William Penn Life, 2015 (50. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2015-12-01 / 12. szám
Aging Well with Cathy Graham Leaving the barn door wide open ONE OF THE MOST PALATABLE graces of aging is the ability to leave the barn door wide open. We know the cadence of our own drumbeat so well that our hearts simply sway with the motion of change; we know it cannot take us under. No longer do we run up the flag pole at every twist and turn. We know for sure that fret rarely changes outcomes and overreacting is a poor use of energy. This morning, as I was walking with my dog Russell, I noticed that every little gust of wind would cause him to stop and turn away. "No," I said quietly as I knelt down to him. "Face the wind and stand still. It feels glorious; it is change knocking on the barn door." (Pause for clarification: Yes, I do speak with Russell that way as he appreciates my prudent charm.) Our steadfastness in our faith and experiences sturdies our foundation in such a way that we don't wish for a desired outcome, we simply pray for the strength to handle what may come. I find great comfort in knowing that by leaving my barn door open, I am reaffirming all that I know to be true. I know there will be sadness and pain ahead, and I will gently lean into it, aware that goodness is not too far off. I look to my elders for cues and guidance, never doubting the strength of their years. Their astuteness is methodical; their hands weathered by wisdom. Images © Can Stock Photo Inc./irina88w & Nejron When I become shaky, I reach for their steadiness and my roots grow deeper. If you want to know the answers to life, find someone older and sit for a spell. Their stories will knit you a warm blanket which will give you great comfort when the wind turns fierce and the barn door is wide open. Cathy Graham is director of the Graceful Aging Wellness Center at Bethlen Communities in Ligonier, Pa. Show your WPA pride! We received a new shipment of our popular Lands’ End® brand, 100% cotton, short-sleeved polo shirts featuring an embroidered William Penn Association logo. These are the same comfortable shirts worn by volunteers at various WPA events. The men’s shirt features a two-button placket, and the women’s shirt features a four-button placket. Available in charcoal heather grey only, while supplies last. Name:_____________________________________ Ad d ress:______________________________________ City:__________________State:_______Zip:________ Email:________________________________________ Size (Cirde One): Mens S M L XL XXL Womens S M L XL XXL Make check payable to "William Penn Association" Mail form & check to: Shirt Offer, William Penn Association, 709 Brighton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 William Penn Life 0 December 2015 0 3
