MSC Blue Moon on Radiant Aging

Imbolc ~ February 2, 2019

The Holyland

Aging is happening…and it’s happening to us! So we decided to tackle the subject. And we are willing to share a glimpse of our wisdom with you! There were things we acted out, role played and there were arm wavings and demonstratives that helped us see and feel options and how to make adjustments to natural decline with a bit of laughter and heaps of gratitude for breaking the silence and naming the issues. It was up close and personal and for that part….you would have had to have been there.

Participants

MorningStar

Tabitha Hall/Spirit Wind Rider

Yo Nv/He Bear Lackey

Sister Joy Stella

Maya Windfeather

Peace Willow

WalkingFire

SIGNS OF AGING

A focus on decline

The mental shift towards “getting old” vs “positive aging”

Increased risk of dying if loss of partner/pet

Going to bed early before nightfall

Getting up early before sunrise

Disrupted patterns of sleep

Lack of time outdoors

Isolation - feeling exposed/embarrassed/fearing a loss of independence

Too much is too much - sounds/noise/movement/people

Slower to heal - physically/emotionally

Assessment/Acceptance/Giving up on health; hopelessness/pre-occupation with health/ Giving up/loss of will decline

Dementia

Decreased modesty

Letting go of taboos

Loneliness

Shrinking socialization

Signs are slow and insidious deterioration

Resistance to change

Emotional distress with the interruption of habits and patterns

Self-image/Identity - Harder to appear the same as before

Loss of Identity examples:

no longer ski the black diamond

no longer host large family gatherings

Loss of sense of purpose

Increased anxiety

Stubbornness

Persnickety

Bitter or better

Gifts that you have to dust, feed, water, or otherwise take care of, are burdens

PHYSICAL

Stooping

Shuffling gate

Shorter steps

The lateral arch of the foot rolls under

Shallower breath

Dryness

Rigidity

Lack of mobility

Decreased hydration

Prolapsed bladder

Prolapsed uterus

Wrinkles

Skin pigment change

Varicose or spider veins

Mental rigidity - harder to accept new ideas

Loss of sight

Loss of hearing

Greying

Slower movement

Harder to think or feel positive

Forgetfulness

Anxiousness - being alone/alone in decision-making

Reduction in activity

Constipation

Menopause

Decreased libido in men

Aching upon awakening

Drooooooooling

Increased frequency of urination

Loss of teeth

Less temperature tolerant

Get colder

Slower metabolism

Decreased circulation

Decreased or inability to get up and down from the floor/from the chair/from the bed/from toilet A shortening of stature

Decreased balance

Increase in core rigidity

Decreased hygiene

Decreased bathing

Decreased strength

Thinning skin

Bones break easier

Voice - gets weak & crackly/tone changes

EATING HABITS

Worry over weight

Decreased appetite

Decreased nutritious food

Decrease of intake while feeding others

Toast and crackers

Keeping moldy/old food - “Don’t waste the food”

Food on face/clothing

FEARS

Loss of independence

What will happen to me?

Who will take care of me?

Worry over money/resources - Shelter/Food/Heirs

Driving - Weather/cold/dark/alone

Vulnerability

Losing one’s mind

Somebody took something…

Hiding things

Sneaking

Distrust of people, including family members

Hoarding

Paranoia

Inability to see options

POSITIVE SIGNS/GIFTS OF AGING

Wisdom… hopefully

Maturity… hopefully

Wise Elder… hopefully

Increased life experience

Role model

Kids grow up

Kids move out… hopefully

Kids become self-sufficient… hopefully

Freedom

Further on the path

See wider opportunities

Urgency to live now

Simplifying/downsizing

Reassessing what is truly of value

Time shifts - It feels like time goes faster

More spiritually tuned in

More in the present

Slowing as a positive - to reflect, to observe, to still, to be

Stories

Reminiscent

Word medicine

Wimyn’s libido increases

No pregnancy post-menopause

Time is valued over things

“I like it! I NO like it!” - no justifications/no excuses/no dancing to keep the peace.

ANTI-AGING PLAN

Daily Anti-Aging Actions

Walk

Soften the face. Especially when listening or talking

Yoga or stretching

Down ups: get up and down from the floor

Kegels/mula bandha/Jade Egg

Breathe: breath creates space in the body/time/mind

Soft slow deep breath/pause/relax/breathe in more… at least three times

Breathe if worried or anxious

Slow breaths before sleep and upon awakening

Three minute meditation

Take time to get a little more here and a little less there

Focus on one task at a time - i.e walking on ice/going up and down stairs

Make your last thought of the day a positive thought

Drink a cup of water upon awakening. Hydrate throughout the day.

Bathe

Eat something deeply nourishing i.e. superfoods: cacao, maca, coconut oil, wild,dark greens, vegetables, nutritive teas, seeds and nuts

Ask the state of your soul on a daily basis

Look up at the stars

Honor the Sacred