Aging
These years can be our Golden Years - a time to devote to spiritual exploration, character development, and deepening wisdom.
Aging isn't just a biological process, but also a profoundly cultural one. In many cultures, the later years are some of the most vital and productive parts of one's life journey. Yet in our culture, which disproportionally values youth and economic productivity, we may feel lost as we approach this time. If we no longer contribute in ways that our culture deems meaningful, are we still valuable? How do we find meaning and joy in our later years?
This is work that cannot be done earlier than one's 50s or 60s. As children, we learn how the world works and how we fit within society. As young adults, we must learn how to flourish in intimate relations, to find purposeful work, and to create family. Only once our family is grown and our external work mainly accomplished do we possess the time, experience, and thoughtfulness necessary to turn inward and engage in the most profound stage of individuation. We can see your later years as a golden opportunity to do this work.
I will walk with you as you make your aging the richest period of your life. We will explore your meaning-making through journaling, art, guided meditation, and other techniques. I will support you in understanding the challenges of the Golden Years, as you see how loss, physical aging, and regrets are compensated by the vital inner life that is only possible at this stage in one's spiritual development. No matter what you feel comes after this life, you can experience peace and fulfillment in reflecting on your life's purpose and knowing that you have done the work of being a full human being.
My experience in this area also allows me to help younger people worrying that aging parents are experiencing depression or despair.
I look forward to working with you!
Further Reading
Force of Character, by James Hillman.
The Second Half of Life: Opening the Eight Gates of Wisdom, by Angeles Arrien.
Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life, by James Hollis.
The Life Cycle Completed, by Erik & Joan Eriikson.
The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.Every morning a new arrival.A joy, a depression, a meanness,some momentary awareness comesAs an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,who violently sweep your houseempty of its furniture,still treat each guest honorably.He may be clearing you outfor some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,meet them at the door laughing,and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,because each has been sentas a guide from beyond.
-Rumi