In recent days I was graciously honored to speak with the elder’s of two communities. I found the enlightenment was for me in relation to the process of growing older. The truth, we are all teachers and help each other in many different ways. My most recent visit to West Boylston Senior Center was extremely eye opening. I began the meeting with a brief overview of what would be covered in our one hour discussion and then asked what they really wanted to learn more about. I was delighted to hear that there was such a high interest in learning more about QiGong and how to manage stress.
In our younger years we think of stress as something that is occurring as a result of so much to do. The demands of child care, jobs, household chores, activities for the kids, personal appointments, and more. Stressed! Of course there is stress and we envision a day when it subsides; yet does it? When I heard a woman who appeared to be 80 years plus mention stress, the first thing I thought to myself; why are you stressed? She obviously doesn’t have to work anymore, she seems to be enjoying life, is in great physical shape, and is active in the community. However, this made me think deeper into what creates stress for elders. They are not exempt and our idea of stress diminishing as we age must be something we hope for however probably not reality.
I have pondered this thought for much of the day and can only imagine the number of possible contributions of stress to the elderly population. Stress is brought on by a number of factors; I presume the following to be only some of the possibilities.
1.) Will I have enough money through the end of life?
2.) If I become ill will I be cared for?
3.) Will my children and grandchildren live a happy and healthy life?
4.) I am lonely as many of my good friends and significant other have left me.
5.) I have lived long enough to experience the loss of my children, it’s not supposed to happen this way.
6.) I am no longer contributing to society in the way I used to; loss=grief.
7.) I have fond memories of what once was and I can’t get it back no matter how hard I try.
8.) I am witness to so many dear friends becoming ill and passing, it is sad to watch.
9.) My children are having difficulties with their children and their marriages, if only I could fix it.
10.) How long do I have to live? How will I die? Who will be with me?
These are just a few that come to mind as I observe this aging process. A process we all hope for in order to avoid an early death. I can’t help but wonder if one is better than the other. We know death is a result of being born in the first place yet we never want to leave.
In summary, life in itself is stress inducing and everything may be just fine. Our minds however play many tricks on us as we hallucinate what is really being played out in the dream of life.
The elders are our teachers and I respect and honor what we can learn from them either through observation or just simply listening to their joys and their disappointments. Maybe then we will learn to grow old simply accepting the process of life instead of fighting it, maybe then we will learn to live in peace.