Aging

Questions & Concerns

Practical Matters Proactive or reactive? Be prepared for likely changes Aging at home or in a “new” home Identifying support systems Living without regrets Letting go of mental and physical baggage Resolving grudges and regrets Talking to your loved ones

The Big Questions When does aging begin? Identity: Who am I? Clinging to youth – a cultural phenomenon Who am I in retirement? Adapting to changing capacities and roles Losing friends – grieving multiple losses Gifts of aging Deepening wisdom, self-compassion, forgiveness and interdependence Developing a sense of urgency in spiritual cultivation Recognizing impermanence, suffering and non-self

Serenity Prayer May I have the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The Courage to change the things I can, And the Wisdom to know the difference.

Practices in Preparation for the Messengers Forgiveness for ourselves and others Loving kindness and compassion for ourselves and others Letting go of attachment to possessions, people and who we think we are Serenity meditation – developing joy, happiness and tranquility Insight meditation – seeing the way things actually are Keeping a journal of kind and generous actions Developing faith

Meditation

Ground Rules Confidentiality Mindfulness of time The “no enlightenment rule” Showing up

Small Group Discussion What do I fear most about aging? What are my priorities as I age? What I learned from observing elders

Discussion

Parting Instructions When did you realize that illness and injury can happen to you? Choose one common disease each day: cancer, stroke, pneumonia, heart attack, dementia/Alzheimer’s and reflect and write on how you would live with this if it happened to you. Meditation: Letting go of capabilities, roles, independence Chant the five reflections daily Read “Doctor’s Guide to Aging” &“Simile of the Mountain” (suggested) Bring images of encouragement in illness