Although we do pretty well for longevity by comparison to previous generations. Our distant ancestors allegedly stuck around for hundreds of years. How odd that must have been? Surely, though, what makes a life worthwhile, is not how long it lasts, but how much joy, fulfillment, love and inspiration it contains.
I was just in Arizona and had the opportunity to spend some quality time with my Grandma. She is 73 & still in considerably good health. We start to talk about age & she tells me how strange it is sometimes when she is out in public and realizes people look at her as a "little old lady". She doesn't think of herself as a" little old lady", so when she is interacting with strangers she doesn't act like one either. It is only when someone does or says something to bring attention to her age that realizes what her physical appearance is saying. I thought this was very interesting because I don't see her as a little old lady either. This is probably because she is someone I have had in my life that I have always viewed as a strong, confident, active, independent, and loving woman. But if I was in a grocery store and saw a 73 year old woman, I would probably think of her as a little old lady!
This makes me realize more than ever that age really is just in our mind. We all have ideas and associations about age that dictate how we see & think about people. It is only when we truly get to connect with someone that we see past the perceived physical age and get to know the person. Confirming the wisdom that we are not our age or our bodies... We are the infinite spiritual essence that resides with in the physical.
I ask her if she sees me as a 30 year old woman. " Nope. Not at all... I actually see you as 19 or 20. " I giggle because I also never feel like I am a 30 year old woman while I am with my Grandma. It is like I travel back in time while I am in her presence.
What age do you feel today? I think I feel a different ages throughout a single day just depending on who I am with, my frame of mind, and what I am doing. I notice that as I get older I tend to forget my age more & more too. Plus I really do think that time is just an illusion and that this body is just a vehicle, but that is a whole other topic...!
My grandma also expresses that she has had a full life & is ok with death at this point. What a powerful statement. She seems at peace with the now and with whatever happens in remaining nows.
I love my Grandma & am so grateful she has been there all these years. I have learned so much from her and continue to do so every time we talk. I think her life has been one of great depth & I have definitely been inspired by it many times over.
Infinite Love to you ~
Tammy Lynne
Posted
Dec 03 2007, 11:04 PM
by
Tammy Lynne