WILDLY FREE ELDER
The Artistry of Aging
Category: Embodied Wisdom
The Body As It Is
“We come into this world with a myriad of sensations calling our attention. Throughout our lives we will discover many bodily experiences, some pleasant….and some definitely not. Often the latter is where we dwell.
Yet underneath all of those sensations and experiences lies a miracle of finely tuned and interconnected systems that literally keep us alive and breathing every single moment. “
Day 13: Elder Muse – The Wisdom of Elders
“Living into and embracing our own aging is an art. I can’t say that I have perfected it but I can say I am aware that every day is an opportunity to explore, discover, be curious, accept the challenges and learn from them.”
Day 12: Elder Muse – Dancing With Trees
“A very young voice filtered out from the trees at the local Nature Park where I walk every morning, only 2 blocks from my home. 4-year-old Liam and his father were out in nature for some father and son time this cloudy Sunday morning.
When I engaged with Liam, back pack on and a map in his hand, he told me that they were looking for acorns to plant in the park so more trees could grow. ….”
Day 8: Elder Muse – The Art of Cursive Writing
“Every morning for many years my writing practice fills 2-3 pages in cursive handwriting using a fountain pen. Nothing fancy, just a 3 ring notebook with lined paper. The ink flowing on the page, the pressure needed, the letters connected together bringing me great pleasure. I am extremely saddened that my grandchildren have never been taught cursive writing as it has been taken out of their schools. Everything they do is digital.”
Day 2/Elder Muse: Seek Silence
“What does silence mean to you? Is it something you fear and fill up with distractions? Or is it something you actively seek as an antidote to a stressful life? Visiting silence can be an adventure, a life changing journey into peace and quiet. In silence we can hear our own thoughts. Silence speaks for the part of life that is beyond words. There is space, inner freedom and creativity. We find a place within us that is centered, a place of trust. As the noisy demands of daily life make us shrink inside, in silence we expand. Don’t underestimate the power of silence.”
Just Wondering
“Scientists tell us that the eye of a storm is the calmest place, that includes tornadoes and hurricanes. Given the utter destruction and chaos caused by severe weather it’s hard to imagine that there is motionlessness, as well. Could that be the same for human beings? Despite what the outer environment might look like, within each of us …”
A Peaceful Heart In A Time of War
“How do we have a peaceful heart and transfer that to others in our every day vastly interconnected life where grief, tears and sorrow are shared….. even though we may be on the other side of the planet from each other ?”
DAY 20: Give Yourself Time
“Giving ourselves time to be still enough to hear our own voice. To channel a prayer that is “big enough for your wild soul” as John O’Donohue speaks to the destiny we are here for. This day was filled with dropping in and letting go. Communing with the natural world. Engaging in spontaneous laughter with another as a small community walked the Full Moon celebration labyrinth.”
DAY 12: Light and Shadows
“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….”
Rise Up Again
“While exploring the landscape of humans next right livelihood, potential and daily conscious actions these questions emerge. Will it benefit all living beings and the earth? is it living and anchored within, and aligned with our values? Will it create more spaciousness for artistry, well being and collaboration with and on behalf of others?”