Page 187 - Guerin Media Ltd | Active Retirement Ireland Members Annual 2016
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CONSCIOUS AGEING BE INFORMED
SO, WHAT IS CONSCIOUS AGEING? CwpaHhrnoeecry•reeoe •suaI y•isramho? eeIfsauxtIaaeswevcpogmaeareoarmmikrennwyeijcsneuisnaofnsrgseeertirgtgioixecknnbtarhl.agbaiiemtnoolnutfanngnipieornlesoelwdrie.cswdssaeomle:.aililnfanoonettrvdeeyeaeondandmucmdaeroenianaddgeneceinanritnengiagdtfytuilng Tips for ARAs for an
It’s a process of self-reflection afternoon of Conscious
and peer-group enquiry that Ageing:
helps us to step out of denial and
fear about the ageing process In the years to come, how do you see
and shine the light of awareness yourself finding fulfilment?
on our own life story. Working
together we each create a vision What, if anything are you doing now in
of our own future as a time when this regard?
we can thrive, grow and continue
to create joy and meaning in our What, if anything is holding you back?
lives and in the world around us.
If you were to die tomorrow, what would
It begins with an exploration your legacy to future generations be?
of our own attitudes and
assumptions about ageing in What would you like it to be?
order to discover which of these
are self-defeating and lead to What can you do now and in the
feelings of hopelessness and future to develop your legacy in a way
limited possibilities. We replace that reflects your highest values and
these with more positive, life- aspirations?
affirming attitudes that lead
to a vision of the future that is These are just some of the questions that can lead us to a greater
bright with new opportunities for awareness of our own ageing process. It can be worthwhile to take some
continued growth.
quiet time to reflect on the questions above before discussing them in
Shifting gears from the world of your ARA.
work and entering retirement can
be a shock to some, but it can also You might also consider inviting a trained facilitator to work with your
bring a new lease of life. How group and explore the Conscious Ageing Programme for yourselves.
many of us take the opportunity as
we age to reflect about our lives begin to transform these negative Conscious Ageing Workshop
and ‘take stock’ in a meaningful feelings to feelings of confidence
way? and a strong sense of purpose
as we find more interesting
Negative feelings associated with and rewarding ways to live. It
ageing can vary from feelings can bring us a sense of peace
of doubt, irrelevance or lacking and acceptance as we begin to
direction to being burnt-out from recognise our own unique gifts
caring for others. and talents as well as our needs.
When we engage with the WHY CONSCIOUSNESS MATTERS
conscious ageing process we can None of us can control the circumstances we will face as we age. We can however learn
to control the state of mind or the qualities of consciousness we bring to bear on those
“On my last birthday I was ninety-three circumstances and work to develop them into a strong foundation that will support us on
years old. That is not young, of course. In our journey.
fact, it is older than ninety. But age is a
relative matter. If you continue to work In Conscious Ageing workshops, participants examine their intentions for ageing and
and to absorb the beauty in the world learn ways to embody those intentions while building new skills. Together, we look at
about you, you find that age does not whether our current perspective reflects our true values and highest aspirations. We
necessarily mean getting old, at least, reflect on the lives we’ve lived to this point and see how that can inform our intentions
not in the ordinary sense. I feel many for the future.
things more intensely than ever before,
and for me life grows more fascinating.” Much of the value and strength of this programme arises from its structure and group
format. We create and maintain a safe environment in the workshops that is
-Pablo Casals open-minded and non-judgemental. Participants are therefore able to listen deeply and
speak from the heart. In this context, meaningful dialogue and a deeper sense of
www.activeirl.ie connection with one another emerge. Together we harvest the collective wisdom, insight
and experience of the group.
Mary Jane Verniere assists people in making the transition from the second to the third stage of life by
facilitating workshops that transform challenges into opportunities for growth and fulfillment.
As a Certified Facilitator of the Institute of Noetic Sciences ‘Conscious Ageing Program’ she offers courses
throughout the year in Ireland.
For more information telephone 086 338 2962 or visit: www.wholeheartedvision.com
with Mary Jane Verniere
Active Retirement Ireland 187
SO, WHAT IS CONSCIOUS AGEING? CwpaHhrnoeecry•reeoe •suaI y•isramho? eeIfsauxtIaaeswevcpogmaeareoarmmikrennwyeijcsneuisnaofnsrgseeertirgtgioixecknnbtarhl.agbaiiemtnoolnutfanngnipieornlesoelwdrie.cswdssaeomle:.aililnfanoonettrvdeeyeaeondandmucmdaeroenianaddgeneceinanritnengiagdtfytuilng Tips for ARAs for an
It’s a process of self-reflection afternoon of Conscious
and peer-group enquiry that Ageing:
helps us to step out of denial and
fear about the ageing process In the years to come, how do you see
and shine the light of awareness yourself finding fulfilment?
on our own life story. Working
together we each create a vision What, if anything are you doing now in
of our own future as a time when this regard?
we can thrive, grow and continue
to create joy and meaning in our What, if anything is holding you back?
lives and in the world around us.
If you were to die tomorrow, what would
It begins with an exploration your legacy to future generations be?
of our own attitudes and
assumptions about ageing in What would you like it to be?
order to discover which of these
are self-defeating and lead to What can you do now and in the
feelings of hopelessness and future to develop your legacy in a way
limited possibilities. We replace that reflects your highest values and
these with more positive, life- aspirations?
affirming attitudes that lead
to a vision of the future that is These are just some of the questions that can lead us to a greater
bright with new opportunities for awareness of our own ageing process. It can be worthwhile to take some
continued growth.
quiet time to reflect on the questions above before discussing them in
Shifting gears from the world of your ARA.
work and entering retirement can
be a shock to some, but it can also You might also consider inviting a trained facilitator to work with your
bring a new lease of life. How group and explore the Conscious Ageing Programme for yourselves.
many of us take the opportunity as
we age to reflect about our lives begin to transform these negative Conscious Ageing Workshop
and ‘take stock’ in a meaningful feelings to feelings of confidence
way? and a strong sense of purpose
as we find more interesting
Negative feelings associated with and rewarding ways to live. It
ageing can vary from feelings can bring us a sense of peace
of doubt, irrelevance or lacking and acceptance as we begin to
direction to being burnt-out from recognise our own unique gifts
caring for others. and talents as well as our needs.
When we engage with the WHY CONSCIOUSNESS MATTERS
conscious ageing process we can None of us can control the circumstances we will face as we age. We can however learn
to control the state of mind or the qualities of consciousness we bring to bear on those
“On my last birthday I was ninety-three circumstances and work to develop them into a strong foundation that will support us on
years old. That is not young, of course. In our journey.
fact, it is older than ninety. But age is a
relative matter. If you continue to work In Conscious Ageing workshops, participants examine their intentions for ageing and
and to absorb the beauty in the world learn ways to embody those intentions while building new skills. Together, we look at
about you, you find that age does not whether our current perspective reflects our true values and highest aspirations. We
necessarily mean getting old, at least, reflect on the lives we’ve lived to this point and see how that can inform our intentions
not in the ordinary sense. I feel many for the future.
things more intensely than ever before,
and for me life grows more fascinating.” Much of the value and strength of this programme arises from its structure and group
format. We create and maintain a safe environment in the workshops that is
-Pablo Casals open-minded and non-judgemental. Participants are therefore able to listen deeply and
speak from the heart. In this context, meaningful dialogue and a deeper sense of
www.activeirl.ie connection with one another emerge. Together we harvest the collective wisdom, insight
and experience of the group.
Mary Jane Verniere assists people in making the transition from the second to the third stage of life by
facilitating workshops that transform challenges into opportunities for growth and fulfillment.
As a Certified Facilitator of the Institute of Noetic Sciences ‘Conscious Ageing Program’ she offers courses
throughout the year in Ireland.
For more information telephone 086 338 2962 or visit: www.wholeheartedvision.com
with Mary Jane Verniere
Active Retirement Ireland 187

