“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” Eleanor Roosevelt

As we age often our enthusiasm for growth hope and renewal wanes as life and the aging process offers up losses and challenges of many kinds for ourselves and loved ones. And we live in a culture that that too often ignores the wisdom of aging and glorifies youth.

This week will focus on coming together in community and camaraderie with other women to share and acknowledge our joys, sorrows, grief and challenges. Hopefully we will learn and experience new ways of approaching this chapter of our lives; to move forward with hope and courage and perhaps acquire new skills to energize, heal, accept and even flourish with grace and intention, this “new stretch.”

Our time together will include thought provoking and inspired readings/poetry, journaling, moving our bodies with yoga and dance, guided visualizations, meditation, hikes/walks in nature, a labyrinth, art projects and ritual that express and mark this joyous and challenging time, and possibly a visit to local hot springs.

The only thing necessary to bring is a journal (5×7 minimum), and willingness to be open to the experience. Through sharing, we can learn, grow, and celebrate together as we navigate this part of our life’s amazing journey!

*Suggested book reading: Women Rowing North by Mary Pipher