10/26/2020
I want to change the narrative around being old. Aging and growing older is an amazing process. Elders in so many cultures are beautiful resources for the community and hold limitless knowledge. Such gifts they are.
Elders help our keiki learn how to care for others. They teach us selflessness. They show us how different our struggles are these days compared to the old days. They show us simplicity. It’s endless.
Just like other stages of life, you can see when someone is resisting the present moment. Going against and fighting the current.
Aging doesn’t mean you will be in pain or have to quit doing the things you used to love to do.
Life provides you with the tools to tackle these new challenges. It takes effort to live well! You must care for yourself, your body. When you do have pain, don’t ignore it and pop an Advil. Pay attention. eating well and exercise. Calm your mind and be still when you need it.
As you age, You can’t cover your mistakes or accidents with youth any longer. You must face what you’ve put your human body through up until this point. Learn from it and nourish or keep deteriorating the body. You choose.
Elders that are present in their wrinkled skin. Glowing with life. Vibrant and stoic. Surfing. Laughing. Enjoying family and smiling. Exuding love from their hearts.
There are also elders who haven’t embraced the present. They also teach us. They teach us what it’s like to hold on to trauma and suffering. what that does to the mind, spirit, and body.
Regardless of the condition of our elders, they all deserve respect and love. Respect that everyone has their own path they walk. And we all choose to walk it our own way.
Don’t forget to learn from them. Listen with a compassionate ear. They will gift you with knowledge for we will all be elders one day.
