This really made my heart ache. “Elders can only exist in a community that values them”… this is the world I long for so much, both honoring of human elders as well as all the other than human teachers. I was just thinking this morning how social media generates a hyper-individuality that offers very little to no gratitude to our sources of wisdom/inspiration… it is so focused on bolstering of the individual self. and it makes me want to devote myself fully to expressing gratitude to every single being who has ever helped shape who I am. Otherwise we are living in systems of broken lineage. Everyone deserves to know that their actions had a ripple of benefit, especially the elders 💔🙏🌌
This is so touching, yes. We will all be in a position one day when we want to feel our value cherished. When we will want to feel necessary to the young ones growing up around us.
I would add to this that elders are usually not hidden away in old folks' homes, but removed from different spheres of communal experience by ageist bias, which is, I have read, one of the strongest unconscious biases in our culture (calling elders "cute" and "sweet", for instance). Communities must find new ways to build support for elders as well as opportunities for deep connection across all ages. This role was usually filled by church communities, but as secularism continues to grow, communities have the opportunity to build new structures of support and connection.
This really made my heart ache. “Elders can only exist in a community that values them”… this is the world I long for so much, both honoring of human elders as well as all the other than human teachers. I was just thinking this morning how social media generates a hyper-individuality that offers very little to no gratitude to our sources of wisdom/inspiration… it is so focused on bolstering of the individual self. and it makes me want to devote myself fully to expressing gratitude to every single being who has ever helped shape who I am. Otherwise we are living in systems of broken lineage. Everyone deserves to know that their actions had a ripple of benefit, especially the elders 💔🙏🌌
This is so touching, yes. We will all be in a position one day when we want to feel our value cherished. When we will want to feel necessary to the young ones growing up around us.
Yes 💔🙏 thank you for tending this very precious ember for human belonging.
I would add to this that elders are usually not hidden away in old folks' homes, but removed from different spheres of communal experience by ageist bias, which is, I have read, one of the strongest unconscious biases in our culture (calling elders "cute" and "sweet", for instance). Communities must find new ways to build support for elders as well as opportunities for deep connection across all ages. This role was usually filled by church communities, but as secularism continues to grow, communities have the opportunity to build new structures of support and connection.
That's a wonderful addition, and so true. Thank you.
Toko-Pa, just stopping by to say hello, this one joining the elder ranks. That looks like a winding stairwell in your profile image - old house.