Conscious aging is a holistic approach to growing older that emphasizes self-awareness, mindfulness, and purposeful living. Unlike traditional views of aging that may focus on decline and loss, conscious aging encourages individuals to embrace the opportunities for growth, learning, and self-discovery that come with advancing years.
Dr. Damanjit Kaur (MD Psychiatry)
By cultivating awareness of one's inner resources and outer experiences, individuals can navigate the aging process with grace, resilience, and a sense of fulfillment.
To age consciously involves taking stock of where we are now in life, what our priorities are for the years ahead and to prepare ourselves. This includes practical matters such as finances and advance care planning of course, but the emotional, psychological and spiritual preparation is often overlooked.
Reaching Middle Age & Body Acceptance:
The truth is, aging is inevitable. We will all age. Regardless of how much money you have, your race, your education, you will age. Learning body acceptance and to accept and embrace aging in a culture that is hell-bent on pretending it is somehow wrong is no small feat.
“Getting old isn’t easy for a lot of us, ” writes spiritual teacher Ram Dass in Still Here: Embracing Aging, Changing and Dying. “Neither is living, neither is dying. We struggle against the inevitable and we all suffer because of it.
A big reason aging can be so uncomfortable is that it is something we cannot control. Even with all of the surgeries, potions, and exercises in the world, you cannot escape it, and that’s scary.
Remember What the Body is For
Anyone that is blessed to make it to middle age has lived life a million times over, likely experiencing numerous chapters, seasons, and iterations of themselves.
Take a moment to do a flashback-reel of your life. The people you’ve loved, the moments you have laughed, the moments you have cried or fought or stormed off, the victories you have celebrated, the places you have lived, the cars you have rocked out to, and what songs were blasting through their radios.
None of those moments would have been possible without your body. Your body has carried every version of you that has existed through every trial and joy and struggle and success.
A few tips for practicing body acceptance versus body hate are to:
Make a list of all your body has done and continues to do, for you
Surround yourself with people, also fighting the toxicity of anti-aging culture and embracing the beautiful sands of time.
Dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable and fabulous!
Remind yourself that beauty means so much more than external appearances.
Write down things you love about yourself.
Stop even using terms like “aging gracefully” or “aging poorly,” just saying aging…or, don’t even say that because who cares!
Critically view social messages and advertisements.
Want to Practice Conscious Aging?
The Institute of Noetic Sciences, a member of the Conscious Aging Alliance, has identified nine practices to help people engage in life fully:
Reflect on your worldview, beliefs, stereotypes, and assumptions. How might they be limiting you or holding you back?
Reframe Your Inner Talk. Take note of your critical self-talk … reframe these internal messages as more positive and self-compassionate.
Shift Your Perspective away from the popular media and the weapons of “mass distraction” that shape the dominant culture’s view of aging. Find opportunities to pause and ask yourself where you find joy, goodness, and connections.
Practice Mindful Attention. Bring your attention toward greater self-awareness. What do you need to surrender or leave behind? How can you conserve your energy for what has heart and meaning? What still needs healing or forgiveness?
Set Intentions. Ask yourself, “What matters most? What values do I want to adhere to?”
Build New Habits. Challenge your brain with new learnings, explore new activities…or do something new every day.
Find Guidance. Connecting with others offers a way of living into new patterns and behaviors.
Move from I to We. Altruism and compassion born of shared destiny, rather than duty or obligation, can emerge and add joy and purpose to your actions.
Death Makes Life Possible. As people grow older, as they come to face their own mortality, they can bring greater awareness to the transformative process that allows a deeper experience of their life journey.
Benefits of Conscious Aging:
Enhanced Well-Being: Conscious aging promotes psychological, emotional, and spiritual well-being by fostering self-awareness, resilience, and a sense of purpose and meaning.
Greater Fulfillment: By living with intention and mindfulness, individuals can experience greater fulfillment and satisfaction in their later years, regardless of external circumstances.
Deeper Connections: Conscious aging encourages individuals to cultivate meaningful relationships and connections with others, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
Resilience in the Face of Change: By developing resilience and inner strength, individuals can navigate life's transitions and challenges with greater ease and grace.
Legacy Building: Conscious aging invites individuals to reflect on their legacy and the impact they want to have on future generations, leading to a deeper sense of purpose and contribution.
Conscious aging offers a transformative approach to growing older—one that celebrates the richness, wisdom, and potential inherent in every stage of life.
Live it Forward
I agree, growing older shouldn’t mean an end to our growth. As philosopher Søren Kierkegaard noted, “Life can only be understood backward, but it must be lived forward.” Sounds like a fine future to look forward to!.
Dr. Damanjit Kaur (MD Psychiatry)
Ms. Shefali Bhardwaj (Psychologist)
Faith Hospital, Chandigarh
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