Mindful Aging
Posted: January 25, 2017
On the first of January, we were propelled from one year into the next. Did you meet the New Year with nostalgia, anxiety, "good riddance," or something else?
For me, New Years brings a subtle realization of time passing ... my life passing. Another year gone. Another year- gone. It's not news that from the moment we're born, the aging process begins. We just don't want to think about it. But like it or not, here we are. Damn!
Actually, a subtle discontent may permeate various periods in life. In the early years, we want to be big enough to ride the roller coaster ... to swim without swimmies ... to move from elementary to middle to high school. In high school, we can't wait to drive, to date, to graduate, to be on our own!
In the middle years, we might look backward, missing the carefree days of youth as we notice our bodies showing signs of wear and tear. Wistfully thinking things like, "I remember when heads turned ... when I could spend half the day on the tennis court ... when I had a full head of hair and less bulk around the middle.
While moving through the middle years, questions come up - Where did the time go? What now? What to do about aging - deny it, accept it, fear it, take it on? What if ...? We may wish that I could turn back the clock - get a do-over. But there is another way.
In some contemplative traditions, meditation on the precious but fleeting quality of life is a daily practice. Deliberately remembering that all things are impermanent is a powerful motivator to be fully present for each moment of life, never being completely sure which will be our last. And living with the full awareness that every moment is both an ending and a new beginning, for the present moment is all we truly have.
It is my wish to live the present moment wisely and lovingly. I know it will matter as I approach my last moments.
Wishing you a happy, healthy, peaceful, mindful New Year!
Links: Mindful Aging Research