Now, on to a thought on youth and aging, based on the principles of “yang and “yin”:
This morning, out for a walk in the mist, Diana and I were reflecting on age-related challenges (psychological, emotional, spiritual, and physical).
We both confirmed that in youth, the life force is prominent. This energy, hope, and the beginnings of our life journey all contribute to various degrees of innocence. We need to be respectful of that! It’s beautiful to behold and life-giving to be around. The danger is, with poor judgement, that very innocence sooner or later will lead to wounds of both body and soul, some of which will haunt us for the remainder of our lives. But to steal the innocence from youth, at the same time, is nothing short of a spiritual crime. A lot of the time it’s a problem of too much, too soon.
This tilt toward innocence (yang -expansion) often leads to a glorification of violence and allows perpetuation of war around the planet. Such innocence also feeds our endless appetite to use up the world’s natural resources (as if technology will ensure there will never be limits). We are now discovering this trajectory is a planetary affliction threatening to destroy much of the balance of life as we know it. Innocence also contributes to crushing financial burdens for many. Some of us have lived long enough to remember the advent of credit cards. Today, The New York Times reported some credit cards are charging 35% annual interest. A recipe for anyone’s financial ruin.
In the later chapters of our lives, begin to experience the “moving line” of relationships, health, and politics. Our challenge, then, is the opposite: Cynicism and despair. We sink into the dark side of the Yang/Yin symbol: The valley. We lose ourselves there – in self-indulgence, apathy, bitterness. Once we’ve retired, there are new horizons. Few of them are the same as in earlier years. Discernment, balance, self-awareness, generosity, and finding right measures of “engagement” appear on this new frontier.
The beauty of Tai Chi reminds us we need both Yang and Yin, both innocence and a certain degree of cynicism. We offer and receive those gifts to and from one another. Together they invite us into a beautiful, elegant dance for which, I believe, we all so desperately long.
Peace and Grace!
Jon
The Cedar Tree Institute
With greetings from Diana
A deep thank you for those of you who have chosen, thus far, during this series to make a contribution to the ongoing work and projects of the Cedar Tree Institute! Remember, there is no obligation or any expectation involved for the Institute’s zoom series or Wednesday evening outdoor Tai Chi classes. This is a gift!
As I’ve written earlier, these months (the second year of the global pandemic), the Institute is honoring the tradition of “Dana” (Dhana), the practice of “a generous heart.” Under ordinary circumstances, income from our Tai Chi classes support the Institute’s summer tree planting projects with at-risk youth and assist in supporting training programs for hospice staff and workers.
Just in case there may be a few others of you new to our series or who may be interested in supporting our outreach, you can make a donation online by using the “Donate Now” button above. If you would rather send a check, you can address and mail it to The Cedar Tree Institute, 403 E Michigan St., Marquette, Michigan.
