
“A miracle happened: another day of life.”
Paulo Coelho
Sunrise.
Another day of embodied life has been given to us.
Isn’t this what the mystics call awakening.
To know this miracle of breath and scent
Taste, touch and color
Passion and grief
All woven together in a tapestry of choice and artistry.
The almost unbearable lightness of being
Ushering in the presence of the next moment
Where we remember why we are here
And who we are becoming.
Awaken
(Gaye Abbott, 12/14/2021)
Find out more about this truly exceptional musician, philanthropist and music educator for children: https://dameesco.com/bio/
About 31 Days of Joy & Laughter Project:
As elders with a long life behind us and not as much embodied life before us, and as humans on the planet Earth at this time, we are being faced with incredible challenges that compete to take our attention.
A couple of days ago I realized I no longer choose to have my attention taken by the fear, doom and gloom broadcast daily, whether on our smart phones news feed or while talking to others. I am weary of it all and need a higher vibration energy bath!.
It is not that I don’t want to know what is happening in the world, but instead the question I am posing to myself, and to you, every day is – where do we want to place our attention? We most always have a choice.
For the month of December I am placing attention on joy, laughter, creativity and acts of kindness as a experiment to see what unfolds. Seeking out and being aware of moments of joy sometimes hidden in the deep pockets and lining of each and every day that seem to get passed over without even looking back. They are always there.
Each day in December you will find a small nugget of joy, humor, creativity or small act of kindness that found me and pulled my attention which will be posted here. I invite you to join me and share your experiences and what you noticed so that we may spread it around! (Please use the “Comment” section below).
If you don’t want to miss any of these posts simply sign up for the blog here:
https://wildlyfreeelder.wordpress.com/blog/
You can also find all of the posts in the archives here: http://atomic-temporary-171801894.wpcomstaging.com/2021/12/
Gaye Abbott, Natural Passages Consulting, 12/13/21. Please feel free to share this post and link to WildlyFreeEld
Considering a move? Finding Home: Conscious Relocation Services by Gaye Abbott
DAY 13: Uber Elders
Bababara Beskind of Design Within Reach
“Healthy aging can be summed up by this moto: Stay vertical and move forward with a sense of humor and an inquisitive, creative mind.”
Barbara Beskind
Creative and vibrant people, whether they be elders or any age, inspire me….which then brings joy into my life. The short 7-minute video below came to my attention today and I thought it a perfect addition to the 31-Day Joy & Laughter Project.
Every single one of us will be facing challenges as we age and of course an inevitable transition out of our present bodies. Barbara Beskind is on a mission, already in her 90’s, to have as much quality of life as possible before that happens and to enhance other people’s lives while she is still here.
Barbara defines “Uber Elder” as “Someone 95 and beyond who is living a fulfilling and purposeful life.”
She is proving that in her own life by working with a well know Silicon Valley Engineering firm called IDEO as, what she calls, a “conceptual designer” to help design equipment for vision and hearing loss, mobility, balance and memory loss.
On no prescription medications and actively going to a fitness center 3 days a week after many years of walking at least 2 miles a day she exemplifies what an Uber Elder is. Take a few minutes to watch the video below and find out what she has designed to replace walkers….and why.
A delightful and playful sense of humor she does have….and a presence that inspires!
ABOUT ENDWELL: “As we increasingly rely on technology to problem solve, conceptual designer Barbara Beskind is a testament to the power of personal input. Using her experience as an occupational therapist, Barbara, then aged eighty-nine, instigated the role of advisor for aging-related projects for the international design firm, IDEO. Inventive, practical, playful and always human-centered, Barbara and her can-do spirit set the stage for an exploration of design values that honor, respect and expand our understanding of ourselves and others. Learn about the End Well Symposium: https://www.endwellproject.org/
We believe all people should experience the end of life in a way that matches their values and goals. End Well is a dynamic gathering of individuals committed to generating human-centered, interdisciplinary innovation for the end of life experience. We are a diverse group of people who listen and learn from each other. Our goal is to create a cultural shift that supports new collaborations, systems, protocols, and products to foster new and existing networks of support to make the end of life more human-centered for all.”
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfm6… Share End Well videos on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/endwellproject/ View End Well videos on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/endwellsf Tweet End Well videos on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/endwellsf Follow End Well on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company-beta…
About 31 Days of Joy & Laughter Project:
As elders with a long life behind us and not as much embodied life before us, and as humans on the planet Earth at this time, we are being faced with incredible challenges that compete to take our attention.
A couple of days ago I realized I no longer choose to have my attention taken by the fear, doom and gloom broadcast daily, whether on our smart phones news feed or while talking to others. I am weary of it all and need a higher vibration energy bath!.
It is not that I don’t want to know what is happening in the world, but instead the question I am posing to myself, and to you, every day is – where do we want to place our attention? We most always have a choice.
For the month of December I am placing attention on joy, laughter, creativity and acts of kindness as a experiment to see what unfolds. Seeking out and being aware of moments of joy sometimes hidden in the deep pockets and lining of each and every day that seem to get passed over without even looking back. They are always there.
Each day in December you will find a small nugget of joy, humor, creativity or small act of kindness that found me and pulled my attention which will be posted here. I invite you to join me and share your experiences and what you noticed so that we may spread it around! (Please use the “Comment” section below).
If you don’t want to miss any of these posts simply sign up for the blog here:
https://wildlyfreeelder.wordpress.com/blog/
You can also find all of the posts in the archives here: http://atomic-temporary-171801894.wpcomstaging.com/2021/12/
Gaye Abbott, Natural Passages Consulting, 12/13/21. Please feel free to share this post and link to WildlyFreeEld
Considering a move? Finding Home: Conscious Relocation Services by Gaye Abbott
DAY 12: Light and Shadows
Weaverville, N. Carollina
Today has emerged as a journey in finding joy in light and shadows within and without. It begin with watching the sun emerge over the Blue Ridge Mountain tops, slowly becoming exposed after being concealed.
And as the light increased, chasing away the shadows, greeted by the “Caribbean Dancer” Christmas Cactus sitting right next to the window out of which I was gazing.
A dear friend sent me a simple photo of a banana and two tangerines illuminated in a shaft of morning light – the merging of art and breakfast, shadow and light. A morning greeting.
Walking in the cold crisp air where I met Marvin, a French bulldog puppy, who came up to me with paws gently placed on my legs snuffling almost like a purr and gazing into my eyes in greeting. His beautiful soft gray fur a mixture of light and dark. He made me smile.
All around stirs the process of coming into being – emergence – all clothed in shadow and light, shifting in each moment.
Finally, sitting out on the screened in porch, as the afternoon light and shadows merge with each other. From my vantage point, sitting on the rocking swing seat bathed in sunlight and shadows, I am taken into the peacefulness of this day wrapped in subtleties.
The shadows dance with the lessening of light each day coming nearer to the Solstice. Acceptance of this darker partner who holds stories of birth and death, aging and wisdom, beginnings and endings. love and loss – always shifting and changing.
Will we notice these moments bathing in their depths, becoming a willing partner in a dance with both light and shadow…..
About 31 Days of Joy & Laughter Project:
As elders with a long life behind us and not as much embodied life before us, and as humans on the planet Earth at this time, we are being faced with incredible challenges that compete to take our attention.
A couple of days ago I realized I no longer choose to have my attention taken by the fear, doom and gloom broadcast daily, whether on our smart phones news feed or while talking to others. I am weary of it all and need a higher vibration energy bath!.
It is not that I don’t want to know what is happening in the world, but instead the question I am posing to myself, and to you, every day is – where do we want to place our attention? We most always have a choice.
For the month of December I am placing attention on joy, laughter, creativity and acts of kindness as a experiment to see what unfolds. Seeking out and being aware of moments of joy sometimes hidden in the deep pockets and lining of each and every day that seem to get passed over without even looking back. They are always there.
Each day in December you will find a small nugget of joy, humor, creativity or small act of kindness that found me and pulled my attention which will be posted here. I invite you to join me and share your experiences and what you noticed so that we may spread it around! (Please use the “Comment” section below).
If you don’t want to miss any of these posts simply sign up for the blog here:
https://wildlyfreeelder.wordpress.com/blog/
You can also find all of the posts in the archives here: http://atomic-temporary-171801894.wpcomstaging.com/2021/12/
Gaye Abbott, Natural Passages Consulting, 12/12/21. Please feel free to share this post and link to WildlyFreeEld
Considering a move? Finding Home: Conscious Relocation Services by Gaye Abbott
DAY 11: Simple Human Kindness
Candlelight Stroll, Downtown Weaverville, N. Carolina
It is the day after the annual Candlelight Stroll in the small town of Weaverville, N. Carolina and I am still filled with the joy of a community coming together to celebrate life in so many and varied ways. The rain is coming down now and I sit warm and cozy in my home sanctuary after a short walk to the local library to pick up a book.
What I thought was to be a simple errand a couple of hours ago turned into a connective experience in simple human kindness and positive engagement. Something we not only yearn for but wish to extend to others in these challenging times.
Only a few blocks, the walk was brisk to beat the anticipated rain. At the same time being aware of opportunities for spontaneous connection that proved to be numerous much to my delight.
- A police officer waiting to move into traffic from a driveway, seeing me a bit away on the sidewalk, purposefully moving back out of the way to let me walk by. Going up to his window, which he rolled down, I thanked him for his kindness and wished him happy holidays. He responded back in kind.
- People on the sidewalk exchanging smiles and good mornings. A simple kindness that is available to us all the time.
- A young boy of about 6 years old getting out of his family car near the library and running to the door. My thought was that he was excited to look at books to borrow that day and it made me happy to see. That is until I saw the real reason why he was hurrying to get there before me. He wanted to open the door for me! “Thank you kind sir. I sincerely appreciate your opening the door for me.” His response was “you are welcome” with a huge smile on his face.
- Sharing laughter with the librarian (quietly :-)) around not being able to pick my library card off of the counter as it was stuck there until she slid it off. That apparently was the third time in a row she had done that and this time she decided it was humorous!
- And then what I now call the “Climb in. Turn around. Sit Down.” song and dance. As I walked back home I was passing a car where a young mother was securing her child in the back seat of the car. I never did see the child, but I did hear the mother’s litany of “climb in, turn around, sit down” and I swear she felt my smiling even though I was a little past them. It reminded me of a possible children’s game of some sort. As I turned around she actually started singing the words and was smiling to herself. I said to her – “isn’t that a children’s game of some sort?”, thinking but not saying, like the Hokey Pokey (yikes that dates me!) We laughed with each other and I must say I was tempted to dance and sing right there with her. What you want to bet that this will become a song sung to her child when she wants them to get secured in the car?!
These are all simple events that happened in moments in time during a very short walk. Reminding me that there is always opportunity for simple human kindness and connection – giving or receiving – no matter where we are or what we are engaged in…….or even how we are feeling in any given moment.
A matter of where we choose to place our attention?
About 31 Days of Joy & Laughter Project:
As elders with a long life behind us and not as much embodied life before us, and as humans on the planet Earth at this time, we are being faced with incredible challenges that compete to take our attention.
A couple of days ago I realized I no longer choose to have my attention taken by the fear, doom and gloom broadcast daily, whether on our smart phones news feed or while talking to others. I am weary of it all and need a higher vibration energy bath!.
It is not that I don’t want to know what is happening in the world, but instead the question I am posing to myself, and to you, every day is – where do we want to place our attention? We most always have a choice.
For the month of December I am placing attention on joy, laughter, creativity and acts of kindness as a experiment to see what unfolds. Seeking out and being aware of moments of joy sometimes hidden in the deep pockets and lining of each and every day that seem to get passed over without even looking back. They are always there.
Each day in December you will find a small nugget of joy, humor, creativity or small act of kindness that found me and pulled my attention which will be posted here. I invite you to join me and share your experiences and what you noticed so that we may spread it around! (Please use the “Comment” section below).
If you don’t want to miss any of these posts simply sign up for the blog here:
https://wildlyfreeelder.wordpress.com/blog/
You can also find all of the posts in the archives here: http://atomic-temporary-171801894.wpcomstaging.com/2021/12/
Gaye Abbott, Natural Passages Consulting, 12/11/21. Please feel free to share this post and link to WildlyFreeElde
Considering a move? Finding Home: Conscious Relocation Services by Gaye Abbott
DAY 10: Presence of Being
“I am grateful for everything in my life. There is nothing that I am not grateful for.”
Kent – Suurbraak, South Africa
Each day of this 31-Day practice of placing attention on Joy & Laughter I am never quite certain what will emerge to share with you, or when it will show itself. But one thing I am certain is that I will be gifted with an experience worth sharing….and perhaps one that will shift the lens I am seeing through and you as well.
Listening to Kent in this short 11-minute film, produced in Suurbraak, South Africa, brought me to tears. Not of sadness, but of celebration that I can share his story and wisdom with each of you who read this post. What a beautiful soul he is!
A reminder to live life in the way he speaks of – “seizing the world with wonder every single day.”
His transparency of speaking to past trauma holds the potential to open and encourage us to set our wounds aside and remember who we have become….and who we are becoming. It is exactly those experiences in life which have the potential to set us free.
“We are here to bring a bit of peace, joy, love and happiness.” Kent
“The trees do not hold on to dead leaves but lose them in order to create room for new ones. We can learn from this, by letting go of the past and focusing on the now. We cannot change the past but we can make the present and future brighter and better, not bitter.” ~ Kemi Sogunle
“If you’re going through a painful time in your life, know that it is never worthless. These tough times teach you to see possibilities that you would never have fathomed in the comfortable moments.
Let us refuse to be held back by pain or sorrow. Let us overcome. Let us learn to breathe life into ourselves again. Let us step into a way of living that is magical, so we can wake up each morning feeling grateful, generous and free.”
Filmed in Suurbraak, South Africa by Green Renaissance.
Featuring Kent
About 31 Days of Joy & Laughter Project:
As elders with a long life behind us and not as much embodied life before us, and as humans on the planet Earth at this time, we are being faced with incredible challenges that compete to take our attention.
A couple of days ago I realized I no longer choose to have my attention taken by the fear, doom and gloom broadcast daily, whether on our smart phones news feed or while talking to others. I am weary of it all and need a higher vibration energy bath!.
It is not that I don’t want to know what is happening in the world, but instead the question I am posing to myself, and to you, every day is – where do we want to place our attention? We most always have a choice.
For the month of December I am placing attention on joy, laughter, creativity and acts of kindness as a experiment to see what unfolds. Seeking out and being aware of moments of joy sometimes hidden in the deep pockets and lining of each and every day that seem to get passed over without even looking back. They are always there.
Each day in December you will find a small nugget of joy, humor, creativity or small act of kindness that found me and pulled my attention which will be posted here. I invite you to join me and share your experiences and what you noticed so that we may spread it around! (Please use the “Comment” section below).
If you don’t want to miss any of these posts simply sign up for the blog here:
https://wildlyfreeelder.wordpress.com/blog/
You can also find all of the posts in the archives here: http://atomic-temporary-171801894.wpcomstaging.com/2021/12/
Gaye Abbott, Natural Passages Consulting, 12/10/21. Please feel free to share this post and link to WildlyFreeElde
Considering a move? Finding Home: Conscious Relocation Services by Gaye Abbott
DAY 9: Sweet Surrender
Who doesn’t like chocolate? Well, I know you are out there, but I am not one of you!
I am taking a bit of a writing break today and instead sharing with you the joy of dark chocolate….and not by itself mind you, but paired with pomegranate.
The perfect, and very simple to make, complete and absolute joy for chocolate lovers everywhere.
In fact I am nibbling on a piece now as I write this!
DARK CHOCOLATE POMEGRANATE BARK
Taken From “Life Changing Foods, by Anthony Williams
Heaps of juicy pomegranate arils and a smooth layer of creamy dark chocolate go together lusciously for this holiday or anytime treat.
Offer it as a gift, or make it for those moments when you’re craving some indulgence you can feel good about.
INGREDIENTS:
10 ounces bittersweet dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cacao)
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup dark maple syrup
2 cups of pomegranate seeds (arils)
(NOTE: Commune with the whole pomegranate versus buying those shiny red “jewels” called arils out of the fruit)
DIRECTIONS:
- Remove the fruit (arils) from 2 pomegranates and set aside. If you have never done this before here are directions on how to without a mess: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qfQ3_N7S6Y
- Stir the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a saucepan over low heat until the mixture is melted and combined.
- Add the maple syrup and stir constantly (which will thicken the mixture quickly – seconds – so take off the heat once it has reached spreadable consistency)
- Spread an even layer of the melted chocolate mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Press the pomegranate arils firmly into the chocolate layer.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer and allow to set for at least 30 minutes. Break apart and enjoy!
- NOTE: Store in the refrigerator or freezer if by some miracle there is some bark left. 🙂
About 31 Days of Joy & Laughter Project:
As elders with a long life behind us and not as much embodied life before us, and as humans on the planet Earth at this time, we are being faced with incredible challenges that compete to take our attention.
A couple of days ago I realized I no longer choose to have my attention taken by the fear, doom and gloom broadcast daily, whether on our smart phones news feed or while talking to others. I am weary of it all and need a higher vibration energy bath!.
It is not that I don’t want to know what is happening in the world, but instead the question I am posing to myself, and to you, every day is – where do we want to place our attention? We most always have a choice.
For the month of December I am placing attention on joy, laughter, creativity and acts of kindness as a experiment to see what unfolds. Seeking out and being aware of moments of joy sometimes hidden in the deep pockets and lining of each and every day that seem to get passed over without even looking back. They are always there.
Each day in December you will find a small nugget of joy, humor, creativity or small act of kindness that found me and pulled my attention which will be posted here. I invite you to join me and share your experiences and what you noticed so that we may spread it around! (Please use the “Comment” section below).
If you don’t want to miss any of these posts simply sign up for the blog here:
https://wildlyfreeelder.wordpress.com/blog/
You can also find all of the posts in the archives here: http://atomic-temporary-171801894.wpcomstaging.com/2021/12/
Gaye Abbott, Natural Passages Consulting, 12/9/21. Please feel free to share this post and link to WildlyFreeElde
Considering a move? Finding Home: Conscious Relocation Services by Gaye Abbott
DAY 8: The Sound of Silence
Craggy Gardens Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, N. Carolina
Hiking on a mountain trail enveloped in clouds on a cold nearing Winter Day. The bare trees holding a beauty that somehow combined movement, grace, texture, and shades of varying color all at the same time. Majestic presence that tell stories of communion and dance with the elements and seasons. An energetic resilience that conveys without words.
One moment in time, stopping forward motion and breathing in the silence that seems to wrap you in an embrace of deep peace…..knowing that you belong here in this moment, with this friend, among these trees with cloud mist rolling down and among the trees leaving wet kisses on the top of your head.
How often do we experience absolute silence where the wildness of being in those exact moments strips any words away that may be hovering on our lips. A directive from deep within this time and place to simply be still.
To listen to the silence and be in joy….
About 31 Days of Joy & Laughter Project:
As elders with a long life behind us and not as much embodied life before us, and as humans on the planet Earth at this time, we are being faced with incredible challenges that compete to take our attention.
A couple of days ago I realized I no longer choose to have my attention taken by the fear, doom and gloom broadcast daily, whether on our smart phones news feed or while talking to others. I am weary of it all and need a higher vibration energy bath!.
It is not that I don’t want to know what is happening in the world, but instead the question I am posing to myself, and to you, every day is – where do we want to place our attention? We most always have a choice.
For the month of December I am placing attention on joy, laughter, creativity and acts of kindness as a experiment to see what unfolds. Seeking out and being aware of moments of joy sometimes hidden in the deep pockets and lining of each and every day that seem to get passed over without even looking back. They are always there.
Each day in December you will find a small nugget of joy, humor, creativity or small act of kindness that found me and pulled my attention which will be posted here. I invite you to join me and share your experiences and what you noticed so that we may spread it around! (Please use the “Comment” section below).
If you don’t want to miss any of these posts simply sign up for the blog here:
https://wildlyfreeelder.wordpress.com/blog/
You can also find all of the posts in the archives here: http://atomic-temporary-171801894.wpcomstaging.com/2021/12/
Gaye Abbott, Natural Passages Consulting, 12/8/21. Please feel free to share this post and link to WildlyFreeElder
Considering a move? Finding Home: Conscious Relocation Services by Gaye Abbott
DAY 7: Life Is Full of Treasure
Watching the video below this morning, after greeting the frosty 27 degree morning sunrise, I decided to see and be fully present in each moment of the unfolding day through the lens of “life is full of treasure.”
Throughout the errands and tasks, making of soup, and daily walk at the nearby nature park treasure was found, experienced and shared.
Sharing laughter with a cashier, where I purchased tiny white lights for a small living room live Lemon Cyprus Solstice tree, about how many passwords we need these days and the questions we have to answer once we are locked out – as she almost was from her register; smiling with a staff member at the natural food grocery store as we talked about the tiny Christmas tree (on a headband) perched on his head and how happy it made him and customers in the store feel; enjoying the vibrant colors and textures of vegetables as I placed them in the days soup pot; appreciating the artful shape, color and curve of trees without their leaves – naked for us to enjoy them without their clothes on :-); and once again squirrels at play in those same trees making me laugh as two raced noisily up, down and around the trunk, and then not wanting to be left out four more squirrels from neighboring trees leaped from one tree to the next to join the others in the high above the ground playground – what a high wire (or branch as it may be) performance, and I didn’t even have to purchase a ticket!
Curiosity, play, willingness to show up as authentically yourself in the moment, living in love and gratitude, creative artistry simply for the pleasure of it, seeing the abundance of beauty and treasure in your everyday life….that is what Julie Khyl speaks to in the short Green Renaissance video below.
Try on the lens of seeing life as full of treasure for at least one day and let me know what you experience!
“In this video, Julie Khyl reminds us that our happiness is not out there somewhere in the distant future, but in the things you hold dear today. You don’t need to go on a treasure hunt, but simply need to open your eyes and behold all those things that make living a priceless treasure.”
Learn more about Green Renaissance through Grateful Changemaker feature.*
To support Michael and Justine in their film-making journey visit Green Renaissance.
About 31 Days of Joy & Laughter Project:
As elders with a long life behind us and not as much embodied life before us, and as humans on the planet Earth at this time, we are being faced with incredible challenges that compete to take our attention.
A couple of days ago I realized I no longer choose to have my attention taken by the fear, doom and gloom broadcast daily, whether on our smart phones news feed or while talking to others. I am weary of it all and need a higher vibration energy bath!.
It is not that I don’t want to know what is happening in the world, but instead the question I am posing to myself, and to you, every day is – where do we want to place our attention? We most always have a choice.
For the month of December I am placing attention on joy, laughter, creativity and acts of kindness as a experiment to see what unfolds. Seeking out and being aware of moments of joy sometimes hidden in the deep pockets and lining of each and every day that seem to get passed over without even looking back. They are always there.
Each day in December you will find a small nugget of joy, humor, creativity or small act of kindness that found me and pulled my attention which will be posted here. I invite you to join me and share your experiences and what you noticed so that we may spread it around! (Please use the “Comment” section below).
If you don’t want to miss any of these posts simply sign up for the blog here:
https://wildlyfreeelder.wordpress.com/blog/
You can also find all of the posts in the archives here: http://atomic-temporary-171801894.wpcomstaging.com/2021/12/
Gaye Abbott, Natural Passages Consulting, 12/7/21. Please feel free to share this post and link to WildlyFreeElder
Considering a move? Finding Home: Conscious Relocation Services by Gaye Abbott
DAY 6: Rest & Solitude
“What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset.”
Chief Crowfoot
Life moments are fragile and fleeting. Gone before we have even settled into them.
Placing attention on the present moment is a practice we seem to be more adept at as we age, yet still get frantically captured in mainstream madness and old life force depleting patterns of “doing” and “wanting to belong.”.
It is when we finally come to rest in the solitude of our own making that we are still enough to breathe fully.
This 6th day of the Joy & Laughter Project I have come into stillness after a long day of absolute restorative solitude yesterday. Listening to the wise body guidance to simply stop.
Taking moments to gaze out the window at the sunlight resting on bare branches, the wind dancing the River Birch tree to a tune that only that duo may partner in, the light, color and cloud formations changing in every single moment, fully tasting the vibrancy of food, delighting in the bird calls weaving their way into consciousness.
Holding the days to come as opportunity, even when out and active, to pay attention . To hold rest and solitude not as something to enjoy once obligations and responsibilities have been “taken care of”, but to integrate into each and every day.
Sometimes it is challenging to do this as the cultural mandate to “be productive”, “make a difference”, or “economic concerns” attempt to bully the rest and solitude aside. Who wins is your choice.
Listen with full attention and surrender……..with hands in the air.
About 31 Days of Joy & Laughter Project:
As elders with a long life behind us and not as much embodied life before us, and as humans on the planet Earth at this time, we are being faced with incredible challenges that compete to take our attention.
A couple of days ago I realized I no longer choose to have my attention taken by the fear, doom and gloom broadcast daily, whether on our smart phones news feed or while talking to others. I am weary of it all and need a higher vibration energy bath!.
It is not that I don’t want to know what is happening in the world, but instead the question I am posing to myself, and to you, every day is – where do we want to place our attention? We most always have a choice.
For the month of December I am placing attention on joy, laughter, creativity and acts of kindness as a experiment to see what unfolds. Seeking out and being aware of moments of joy sometimes hidden in the deep pockets and lining of each and every day that seem to get passed over without even looking back. They are always there.
Each day in December you will find a small nugget of joy, humor, creativity or small act of kindness that found me and pulled my attention which will be posted here. I invite you to join me and share your experiences and what you noticed so that we may spread it around! (Please use the “Comment” section below).
If you don’t want to miss any of these posts simply sign up for the blog here:
https://wildlyfreeelder.wordpress.com/blog/
You can also find all of the posts in the archives here: http://atomic-temporary-171801894.wpcomstaging.com/2021/12/
Gaye Abbott, Natural Passages Consulting, 12/5/21. Please feel free to share this post and link to WildlyFreeElder
WILDLY FREE ELDER 