William Penn Life, 2016 (51. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2016-06-01 / 6. szám

Aging Well with Cathy Graham

Words on wisdom

WHAT DOES WISDOM LOOK LIKE? Is it clothed in such a way that it is easy recognizable to the naked eye, or does it stay lost in the background of a life well lived?

To me, wisdom is ageless and brilliant, yet unassuming and simple: no need for flamboyance or harsh voices of magnitude. It comes most readily from the very young or the seasoned elder.

Lessons of wisdom are often showered upon us in unlikely ways. About a week ago, I witnessed two women backing up their separate vehicles simultaneously in a parking lot and meeting in the lane with a thud. Surprised and befuddled, both women pulled a bit forward, exited their cars and inspected the damage. After some chatter and fetching of insurance cards, these two ladies inspected their bumpers again. They both looked a little nervous, as if they were wondering what to do. So, they hugged each other, laughed and bid each other a fine day.

Lesson accomplished: If it's not a big deal, hug and move on. What wisdom is there greater than kindness?

These two gals inspired me all day as I paid specific attention in parking lots, and I vowed to be extra helpful to anyone I encountered needing a hand.

This morning, I was chatting with a beautiful, kind soul who has lived more than 90 years. She is so soft with her words, as if embracing each one before releasing them from her lips. I like being around her because she is dainty and deep at the same time. She is grateful and steadfast. Her life is far from perfect, but her faith and loyalty are unwavering. She is a shining example of the person

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I want to be, not when I am 90, but right now. I observe her every move and she wastes nothing. Her intention is full but light. She doesn't impose her thoughts; instead she scatters them about, allowing them to linger in the air before breaking apart in a thousand seedlings. There is no glitter to her, just a comfortable easy sensibility that leaves me hopeful and determined to be more like her.

Wisdom is neither taught nor learned. It is lived out in essence and colored with a smoothness for detail. It is all around us in the way children play and animals heal. Sometimes, when the wind is just right, we find it in ourselves.

Cathy Graham is director of the Graceful Aging Wellness Center at Bethlen Communities in Ligonier, Pa.

8 0 June 2016 0 William Penn Life