FootprintsintheWind.com

The world of the elder is holocentric, inventive, conversation-based, just, compassionate, sustaining.

:- Doug.

O that when younger I had seen what I now can see! (Of what use would it have been to me then?)

:- Doug.

I am coming to understand that we cannot call ourselves wise or elders, yet we can lean our path in that direction and get as far along as we get. It is not a place to attain. It is simply a chance to grow. We are coming to eldering.

:- Doug.

What else does an elder do?

:- Doug.

You need not figure out what is your prime message as an elder, once and for all time. What’s your message today?

:- Doug.

There is much pain in this room. For what good is this pain?

:- Doug.

For what might the fading of our bodies and brains make room?

:- Doug.

What do we fear of age? What can be its boons?

:- Doug.

Do you want to be the same as you have been?

:- Doug.

Where does nature’s influence come through our human trappings? Go there.

:- Doug.

Eldering is not about having arrived, rather intentionally crossing thresholds.

:- Doug.

We cannot know for ourselves how wise nor how conscious we are: we can only walk daily in that direction, allow ourselves to be touched, hear the whispered call.

:- Doug.

I can indeed make an age at this difference.

:- Doug.

We thought our last important passages were into adulthood and into whatever death offered. We had not thought there might be something between.

:- Doug.

Softer, softer.

:- Doug.

Gently awaken.

:- Doug.

Be not an instructor. Be a sharer.

:- Doug.

By my questions I intend all possible meanings.

:- Doug.

What’s your name? Again. Again. Again. Again.

I am Douglas Germann. I am father, husband, lover. I am gatherer, community disorganizer. I am more than this. Son, brother, of humanity, of mystery. Larger.

Now you….

:- Doug.

What does eldering feel like? Moving beyond these momentary crises. Soothing flows around us, maybe through us. We’ve made it this far, we will be all right. There is a something larger than this moment. Maybe it is a mystery. We will be all right.

:- Doug.

Notice that peacemakers get crucified, assassinated, toppled: proof that to some peace is threatening.

:- Doug.

Eldering is
threshold some
accept to cross
transcending
middling projects
confronting larger
sweeping

:- Doug.

Pregnant. Delivery depends on….

:- Doug.