Rev. Vicky's Message July 10, 2025

We had such a rich experience at the Women’s Retreat with our dive into “Aging Consciously” – I wanted to share it with the whole community. So while it will be somewhat of a review for our women’s retreat attendees, in my experience, it is a topic that never gets old (pardon the pun); with key spiritual lessons worth repeating as we integrate them into our life journey.

“Eldering” according to long-time Unity minister and Unity seminary faculty member, Rev. Robert Brumet. “is a perspective that sees aging and the final years of life as another stage of development in our life experience. As with every developmental stage, there are challenges and opportunities. Each stage of life has its own ‘curriculum.’ The final stage of development is no different.”

“The paradigm of eldering does not ignore the fact that aging may lead to some physical and mental ailments, as well as to loss and diminishment of certain physical capabilities. Eldering encourages wise and compassionate care for the body. We do not deny or discount this aspect of aging."

However, Brumet concludes, “We encourage acceptance of this element of aging without identifying with it.” Meaning––“the experience of aging does not need to define us. We are much more than this physical body, whether it is young or old.”

This “Unity” approach to aging, I am guessing, sure sounds pretty familiar; reminding us that we are “eternal spiritual beings having a human adventure.”

But the insights and spiritual practices of “conscious aging” as practiced and taught by modern day mystic, Episcopal priest, writer, and internationally acclaimed retreat leader, Cynthia Bourgeault – offers us an even deeper dive into the spiritual potential available to us in the “second half of life.”

I hope you will join us this Sunday, remembering that first and foremost: wherever we are on the curve of our lives, the basic spiritual instructions don’t change: Openness, curiosity, consent, and trust: these are the underlying spiritual attitudes that will see us through whatever life brings.

Blessings, Rev. Vicky