Editor’s Note: This small artwork, only 8″ x 8″, is an original oil painting by Arizona artist Bev Johnson. I call it “Grandmother”. I talk to this old woman who represents to me the joys and sorrows of aging, especially for women — happier days sitting in a circle weaving her clothes with women friends; now near life’s end, trudging along, perhaps alone, carrying her joys and sorrows. I’m wondering what is on her mind. She was a focus of my retreat.
***
I recently gave myself the gift of a six-day, news-free, silent retreat in my home while my husband was in New York. In planning for the retreat I turned to a book that provided structure for it: “Aging as a Spiritual Practice: A Contemplative Guide to Growing Older and Wiser” by Zen Buddhist priest and meditation teacher Lewis Richmond.
I am not a Buddhist nor do I recognize it as a religion. Instead to me it is a time-tested psychology about how to grow up to be a mature adult and live sanely, peacefully, and productively in this crazy, chaotic world we humans have created.
Over the course of the retreat I read (or thumbed through) many books, listened to Buddhist tapes, and contemplated what I was learning. I meditated using insight meditation techniques focusing on the breath. I wrote “Morning Pages”, a writing practice learned from Julia Cameron which I have used in the many memoir-writing classes I have facilitated in Idaho, Arizona, and now Minnesota. I also created an altar, something I had never done before. I sat in front of it contemplating its pictures and objects. I treated myself to wonderful (vegetarian) food and lots and lots of tea. I exercised lightly and attempted walking meditations, learned from a Buddhist nun, in our small, but colorful and art-filled home.
Aha moments rose and fell; some tears were shed; my heart swelled with appreciation for my life and those in it, past and present. I also forgave myself for my many mistakes and at the same time applauded my many successes.
Instead of revealing Lewis Richmond’s words of wisdom from his book, I will simply recommend it. I do want to share with you though what Lewis Richmond calls a lovingkindness mantra or prayer that has become my steady companion. Maybe it will become yours as you walk, drive, eat, and live life.
“As I grow older, may I be kind to myself;
As I grow older, may I accept joy and sorrow;
As I grow older, may I be happy and at peace.”
(It continues as we widen our circle of concern for others) . . .
“As each of us grows older, may we be kind to ourselves;
As each of us grows older, may we accept joy and sorrow;
As each of us grows older, may we be happy and at peace.
As all beings grow older, may they be kind to themselves;
As all beings grow older, may they accept joy and sorrow;
As all beings grow older, may they be happy and at peace.”
**
Here are a few visuals from my retreat to give you an idea of its flavor.
Copyright © 2024 by Jane Iddings
You wrote this quite some time ago, Jane, and I missed commenting. Your piece is very apropos on this last day of 2025, with the holidays and the world all a-flutter. You remind us that it is possible, with discipline and clear vision, to intentionally bring moments and days of peace into our lives. Thanks for that, my friend.
It takes such strength to truly focus on ourselves; I admire your dedicated and enriching experience! We need to look within and you have provided inspiration! Well done!!
I love all of this. What a calming, peaceful home you have made for yourselves. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing from your heart. It reminded me of the song, Let There Be Peace On Earth And Let It Begin With Me.
Thanks for sharing this beautiful piece of yourself. I wondered what you were doing during this time alone. I loved seeing the images that you used for contemplation in your own home which is a very lovely expression of your individual sense of color and style. Jean
Love your images, especially. The saffron yellow, burnt orange and blues particularly speak. thank you for sharing this inspiring and important experience.
Very inspiring. Thank you for sharing the resources that helped shape your days, as well as your experiences.
Thanks for sharing this blog post. I wondered how your 6-day meditation went. I love the background, experience and excerpt. I shall meditate on peace as we ace the coming week.
Leslie
Jane–This is pure Jane Iddings 101. Spiritual. Contemplative. Sincere. Searching. Personal. Most of us have a spiritual home. We may find it in nature. We may find it in a structured community of believers. Some may search and never find that place of peace. You have found it in a private, personal space. At the heart of all of it is love, peace, and joy for all mankind. Love the pictures!
Jane, I enjoy everything you write, and I think this is exceptional. I especially like the photos. Keep up the good work as this blog is truly a work of art.
An inspiring piece, Jane. So glad you were able to retreat from it all for a while.
Jane,
Your spiritual retreat is a fabulous idea for a generational “calgon take me away” opportunity.
Unique, thoughtful and inspiring…that’s YOU!
I appreciate that you shared all your intentional preparation details and photos.
What a wonderful gift to yourself.
Twas very relaxing to read. Thank you for this gift.