By Tom Braford
Last month we talked about how we are building a total motivation culture at Arizmendi Ecovillage.
So what, you might ask, does that have to do with aging? The answer of course is everything. We have the same positive motivators of play, purpose and potential and the same negative ones of economic pressure, social pressure and inertia as we age that we had when we were recent high school graduates.
Having a balanced community of support at this stage, however, may be even more important and more accessible now than it was than when we were just starting out. Together, we are big enough to manage whatever life brings our way. The operative word here is, “together.”
The time has come to circle the wagons. Time for the elders to come together and sit in counsel with each other, not just for ourselves, but for the good of the community. It has always been this way, and now it is our turn.
You know how on the airplane they always say, “If the oxygen mask drops, put it on yourself first before assisting others”? It is the responsibility of those among us who are of able body and mind to assist ourselves first, and that always starts with paying attention and being prepared.
The good news is that, as I said before, together we are big enough to manage whatever life brings our way, including old age and the infirmities that at some point may accompany this stage of living.
Yes, together we are powerful beyond our wildest dreams. Come play with us! Come explore with us! Come celebrate the circle of wisdom, vision, power and peace of mind that comes with paying attention, being informed, being prepared and being in action.
Like any other stage of life, aging is first and foremost A Most Excellent Adventure! We can deny, we can resist, or we can let the adventure continue.
We are hosting a 10-session weekly discussion group, called Empowered Aging, on Thursday nights, beginning in February. We would love to have you join us!
For details:
Contact: Carol & Tom Braford
braford@sbcglobal.net
www.ArizmendiEcovillage.com