Conscious Eldering

Did you ever think you would become a Conscious Elder? 

I hear people in my Death Cafes talk about how much the spiritual path has opened for them, precisely as their body struggles with decline. Poetic irony abounds.

I saw how a friend's 98 year-old mother welcomed her one day-old great granddaughter with an earned wisdom and grace, and complete joy.

I watched how my 102 year-old client, who is bed-bound, dances with her hands to the sounds of the music that has been present throughout her life. Though she speaks little, her humorous jab at me made us both laugh with real pleasure.

There are many treasures of the years of later life. 

As I step into my elderhood consciously and intentionally, I see myself releasing the past so that it no longer controls how I feel or act now.

My mind is a tad quieter, which gives me more space for the calm of eldering.

I am more open to play and beauty and gratitude.

My spiritual practice stays close to me. I love teaching my course, Spiritual Dimensions of Nearing Death, and I am reminded that every day is a spiritual dimension of nearing death.

What does your Conscious Eldering look and feel like to you?