Cultivating Wisdom
*(New Mindfulness Practice every Thursday—Downtown Wenatchee..read to the end!)*
So I turned 50 this year and I’ve had many wonderful opportunities with friends to celebrate, mark, and ponder what this means to me. On one such occasion I was even Croned! In case you’re wondering, according to the bumper sticker I got, it means “creative researcher of new experiences.” In other circles it means a time of a woman’s life where she is stepping into power and wisdom. WOW, no pressure there!!
Regardless of any titles my age has felt in many ways like a significant time of transition—some doors opening and others closing. With gray hair advancing along with the time it takes to get up and down off the floor, there are no doubt frustrations with this thing called aging. But what is calling the loudest is to spend some time reflecting.
Reflecting on who I am now, and what I desire for my second half— as they say. Now is the time it seems to start this process of dreaming and manifesting. Although let’s face it, it’s hard to fit in time for dreaming and manifesting between meetings, meals, cat shenanigans and the day to day demands of life.
So here’s my intention. In line with my new social media, “Engage & Inspire Campaign” I have chosen the topic of Cultivating Wisdom for this month. My hope is that researching and writing about it causes some nuggets to land on my plate or at least allows the process itself to become more alive.
Some might ask, why fall prey to the cultural pressures of wanting to be wise, or seen that way, just because you’re a certain age? Honestly as long as I can remember, the process of coming to be wise, knowledgeable or learned, has fascinated me. Not in that book smart way, but in the way of the sage, guru, or crone— the person who’s insight, experience and discernment is their guide just as much as information.
Like many, I used to believe that wisdom was outside of me, or something that other people had. Perhaps found via a google search, inside an encyclopedia or our grandparents! Culturally we equate wisdom with time and experience, yet we don’t give it much air time or consideration overall. Even though to be wise is an honorable trait and is certainly better than it’s opposite—unwise, stupid, green, or foolish, we often don’t spend much time actually cultivating our own wisdom, or wise selves. Now I know age actually doesn’t have much to do with wisdom, yet it is a human process or path that I am wholeheartedly intrigued by.
I’d like to suggest we CAN cultivate wisdom for ourselves, at any age, and during the month will muse on what that looks like and what the process itself CAN do for us. You can find my writing posted 2-3 times weekly on Instagram and Facebook! If social media is not your thing, then I will post the full article early the following month on my website for your enjoyment. And if you’d like to muse with me, in person, downtown Wenatchee, I am starting a community sit every Thursday on the lunch hour! Read More and join the Mindful Revolution Here and Now.