We are being lived by powers we pretend to understand. W.H.Auden
Exploring Creative Aging
Aging is just another time of transition, challenge and opportunity. This 3rd Age or 4th Quadrant of life is not like the others. It has its own ways. They can be learned and worked with. They have to do with that Top, Crown Chakra opening a bit more. The practices of Casual Alchemy can assist in the adjusting required to make this a time of vitality. We first have to recognize and engage with these new "powers" Auden
talks about.
In CovidTyme Start exploring the emerging/fusing archetypes:
The Hermit, the lure to the Cave, actually the Back of the Cave.
Saying a positive "No" to too much engagement, which just might be distraction from important tasks that need quiet and solitude to develop.
The Trickster is all about activity, the Hermit tempers that with positive quiet and may be a form of the Elder Trickster.
And they all seem to be a part of what's called "intrinsic maturation" -- you change, perhaps becoming more introverted as you get older. Duh.
But is does help to know all of us are on this path and it's not just some weird time what The Misanthrope waiting inside has its momnet to jump out and take over.
In 2019, I offered a series of 1-hour workshops for people interested in developing creative approaches to the challenges of aging. This is a protected time/space for taking small risks, following Curiosity, Adjusting Story; to kindle spiritual self-care; contact with the Creative Unconscious by offering casual opportunities to explore In, Down and Out.After a brief introduction, people are invited to explore several stations of tools and materials.
10+ minutes Intro Day’s theme/focus to prompt
Making, eg fragments, Haiku, casual, lunar, indirect
Examine examples of Matter into Meaning
5+ minutes Explore Materials/Tools of Day
Choose activity by answering: What do you need TODAY?
Something Collective? Cooperative? Introspective? Fast/slow?
30+ minutes Making and Marking
5+ minutes Wrap-up and possibilities for HomePlay
This was like ones I did at the locl Library.
Warwick artist/teacher Daniel Mack talks about fresh creative and spiritual opportunities not only for people in later life, but for anyone going through a life transition. For Dan, creativity is not really about “art” but about finding ways to keep making our lives meaningful. The Big Question is: “ In what ways can we become regenerative for ourselves, our families and our community? There are many answers. Come and join in. The presentation includes images, poems, videos, a playful exercise, handouts and discussion.
