Old Age is A New Page. For my Birthday, And All Those Who Fear The Maturity of Life
Last Tuesday evening, one friend took a photo of me, and another said that I looked old in the photograph. True, I was there in person, but she seemed more interested in the picture and its portrayal of ageism. Is she right? The time has come when folks rise from their seats to give me their slots on buses, and the middle-aged stand, so that I can sit on trains. Talk about Father Time. What a merciless rogue!
He seems to creep up on me these days. One split second and it’s a birthday, then another season and it’s time for one more dance. I’m sure that the child inside the Heart cries, as its interests lies predominantly in playing its childlike games.
Yesterday I stood in front of the mirror at home and it was callous, ruthless, unforgiving, brutal … lard ah mercy! Me soon come, Heaven …me soon come!
Getting serious, old age is a new page! Sure I’m moving on, and for the emphasis of drama, I thought that I’ll embellish this prose a bit, and after all, it’s true, isn’t it? Or is it? I look forward not to the flight of years, but to the dawn of wisdom. I look forward to the beginning of a glorious experience; a beckoning change, and a joyful attitude to enhance progress, in this field of Dharma.
Life simply is, and it is so beautiful to be in the Eternal Now! No heavy elephants of the past on my shoulders; no large whales for the future, but a deliberate flow, in the Sacrament of the Present Moment. Life is always renewing itself. Like the butterfly, it springs forth from another cocoon, and dazzles, ever more beautiful, than it was before.
Life knows that Consciousness is not set to decay, but to bloom and blossom, like the lotus, into a Light of beauty …charm … wonder … as it prepares, in the present moment, for the days ahead.
Some people are as active at ninety, as they were at forty, and their minds are as sharp as their Heart young. They have understood the value of making age an asset, and not a liability to their needs. My spiritual mentor did so much! Way into his seventies, he was still holding functions, until hours before he passed.
We grow young when we know how to delete the fear of the past, and the burden of the future, to see the mortal frame as an asset and not a liability, to accept in order to transform; to mould the sticky clay, until it becomes a beautiful vase.
New ideas … interests … are like sunshine. When we leave the curtain of youth open, then the sunshine will come in. How will it do so, if the age of drawn curtains, are in attendance? We have much to give: To advise, serve, counsel, elevate; to look ahead and inspire others to follow the awe and glory of life.
Retirement is never granted by the Soul, unless it feels that everything else has failed, and it becomes pointless to carry on. Its Light and lustre, will remain shining in its depths.
As we move on, life presents new challenges; new wonders … true, we may not have the vigour of youth, but we can diversify; seek new horizons to augment our talent for the discovery of new dawns.
Old age can be likened to promotion, for now we are able to tackle our interests, things which the assiduousness of work; the daily chores …the hard grind of labour, prevented us from doing as youths. It can be a forward step on the ladder of life, and a means to setting new horizons; new goals. Hungering and burning for new Light, always keep the Soul young and the mind fresh and alert.
One needs to be a Bird of the Heart, and not a prisoner of the mind. It should be fresh like dew, and ready to sing like music, thus imitating the joy of the Soul. Some say that Tennyson wrote poetry in his eighties; Newton showed diligence past that time, and Wesley was a dynamo of Methodism. Old age can imply the contemplation of wisdom, recognising a journey of countless steps, and being a beacon or benchmark for others to follow.
One becomes more mature in Love, meekness, temperance, gentleness and acceptance … the fruits of those virtues, being able to share with all who seek. God is life, and life is self-renewing, ever-transcending, like the beginning of a new day, promising new aspirations, zest and vibrancy to the eager mind and glowing Heart.
We grow old when we cease to dream. So as we gaze into the infinite, let us look ahead at all times, being busy doing the things of substance, with the fullness of opulence in our hearts. We are children of a birthless and deathless Light, ceaselessly streaming its beckoning gleam into the core and Spirit of man.
And so I give thanks to an unknown Entity that brought me into this world; a queen of a mom who kept me in her womb for nine months, singing lullabies that echoed in my Spirit, thus making my feet patter with glee.
Last night, for my Birthday, good friends did things for me that made my heart melt and my Spirit joyful. They sang cute songs and lit candles, and I felt the golden moments of a prayer emerging in my Soul, singing ‘Give God the glory. Alleluia! Praise be!”
Manatita, The Flame-Weaver. Copyrighted, 10th February, 2016.
~Awakening The Inner Light ~
Surabhi's Loving Birthday Video For Me
The Future
How do you look towards the future?
See results without voting© 2016 manatita44
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30 comments
Excellent post that dispels a lot of hazy ideas. Great post for all people
Yes, my Brother. You're so right. Appreciations....much.
EVERYONE should read this and then say , Yes ! I am wise , I am whole , I know so much more than then and I am free ! Awesome and amazing , if I figure out how , I am sharing this ! Happy birthday my wise friend !......Ed
An wonderful article of wisdom manatita, that comes from age and experience. It is the one thing we all have in common..we age. It is how we do it and what we learn along the way that is important. Happy Birthday.
Ahorseback, Great! Simply paste it on facebook or something ...tell friends. Thank you so much for this noble contribution, my Friend.
Jodah, Thank you, thank you, my friend. Wise and loving comments here. Appreciations.
Manatita, reading this brought me such joy. If only we could all be so excited about getting older. You've increased my excitement tenfold. I wrote a poem hub about women reaching birthday milestones with grace and appreciation for the blessings that come.
I love your poetic expression of the advantages of aging. My favorite line, because it reminds me of things my family would say is, " . . . lard ah mercy! Me soon come, Heaven . . . Me soon come." It made me smile. Happy Birthday, my friend. Enjoy your day and many more years to come. I will share this hub. For the poll, I chose "wisdom and vibrancy."
Wonderful thoughts, my friend. Of course I'm not fond of some of the limitations of being 67, but at the same time, I am more compassionate, empathetic, loving, understanding and yes, wise, than I was when I was younger.....so I'm good with it. :)
Well, Janshares,
A mighty fine contribution here, and I appreciate this immensely. Do you have caribbean parents? Yes, yes, share it by all means. Tell your friends. Wisdom is necessary and vibrancy flows, like a river ... Thank you so much!
Hi Bill, yes, wisdom here too. It's with all great Souls, Bro. So happy you enjoyed the Hub. My Birthday was yesterday. Visit Surabhi Kaura's Hub and leave me a nice comment. Much Love.
You've got that right. Old age is certainly "a new page." I live in a retirement community. One day I noticed how all the men allowed their hair to go grey while most of the women continued to dye their hair, holding onto whatever youth they could squeeze out of life. I did notice that the older women (70's and 80's) allowed their hair to go completely grey. I decided to stop dying my own hair and to let the grey hair shine. This is my way of living in the moment, embracing the life I'm in.
Thank you for sharing about your birthday celebration. I am happy it turned out to be a great day.
This is a beautiful article. Thank you for sharing such an inspirational hub, Manatita.
MarleneB, it was inspirational. I also had additional celebrations at my spiritual Centre last night. My aunt gifted the cake and it was so tasty! We had two birthdays (Another girl in my group). So we sang songs, did readings and had lots of fun. Yes, Mother/Father Time catches us all at some point. We find a way to live with it. Much Love.
Thank you, AliciaC, a fine sentiment. Appreciated, and with much Gratitude.
I had my birthday recently also, I sympathize with these ideas and I also agree with the positive stance you've taken.
EWF
Well, my Brother, you're not Aquarian, are you? Awesome! Happy Birthday my Friend. Never too late! Thanks for your loving sentiments.
So, a happy birthday is in order! May you have many more Manatita and may you continue to be blessed and be a blessing to others.
"One needs to be a Bird of the Heart, and not a prisoner of the mind." --I like that!
Love from the sky~
CrisSp, You're very beautiful! I say this, because, did you not write a piece relating to age recently?
Yes, A cute piece, no? I play with words until I get the right fit. I like to weave. Hey hey. Thank you so much, my Friend. Nuff Respect, as they say.
Yes ...Yesterday was my birthday. I did two Hubs and Surabhi Kaura did one for me also. Much Love.
Yes, manatita, I'm Jamaican American, "Jahamerican" I like to say. Both parents Jamaican immigrants, dad came to US in late 1940s and mom by way of Canada in the late 1950s. Thanks again for the wisdom put forth in this hub.
My sister Mary said something that has stayed with me. She said, " We either grow old or we die " I have a birthday coming this month and I am happy I'm alive and still enjoy life. A day without laughter is a wasted day, my opinion. A beautiful way to celebrate a birthday....
Nice to hear Jan. They worked hard and paved the way.
Ruby, I like that statement. Nice one. I did something totally different this time, and it feels really great. Funny!
Thank you so much. You're Pisces?
Wise words my friend. If only we keep young at heart and mind so many of our self made issues would vanish and we'd age so much more gracefully, albeit happily. Age is more in the mind than in the body.
A belated happy birthday bro and Surabhi video is really touching
God bless you.
Thanks Rajan. You're the first one to mention it. She was a little ill. Improving now. Thank you so much! My loving appreciations for your kind sentiments.
Happy Birthday (belated), Manatita! I cannot think of you as old, but I can easily see you as a "beacon or benchmark for others to follow." Surabhi's video is a precious treasure and I join her in those heartfelt wishes to you. I celebrate with you for another wonderful year of God's favor.
God's Favour indeed! I like that! By the way, you seem to prefer the American style of spelling, Dee. I notice. Some of their ideas I also like, but we grew up with the British system, so some things I hold on to.
Hope your mom is well, and I do appreciate your kind contribution here. It's never too late.
Yes, a truly loving Video. Gratitude.
“I am young. I am vibrant. I can do anything a 20-year old can do!” – Have you ever heard this? Oh boy! It’s so ‘cool’ and such a sweet mantra.
Let’s have a jaunty walk with me in the morning. There’s a peaceful park that is close to my home. I go there for jogging sometimes, and I meet many people in their 70’s and 80’s laughing without any reason. One day, I asked one old woman out of bewilderment, “Why are you laughing?” She said, “Come and laugh with us. It’s a good laughter therapy to keep the lungs in perfect condition.” An old man said, “I still feel like I am in my childhood… splashing in water in the rain… and playing with friends.” I stood in silence with a smile on my face. I was happy to know that I’ve received my answer – You grow old from your body, but NEVER from your Heart. So always remain childlike! A child doesn’t know of burdens or tensions, instead, cherishes each and every moment as if there is no tomorrow. Your rich, vivid thoughts always keep the zest alive, and that should be the spirit! Soar high… soar high…!
“Old age is a new page.” – Manatita
Here’s what I have to say – “Tear the fear that I’m in a cage and embrace the chapter with God’s grace.”
Your hub is full of wisdom and everyone should read it. What a brilliant piece! Every weather has its season and so is the case with age. Blessed are the ones who see each season of life with joie de vivre! Glad that you had a great time on your birthday.
Thank you, my Love. I'm so happy that you are well! Yes, I feel that this is a special Hub. I will do some prose poetry from it to read at Poetry Cafe. Not feeling too bright today; so can't walk with you in the Park ...next time. I like your approach, though. Lots of Hugs ...
this was an irresistible read my friend....... hope can be found among your words :)
So Sweet, Frank. Actually this Hub has so much energy, that I sometimes find myself in tears when I re-read it. My very best to you, as well as my deepest Gratitude. Much Love, my Friend. Happy Weekend!
My opinion is that we grow old when we lose curiosity for that presented before us. It could be a simple leaf, a feather, or a roaring river. Lead on and let me continue to walk and see, for life can be glorious on all accounts.
Nice approach, Deb. Like it. Thank you.
Happy belated Birthday, Manatita! I'm sorry I missed it.
Today, on the road trip of Life, I'm celebrating the last leg of highway 50. Ha ha. Nice way to look at it, doncha think?
My folks sent me the most beautiful birthday card. It goes like this:
Strength to try anything,
talent to succeed,
courage enough to fail,
wisdom to learn,
and resilience to bounce back
even stronger...
these are the things
that make you who you are.
We'll always be proud of you.
My mom hand wrote the following:
This card says exactly what I've always known about you. Our love to you on your special day.
This card just made my day. I could feel the love as soon as I opened it.
Anyway, Happy Birthday to us, Manatita!
So you are entering Highway sixty? Ha ha. Much more life in you yet. You little spring chicken!
A very beautiful piece by your family and I can see why you like it. Very touching! Happy Birthday, once again. You can never have too much. It is an inner state of being. Peace.
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