Comments on: Age http://kentnerburn.com/archives/11 The Blog of Author Kent Nerburn Tue, 01 Jun 2010 19:52:17 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: LeVine Paul http://kentnerburn.com/archives/11/comment-page-1#comment-15 LeVine Paul Mon, 03 May 2004 10:39:54 +0000 http://kentnerburn.com/?p=11#comment-15 A solved puzzle is just a picture. A solved puzzle is just a picture.

]]> By: Cheslow Alan http://kentnerburn.com/archives/11/comment-page-1#comment-14 Cheslow Alan Sun, 02 May 2004 11:22:56 +0000 http://kentnerburn.com/?p=11#comment-14 I do not fear computers. I fear lack of them. I do not fear computers. I fear lack of them.

]]> By: Leigh Austin http://kentnerburn.com/archives/11/comment-page-1#comment-13 Leigh Austin Wed, 06 Aug 2003 19:48:52 +0000 http://kentnerburn.com/?p=11#comment-13 Ya know Kent, your ability to consistently be present in the moment to pick up on the subtle energy currents of the mysterious divine is probably one of the most precious gifts you offer to the world. That, combined with your golden tongue and ability to recall the smallest details and apply them experientially are what make you so completely tangible. You are so right about the mostly unnoticed and unappreciated wisdom, clarity and basic life experience of our elders. There was a clear time in our nation's development and history that we honored this part of our family. In European, African and Eastern societies it is still in practice. Yet here, in the most technologically advanced society we have separated ourselves from this most integral part of our existence. In some backward, ignorant attempt at denying our mortality, we have not only separated ourselves physically from each other (destroying the village and tribe), but from our sources of greatest information, inspiration and intelligence. Almost every native culture honored its elders and created a space of importance for them. What happened? It's a matter of belief. We believe some pretty ugly things about ourselves as we age. We "lose our minds", our energy and, therefore, our usefulness. But really, who determined this to be true? And more importantly, why has this become a reality? I don't think our elders are getting any dumber or less loving! We live in a culture that supports the idea that we are all separate, not only from each other, but also from God (the Universe, the Goddess, Buddha, Muhammed etc.).... when the simple truth is that we are all connected in one large family. We live in a culture that believes in the tangible, physically beautiful and strong! Strength and might win wars! If we are strong, then somehow, we are superior, because we assume the strong survive and the weak do not. Without rambling into tomorrow, I would like to offer a "new" idea: I invite you to honor the elders as holy. Take inspiration from Kent. Initiate moments in your day where you can witness their life experience, even if its only a bigger smile and a reflection in your eyes of their worth and import. I very much enjoy people much older than me. Their silent calm belies understandings of the mysteries of life that are yet beyond my reach. Personally, I think we should get back to the idea of a Circle of Elders in every community. I am one person, and I will be working toward this end. Peace be with you. Love and blessings, Leigh Austin Ya know Kent, your ability to consistently be present in the moment to pick up on the subtle energy currents of the mysterious divine is probably one of the most precious gifts you offer to the world. That, combined with your golden tongue and ability to recall the smallest details and apply them experientially are what make you so completely tangible.

You are so right about the mostly unnoticed and unappreciated wisdom, clarity and basic life experience of our elders. There was a clear time in our nation’s development and history that we honored this part of our family. In European, African and Eastern societies it is still in practice. Yet here, in the most technologically advanced society we have separated ourselves from this most integral part of our existence. In some backward, ignorant attempt at denying our mortality, we have not only separated ourselves physically from each other (destroying the village and tribe), but from our sources of greatest information, inspiration and intelligence. Almost every native culture honored its elders and created a space of importance for them. What happened?
It’s a matter of belief.
We believe some pretty ugly things about ourselves as we age. We “lose our minds”, our energy and, therefore, our usefulness. But really, who determined this to be true? And more importantly, why has this become a reality? I don’t think our elders are getting any dumber or less loving! We live in a culture that supports the idea that we are all separate, not only from each other, but also from God (the Universe, the Goddess, Buddha, Muhammed etc.)…. when the simple truth is that we are all connected in one large family. We live in a culture that believes in the tangible, physically beautiful and strong! Strength and might win wars! If we are strong, then somehow, we are superior, because we assume the strong survive and the weak do not.

Without rambling into tomorrow, I would like to offer a “new” idea: I invite you to honor the elders as holy. Take inspiration from Kent. Initiate moments in your day where you can witness their life experience, even if its only a bigger smile and a reflection in your eyes of their worth and import. I very much enjoy people much older than me. Their silent calm belies understandings of the mysteries of life that are yet beyond my reach.
Personally, I think we should get back to the idea of a Circle of Elders in every community. I am one person, and I will be working toward this end.
Peace be with you.
Love and blessings,
Leigh Austin

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