How Sixty Feels

Woke up feeling glad glad, good. Sixty and not sad. Nor sorry. An infant elder at last with the accrued freedom to speak wisdom, admire generously and bless others by simple intention. Lived through six decades and still feel as innocently safe as the first couple of decades. Maybe it should have come in the fifties, but for some reason the feeling of protected impervious maturity is just now settling in. The thoughts and comments of others no longer penetrate as easily and for this, more than anything else, I am truly grateful. Gratitude, yes! It’s been a conscious state of mind these days and I hope it never fades away. So deeply grateful for this body, this home, the unceasing beauty of nature, the tremendous kindness and generosity of people, all the miracles of healing and the clarity that comes with it. More aware of the beauty that I carry and the Light that comes through, and still surprised each time someone is struck by it. Feeling more selective and guilt-free about choices made to do or not do, to go or not go. So admiring of the deeply beautiful and highly resourceful young people circling around in my life. Enjoying the creative impulses that seem to surge daily. And finally, feeling a daily sense of gentle excitement and enthusiasm about two things, ‘Idam Na Mama’, which in Sanskrit means not my will but Thy will be done. And this leads me to the Native American proverb, ‘Give thanks for unknown blessings all ready on their way’.