What happens around 40 years of age is fairly common in our culture. We call it the "midlife crisis" and tend to joke about it, but it can wreak havoc in our lives, spur us on to our greatest period of growth or anything in between.
At this point we question whether we're living the life we really want. We might not have had the time or space to have done this up until now, but now it seems to be in the forefront of our minds. We're noticing the aging process in our bodies and maybe feeling unfulfilled in our jobs and/or relationships.
Mark Gerzon, author of Coming Into Our Own: Understanding the Adult Metamorphosis, says that the purpose in the second half of our lives is to seek wholeness and deeper meaning and "live our unlived lives." He's listed some key points to help us "win the midlife quest":
1. Listen to your body: Flexibility, strength and energy are needed more than bulk when exercising; perhaps eat more simply and a bit less; meditation and stillness ease the stress of hyperactivity.
2. Seek loving relationships: We must be able to be ourselves, and sometimes revealing our yearnings can upset the balance of our unspoken domestic agreements; this can create either a break or a deeper, more meaningful partnership.
3. Find your calling: Does what we do match who we are? Perhaps a shift within the company or a dramatic change is called for.
4. Seek meaning in aging: Realize what we gain as we age and the beauty in finding meaningful ways to live and contribute.
5. Honor all of the generations: Support the multi-generational community and realize the importance of connectedness; avoid isolating age groups.
6. Cherish the planet. We're entrusted with the future, and the wisdom of elders is needed.
7. Increase spiritual awareness: Listen to your inner voice.
CONTACT JANET BERG via her Web site, www.janetberg.com.
Previously in The Road to Wellness
Yoga for Children
By Diane Utaski
(May 12, 2004)
The Einstein Factor
By Janet Berg
(May 5, 2004)
Yoga for Athletes
By Diane Utaski
(April 28, 2004)
more...
Other articles by Janet Berg
The Road to Wellness (April 14, 2004)
Road to Wellness (March 31, 2004)
The Road to Wellness (March 17, 2004)
more...