Spiritual Things Matter

You can free yourself from aging by reinterpreting your body and by grasping the link between belief and biology. ~Deepak Chopra

It is interesting to have dialogues with people who are getting older because repeatedly you will hear them say that in their minds they don’t feel their age. I am 45 years old and I find myself saying the same thing as I realize that I had preconceived ideas of what it meant to be middle aged.

Aging is an interesting phenomenon as the child within is still there and yet the process of life has brought experiences that bring enormous changes to our physical bodies, our minds, and our perspective on life.

As I sat in the hygienist chair having my teeth cleaned, I listened as this middle-aged woman began to tell me about her aging father who has Alzheimer’s disease. My heart went out to him and all those who suffer from this devastating disease. We must continue to pray that our scientists will find a cure to relieve the suffering of so many. I pray that those suffering from Alzheimer’s will be able, with noble dignity, to live in the present moment and embrace that which is still real and alive to them. I pray that they will not fight against this illness so hard, only bringing more pain of frustration and anxiety as they desperately try to cling to that which was theirs in this world. It is very hard and painful for human beings to relinquish control, much less having your mind erased from all that you knew.

A number of months ago, I made a visit to my gynecologist since it was time for my yearly exam. I’ve begun to notice some subtle changes as I am now in my mid 40’s. I like planning ahead and like being pro-active in matters that are in my control, so I asked my doctor what it is that I can do to prepare for the “change of life.” It is this same doctor who helped deliver my two children and who counseled my husband and me when we could not get pregnant right away with our first child. The doctor is about my age and when I asked him this question, he smiled with compassion and with thoughtfulness and gave me a profoundly simply answer: “Prayer,” he said.

He did give me some other helpful information to consider but his primary advice was prayer. He explained to me that he has repeatedly witnessed in his patients that those who have a prayer life fare much better than those who do not. This did not come as a surprise to me. I was thankful to have such a fine doctor who is able to include the spiritual realm into his well-established medical practice. I said a prayer for him since he shared with me that he is writing a book on menopause to help his female patients.

Aging seems to be scary for many people. In this materialistic world that we live in where so much emphasis is placed on outward beauty, many forget to focus on something far more important and lasting. Changes take place in the body and in the mind when a human being goes to the One far greater and wiser than himself. A relinquishment of control brings one into a much more peaceful place of existence. One gains a sense of wholeness and life takes on new meaning. New energy is found to walk a new path, perhaps unknown in younger years. It is this path that will bring clarity and wisdom to those who search for it. It is this path that offers a place to lay down the burdens that have been carried in this lifetime. It is this path that will open opportunities of forgiveness for ourselves and others, bringing healing to our mind and soul, and yes, sometimes even to our bodies.

Oh, aged body-mind,
be strengthened today from all your toil.
The wise physician within you - speaks.
Listen carefully as he brings insight and understanding
to that which seems impossible.
He is there to heal and restore -
that which has been torn down through ignorance.
Oh, aged body-mind,
be strengthened today - and know.

Viola Jaynes

To weep is to make less the depth of grief. ~William Shakespeare

The land of tears is a mysterious place as each tear droplet expresses the beauty of its pain or joy. Tears cleanse our souls and powerfully release the pressure we feel in our daily lives. Tears help us focus our vision and our purpose. It gives us the ability to hear and feel our heart again.

Tears need to be shed as they help the body and soul to cleanse many toxins of bitterness and anger, and of disappointments and shame. Tears help our other organs to stay free of disease and sickness, for if one cannot weep, our bodies will. The saltiness of our tears helps to remind us of its cleansing power. As I sit in stillness, I think of the many who are shedding tears, sacred and mysterious perhaps even to their own understanding.

I think of those that weep for their marriage wondering if relief will ever come to their private and lonely pain, and longing and praying for oneness and togetherness in its truest form. At the same time, however, realizing that the shaping of their own character is the forming of an art piece as they search for lasting answers.

I think of the many parents that weep over their children as they continually search for ways to instill in them what is right and what is wrong. The pain they experience as their child grows and finds greater independence, and often pushing away parental guidance. The fear of loss and control brings many to bitter tears. Yet, perhaps a realization and a finding of their deeper self will bring thanksgiving into their hearts, and the understanding that our children are never truly ours, but have been given into our care - for only a short season.

Tears express the language of love which brings such joy and pain to so many. Innumerable tears will be shed as they learn that the other can never be possessed and that the value of separateness will bring value to their togetherness.

Those with greater awareness and understanding will weep many tears. For they have been given the gift of greater responsibility. Only with diligence and commitment to yet a deeper and higher purpose will they understand that the solving of human dilemmas can never come from their limited resources, wit, and cleverness. Wisdom cries out - for its effect is far beyond human intellect. It is available to all those who seek it.

As war prevails in our world due to the pride of men, many tears are shed for the loss of precious lives. The pain of such a loss goes deep and only the healing balm of God’s grace can mend such a broken heart.

Many elderly have been forgotten and are alone. Their tears flow with many regrets wondering if they could have lived life differently. At the same time, others will shed tears of joy as they see the fruit of their own diligent labor and prayers flourish and thrive. They will not fear death, but will await it with wonderment.

The downtrodden and lonely hearts cry tears of their own perceived inadequacies. They wonder what it is they could ever offer this world. Yet, it is in these humble souls that the purity of prayer is heard and answered. Their silent strength is a great gift to this world.

As all of us will shed many tears due to our frailties, our weaknesses, and lack of courage, may strength be found to forgive ourselves. These tears will teach empathy for others as one becomes sensitive to knowing that each person carries a burden. This understanding is the path to forgive others. It is in this continued searching for greater wisdom, courage, and strength that life can be well lived. Ones own courage will be realized as we express our regrets to those we have injured. It may be the most healing and meaningful gift you could ever offer. Let us have the courage to make things right as best as we can and learn to be compassionate in all of our dealings.

At the end of this life, it will not have mattered what our profession was and how many wonderful things we have accomplished on this earth. Who we were will have mattered - for it will have left a lasting affect.

Tears are truly a gift - a wonderful gift to ourselves.

You, oh Lord tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: Ps. 56:8