“We live in a society with elderly people, but very few elders. That’s not because they’re bad people, but there haven’t been guides from the first half to the second half of life, so most of us stay innocently in the first half. True second half of life people are wonderful mirrors.” – Richard Rohr
This is an exciting time to be alive and moving into seniorhood. Does that surprise you? Think about it. The idea of the “elder” is re-emerging, as well as the idea that, as human beings, we long to contribute and be of value, but in our own way. We are baby boomers after all, doing life in our own unique way is part of who we are. Seniorhood provides great opportunity for deep self expression, as well as the time and space to explore and find what it is you personally are longing to do, be, or mirror for others. Elders no longer need to be identified with as certain type of person, like a speaker, or a political advisor. We can be anyone: an artist, a gardener, a teacher of anything, and through this make the world a better place, while feeling alive, vibrant and satisfied with life. Programs like Conscious Aging (coming to Penn State Abington in September) provide the context to explore the past, re-orient yourself based on who you are Now, and reinvent a future for yourself that is truly engaging.
The 8 week Conscious Aging Program (2 hours each Wednesday evening) is run by certified Aging Facilitator Lian Sawires. An artist and teacher, she is the developer of Artisticaging.com, Creativity Toolbox for Seniors and other programs that bring zest to senior living. The program uses small groups, journaling and exercises to take you through self examining your past and your thoughts about aging, guide you in developing self compassion and doing your forgiveness work, and launch you into creating a new vision of what ‘my best life” looks like for you.
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Sure there are challenges to aging, but facing them with others in the same boat, a good guide, and the skills to move yourself forward can make all the difference. Step into your elderhood. Find out who you are now, where you want to go and fill up on the fuel to get you there.
