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From The Restory - Conversations On The Journey (174)

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Elders (Part 2)





The Conversation




Elements From The Conversation


"I hope you live without the need to dominate, and without the need to be dominated. I hope you are never victims, but I hope you have no power over other people. And when you fail, and are defeated, and in pain, and in the dark, then I hope you will remember that darkness is your country, where you live, where no wars are fought and no wars are won, but where the future is. Our roots are in the dark; the earth is our country. Why did we look up for blessing — instead of around, and down? What hope we have lies there. Not in the sky full of orbiting spy-eyes and weaponry, but in the earth we have looked down upon. Not from above, but from below. Not in the light that blinds, but in the dark that nourishes, where human beings grow human souls." 

- Ursula K. Le Guin                 



~ ❖ ~


In last week's conversation, we looked at 4 things that can help one to age wisely. This week we follow that up with 4 more:

  1. Non-dualistic thinking: Where it is not about watertight divisions of right/wrong, in/out, us/them, but rather paradox is nurtured and a comfort with mystery develops.
  2. Care or service and guidance: The elder does not dominate, but mentors others, blesses and serves. They impart wisdom without needing recognition.
  3. There is a sense of a "round spirituality" that has sunk deep. A rest in God. From that base, they are good mentors.
  4. Sensitivity to the wisdom of our bodies.

~ ❖ ~


“If we are to claim the last years of life as years that hold the possibility of awakening into equanimity and lightness, into the very embodiment of grace, we need to bear witness to the ripening of that possibility. Not only would it be a blessing for each of us, it would be a blessing for a world starving for such witnessing.

Mindful of impermanence, the breath-by-breath arising and abiding and falling of each moment, we can remain in remembrance of our longing to exist in wisdom and love and compassion. We can remain in our intention to ripen into the spiritual maturity that is our birthright to cultivate. There is no more noble way to spend these years than to become an elder, to bear witness to the world as placeholders for peace, love, wisdom, and fearlessness.”

~ Kathleen Dowling Singh               


[Photographer: Michele Mattei; Photo of artist, Betye Saar]


Video

Not a music video this week, but the story of a 70-year-old math teacher, Jim O'Connor. At his age, however, he doesn't just teach math.



May you grow old. May you be wise. May you continually invest in it. 


All our love. 


George & Matilda




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