When I think about getting older, I can sometimes feel a flood of emotions and concerns. I realize death is closer, and I have an unsettling sense that maybe time is “running out.”
This seems to be a very influential point in my experience of life, where I am feeling motivated to do things differently, or learn something different, or absorb a new way of thinking.
Here are a few ideas to ponder.
Myth #1: Aging is a linear process.
Yes, the physical aging process is continual if you’re looking at your biology –– your cells, or changes in your hair, skin, or muscles and organs.
But what about aging from the spiritual sense? The aging of your wisdom and knowledge and your sense of self and purpose in the world? This part of your aging process is not linear. It has steps, and jumps, and a dynamic nature. It ebbs and flows and is continually changing.
Aging from a physical standpoint is only one piece of the puzzle. Thinking about it from a perspective outside of your physical realm brings new light to what it means to become older. It opens you to consider the benefits of time passing.
When you consider it from the perspective of all levels of health –– not just physical, but also mental, emotional and spiritual –– it opens up new waves of possibilities to improve and grow in a positive way.
Myth #2: Aging is a negative thing.
With age comes clarity, wisdom, a knowing of oneself, and a depth of understanding of others.
There comes a greater perspective on systems and networks, and how information and ideas exchange across sectors, geographies, and industries. With that wisdom comes an understanding of one’s purpose in those networks.
In the balance, you age into a complete and clear sense of place, a sense of purpose, a sense of role in the greater picture, a sense of your being part of the whole.
This clarity wouldn’t be possible without the process of aging.
Myth #3: The physical experience of aging is difficult and inevitable.
In some ways, it is. But there are many ways to shift your physical experience as you age. A daily connection to your spirit can be a tool to reduce the painful experiences of illness, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and any symptoms that you experience.
Even the physical experience of illness is not inevitable in the sense that you should expect it. Instead, taking a view of your own limitless power to shift your physical experience opens up the idea that, “Yes, I will age, but I need not expect a physical deterioration. Things will change in my body, but the experience doesn’t need to be painful.”
In every moment, you have the possibility to engage your spiritual connection for a greater sense of worthiness and appreciation. Use it to find gratitude for all of yourself (including wrinkles!) and how you show up in the world.
How you experience life as time passes is independent of your age, and independent of your physical experience of your age.
Please drop me an email at chris[@]chriscarruthers.com if you would like to join a community of men and women who are excited to grow into their wisdom as time passes.
1 comment
When I was younger I hardly had trouble falling asleep and sleep like a log for 8 hours. Lately, I am 80 now, I wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom and then I cannot go back to sleep. Even relaxation techniques that I am familiar with are not helpful. Many times I read for an hour or two and then try to sleep but the sleep pattern is all disturbed and I feel very tired during the day.