Photo by Daniel Quat
This course will empower you to:
Your companions on the path / who this course is for:
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Photo by Daniel Quat
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“This course was a breath of fresh air for me as I think about aging gracefully at age 72. I’m ever grateful for this gentle and loving look at my own self-care, and how these simple spiritual practices have expanded and enriched how I show up each day—more peace and purpose—and more joy. Thank you, Barbara and Walter, for being our guides along the way!”
—Carol Shields, California “I enjoyed Barbara and Walter’s ‘Creative Aging’ course. I was inspired and motivated, and, as a direct result, I am now finishing my ‘life review’ book, called The Real Me. I am very excited about my life! Since I finished my class with them, I just haven’t been able to let that subject go. I had shared in class that my passion was anything to do with healthy living—mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually—and so ‘embracing life with passion, purpose, and possibility’ connects perfectly with that—two huge passions connected.” —Joy Ryan, Saskatchewan |
“This engaging experience provided an uplifting, safe, supportive community for developing elders to share their souls. Our enthusiastic facilitators, Barbara Doern Drew and Walter Drew, organized informative, creative opportunities for self-reflection, intimate sharing, and creative expression. After completing this course, I feel more empowered to step into a renewed role of service as a ‘Creative Elder’ influencing our world.”
—Dianne Gosslee, Louisiana “I have been intrigued by, and concerned about, the aging process for some time. Barbara and Walter’s class came at the right time. It gave me the tools and strategies to cope intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually in the coming years. It also introduced me to some amazing people. It is a journey worth taking.” —Ken White, California |
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Wheel of Spiritual Practices for Creative Aging |
Module 1
Research about aging almost universally indicates that spiritual practices are critical in shaping the new paradigms that are necessary for enlivened later years, where more profound meaning, a deeper sense of purpose, living from our highest human potential and being of service in a world that dearly needs creative, soulful solutions are the motivating factors.
We begin this journey with meditation, a foundational practice that puts us in touch with our own inner guidance independent of societal influences or the opinions of others. This wisdom is a catalyst for conscious evolution, which ultimately benefits us individually, those around us and the world. |
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Module 2
A very important practice that can assist us in moving from the concerns of the first half of life to those of the second is reflecting on our important life experiences to date. This process brings forth strengths and positive gifts we have and want to take with us into the future, as well as reveal patterns, beliefs and stories that no longer serve us and need to be released so that we can be open to new creative opportunities.
We must remember that the process of aging can be challenging and involves committed personal work. We’ll all experience physical, mental and emotional changes in the future, and developing the spiritual practice of self-compassion will help prepare us for adjusting to them and those of our loved ones. Photo by Element5 Digital
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Module 3
Life retrospection can also bring to light old wounds that still need healing before we can freely embrace the aging process with openheartedness and positive anticipation. Forgiveness has been put forth as a critical spiritual practice in all the main spiritual philosophies of the world. Simply stated, when we refuse to forgive, we never fully express our innate, unbounded magnificence. Forgiveness is an important practice we need to do for ourselves.
Gratitude is healing, uplifting and life affirming. With conscious intention, we can cultivate an “attitude of gratitude” that will transform our existence. The ability to look first for what is good and working in our lives, even in the face of challenges that are also present, powerfully shifts our relationship with others and the world. Photo by diwero
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Module 4
With the help of the clarity and presence we have gained from daily meditation and the understandings we have gleaned about beliefs and attitudes that limit our life possibilities, it is now time to graciously release them and embrace the innate gifts and passions we have. The resulting freedom is exhilarating!
Next we take a glimpse into our “deepest heart’s desire,” that which animates and empowers us at the foundation of our true essence. Photo by Anthony
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Module 5
On our evolutionary path, we are now ready to move into the creative possibilities that open up when we have a clear channel to the creative Source of all life. It is time to listen to our inner wisdom, which will bring us “home” to our authentic nature—our true “calling.” We delve more deeply into the exploration of who we really are, what gifts are uniquely ours and how we are to joyously use them in service of a greater purpose.
One very powerful process for accessing information in a different way from “thinking about it” is visioning. It allows us to tune in directly to the voice of Spirit for expanded perspective, wisdom and clarity about a new direction that wants to unfold for us. |
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Module 6
Each of us is unique in all the cosmos and has a purpose only we can fulfill. It is our responsibility to discover what is innately programmed into us and is ours to do. The planet is at a critical “tipping point” and more than ever needs our creative approaches and solutions to the challenges that exist. It is important to emphasize that the goal is to have our life purpose begin to manifest, not just remain as a “good idea.” Setting intentions is a powerful spiritual tool to help activate the process and move it forward.
Photo by slf68
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Module 7
At this point in our evolutionary journey, we have done much deep, transformational inner work, and it is time to pause, assess and reinvigorate. In this module, we will explore spiritual practices that can help alleviate stress, prevent burnout and reconnect with others:
Care must be taken to allow us the time and space we need to renew before once again turning our gaze outward to share our gifts. Photo by Belle Co
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Module 8
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