“As long as you are concerned about improving yourself, you’ll always have a self to improve. And you will always suffer.” – Cheri Huber

I celebrated my 33rd rotation on Monday, and as it approached, I reflected on the way aging was talked about during my younger years. There was abundant commentary about it being all downhill after your twenties and self-deprecating narratives about female bodies, in particular. This put youth and appearance on a pedestal and portrayed the future as a rather bleak one. However, I never completely bought into it. While I understand that aging naturally comes with some additional challenges and grief, a broader sense of culture and spirituality allows us to understand that aging also means greater experience and wisdom, widening circles of connection, and hopefully, the ability to slow down, reflect, and create in different ways.

On my birthday morning, I had a dream of hurrying through an airport, excited to make my way to visit a dear companion. However, on the way through the airport, I was delighted to bump into a group of friends I hadn’t seen in a long time. I recall the connections with them being warm and joyous but don’t recall ever making it to my destination. My dream self didn’t seem to be disappointed about this. She was just taking in the moment, fully present. To me, this seemed to hold the metaphor of also being cautious to not get caught up in what some might refer to as “destination happiness,” always buying into the idea that one will finally be happy when we arrive at a destination – whether that is a place or just enough improvement, achievement, and accumulation. However, as I quoted Cheri Huber in stating above, that actually only creates suffering and takes us from the moment.

Regardless of what chaos and confusion life presents to us, give us the courage to practice presence, acceptance, and grace. May we all know love, joy, and contentment, and may it sustain us for the work and play that still lies ahead.

Upcoming Happenings:

·       Mindful Movement (Gentle Yoga) in the UUFM Sanctuary, Mondays in April at 11am
RSVP: https://uufm.breezechms.com/form/06c0e932739718

·       Mending and Upcycling Gathering, Wednesday, April 15^th, 6:30-8pm
See Breeze link description for more details.
RSVP here: https://uufm.breezechms.com/form/6cdfb9

·       Young Adult Luncheon in the UUFM Fellowship Hall, Sunday, April 19^th, 12-1pm (Changed the date a second time due to April 12th being the regular luncheon)
No RSVP necessary, vegan/gluten-free options will be available. Please email Macey with any questions or concerns