This last month I have come right smack up against the reality that I am no longer “young” in age and that this wonderful body is breaking down a little bit. This “break down” comes at a time when I am enjoying life tremendously and feeling the absolute freedom of being in elderhood.
When I found out that one of my knees had osteoarthritis and a small lateral meniscus tear it was a wake up call and a reminder that bodies do indeed break down a bit over time no matter how well we take care of them.
For some of us there are many more health challenges that we face, but in spite of those very challenges the human soul that lives within still wants to party! By that I mean live life in the fullest expression possible.
Today I came across a most beautiful project by Lauri Schur called The Beauty of Aging. Lauri, a once upon a time psychotherapist, took her life in a new direction when she decided to find inspiring role models for her own aging process and that of other women. The outcome of this is a one hour documentary film called The Beauty of Aging staring vital women over 80 years old.
Though some have now passed on all were living vibrantly at the time of the film and have many wise things to share with us. Mesmerized by these women and their stories I watched the almost 10 minute trailer posted below and found inspiration and often laughter. I have to admit that Lavada Campbell was a favorite of mine (pictured above with her husband) as her flamboyance (and her transparent discussion about sex!) left me laughing and saying “oh yes sistah!”
Here is some of their wisdom around the aging process:
THE SECRETS OF THE BEAUTY OF AGING
As shared by the stars, Hedda, Lavada & Shirley of the documentaries
HEDDA BOLGAR (103) Documentary short on her life in post-production
Stay connected to people of all ages. Live in the present. Be involved in things
that are meaningful. Give back to people and causes. Enjoy the freedom of old
age.
“I have a strong feeling of connection with everything that’s alive…”
“Somebody once asked me what time of life I liked best…I said now” (in her late
90’s)
“I don’t know why people are so afraid of getting old…there are tremendous
gains…the ease and the security of feeling essentially being able to cope…”
LAVADA CAMPBELL (Died at age 88) Co-Star of “Greedy for Life”
Live life fully. Spirituality is important. Sexuality continues into the older years.
Dance and be active. Service to others is essential.
“I didn’t live in a little box, I lived my life fully..I still got things I want to do.”(At 82)
“You’re never too old to have sex”
“Let go and do a lot of fun things…you know, enjoy life.”
SHIRLEY WINDWARD (Died at age 93) Co-star of “Greedy for Life”
Creativity is important. Meaningful relationships and loving people matters.
Having a sense of humor is helpful. A good attitude and adaptability are crucial.
“There’s creativity everywhere…it’s part of your existance…”
“And we have all these friends around us…the web…”
“Yes I’m greedy, but I’m greedy for experience and for wonderful things to
happen…”
THE BEAUTY OF AGING DOCUMENTARY PROJECT
These women were a generation, or more, before me and as far as I am concerned have paved the way for the multitude of baby boomers, men and women alike, to co-create the best time of their lives in the last portion of a life well lived!
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Inspiring New Possibilities, Living From the Heart of Life While Co-creating Well Being of Body, Mind, Heart and Planet….One Breath At A Time
Gaye Abbott, RYT assists individuals to dissolve the layers that cover the natural innate blueprint we came in with and reveal, through a combination of the energy medicine of Jin Shin Jyutsu, yoga therapy and breath re-patterning, and as spiritual mentor/guide/coach, the larger purpose and co-creative expression that we are here for.
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