Most people want to grow old, but few people want to BE OLD! This conundrum creates a challenge for many of us.  How do we continue to grow and live a meaningful and satisfied life as we journey through the last quarter or third of our lives?

I recently discovered a Buddhist prayer that offers us a gentle framework as we struggle with the issues and concerns in our lives.

As I grow older, may I be kind to myself;
As I grow older, may I accept joy and sorrow;
As I grow older, may I find contentment in all of my days.
As each of us grows older, may we be kind to ourselves;
As each of us grows older, may we accept joy and sorrow;
As each of us grows older, may we find contentment in all of our days.
As all beings grow older, may they be kind to themselves;
As all beings grow older, may they accept joy and sorrow;
As all beings grow older, may they find contentment in all of their days.

Written by Lewis Richmond, author of Aging As A Spiritual Practice: A Contemplative Guide to Growing Older and Wiser.

Go ahead – TRY this simple prayer as you begin your day, or at any point in your day. 

You can also make your own prayer, focusing on areas in which you need assistance.

And, remember as they say “Aging is Not for Sissies!”

Prepare to be touched by Lynne’s “call to action” as she talks about her personal journey, as inspired by key influencers such as Joanna Macy, PhD and the Pachamama Alliance. Learn about rewiring, recommitment and the community-based resources that will help you answer pressing questions like "What can I do?" and "Where do I start?".

Read more: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/fireflywillowslive/2014/07/06/healing-conversations-with-mildred-lynn-mcdonald--elder-activist-lynne-iser#ixzz36tD0Ohpu

It is also available on iTunes, as part of the Firefly Willows LIVE series: 
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/firefly-willows-l*i*v*e!-blog/id521484485?mt=2

Plus, you can find the aired show on Healing Conversations topic directory at: http://healingconversationswithmildredlynn.com

Past, Present, Future: A Thriving World for Future Generations

50 years ago during the summer of 1964, we experienced a pivotal moment in history – Freedom Summer.  During those 10 weeks in history students and organizers from around the country went on a campaign to register as many African-American voters as possible in Mississippi, a state which had historically excluded most blacks from voting. 

50 years later we are again poised to make history.

In New York City, on September 21st, there will be an unprecedented People’s Climate March.  Our demand is a world we know is within our reach: a world with an economy that works for people and the planet. In short, a world safe from the ravages of climate change.

The MARCH will again offer us the opportunity to make a difference and change the course of history.  That weekend heads of state, from around the world, will converge in New York City for an historic summit on climate change.

With our future on the line we will use this weekend to bend the course of history.

Tens of thousands of people, perhaps hundreds of thousands of people will join these world leaders to create a people’s climate mobilization. 

We know how important it is to speak our truth.  This is our chance to do just that. 

Our demands are simple:  A WORLD WITH AN ECONOMY THAT WORKS FOR PEOPLE AND THE PLANET – a world, safe from the ravages of climate change.

Sounds impossible?  NO, it is not.  Germany now produces more than 50% of its energy from renewable resources – and, it is not a particularly sunny environment!  Our fossil fuel industries are ravaging our earth for their profits.  In 2012 six of the top ten fossil fuel companies had profits of over 122 BILLION DOLLARS! 

It is time for a change. 

Nobody thought that the Freedom Summer would be easy; and nobody thinks that these greedy fossil fuel companies will easily give up their profits.

But together we can make it happen. 

1-  Put September 21st on your calendar

2-  Read more at www.PeoplesClimate.org

3-  Tell me that you will be there!

THANKS!        Lynne