I’ve thought a lot about aging, but mostly about wine. I certainly don’t like to SEE how I am aging. But perhaps we each need to consider a new look at the positive aspects of our aging.
My friend and mentor Tomas Pinkson has begun to offer a way to celebrate elders in our culture. Having worked with many indigenous cultures, Tom brings to us how they honor people as they age. This is a clip from one of his recent recognition ceremonies. Honoring our Elders
I was there – you may even find me in the clips – what was most moving was how all of us could contribute to Don, the elder, and how he could to us. Many of us have known Don for decades and have witnessed the new fraility he shows along with the deep sensitivity – traits we didn’t see when he was younger. And to witness his owning the changes and honoring was a sweet lesson.
So when do we call ourselves Elders? Do we have to be ready or is it at a certain number of years?
Consider how wine lovers revere an well-aged wine. Can life lovers revere our old age?
Our time has come or is coming – how will you honor your life, recognize the gifts of age?