Beginning Friday, September 22, we will experiment with meeting 1 hour later: 9 am PDT. Let me know if this start time works better for you.

The topic of today is aging.

My eldest sister recently attained the exalted age of 80 and it's on my mind. Actually, my mind can't quite wrap itself around this stunning information. I remember my father's 80th birthday and my mother-in-law's 80th. Not so long ago it seems. Are we now becoming them?

I have a few years yet before I reach 80, nevertheless, simple math confirms that most of my lifetime is in the past. This makes my remaining time more precious than ever.

It is time to ask important questions like:

• Am I making the best use of this remaining time?
• Have I made the best use of my life?
• Are adjustments needed?

I was only 34 when I started the Sufi work with Adnan Sarhan. This work and the community that adopted me were my lifeline after the abandonment of my first husband. They provided me with meaning, direction, and connection. Now Adnan is gone as are a number of our members. Death stalks us all.

What are you doing to make the most of this precious life of yours?

My body is aging. There is no getting around this fact. It is the inevitable consequence of multiple years of continuous use. Joints are showing the wear and tear of years of lazy posture and body misalignment. Muscles have lost their flexibility. Balance requires vigilance. More than ever I need to focus on the body's needs.

My Friday Sufi class does the very things that support my body, i.e. exercise and deep breathing which increase flexibility and reduce stress, dance to uplift my spirits and chanting to shift my worried mind.

Because I am older, I move slowly to coax my body into deeper poses that stretch out the kinks and restore its elasticity. If you are older, you will appreciate the gentle progression. Don't be alarmed, however, if I do exercise your body is not prepared to follow. Do only what your body allows. Focus on the body, movement, and breath -- NOT being perfect!

Your body and mind will feel relaxed and rejuvenated at the end of each session.

This practice allows space for spiritual and creative connection. As we age, this connection becomes more and more essential to our survival by enhancing our ability to navigate the rapid changes we must now face.

By accessing spirit, we are able to focus on the essentials of this human existence, i.e. sharing our gifts, having a positive impact on others, and ensuring our capacity to deliver both. It is not about beauty or youth or acquisition. It is about why you are here in this life in the first place. Embrace this simple truth and see how your life changes.

You don't need to be 80 to benefit from the Sufi work. This practice is valuable at any age. It is never too early to become mindful of your body's needs and your spirit's guidance. You will find that you less struggle, enjoy better health, and experience more happiness throughout your great human adventure. Give it a try and see how it affects your body, your mind, and your life satisfaction.

Remember, unlike so much that is promised these days, you may not experience results instantaneous. The longer and more regularly you do it, the better you results.

Sufi moving meditation class is Friday, Sept 22 at 9 am PDT.

Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89999494833?pwd=V2pOS28yYUdXM3hkaW1rVWIvSjBUdz09

Meeting ID: 899 9949 4833

Passcode: SUFI

8 am PDT is early morning on the West Coast! Here's a time converter link if you need to check the time in your location.

Hope to see you Friday.

Michelle

Dr. Michelle Peticolas

Life Transformation Coach

Empowering Women to Reinvent Their Life After Loss

Secrets of Life and Death

https://www.facebook.com/secretsoflifeanddeath.com