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| my birthday 13 years ago... |
I know that we need to live in the *NOW* (not dwelling on the past, nor anxious about the future), but I've had 2 people close to me lose their spouses recently. They're lives will change abruptly. Is it advisable to think about what we might want to do down the road? Possibly... as long as we don't dwell on it or have it rumbling around in our heads at bedtime.
What do you think?
"Creating" our elder life seems like something we need to think about. I had a dream the night before last.... one of those good dreams where I was on a beach by the ocean and I was running effortlessly and with quiet abandon. It was cool and the breaking waves were rough. I felt so *free* - love that feeling and it doesn't occur often. So happy these last 2 days as the feeling has not completely faded yet. I've had this dream before... used to consider it more than a dream, an almost out of body experience. Now I just consider it a gift.
I want to think that these *dreams* are telling me something... perhaps that this is what life is like after death? Perhaps without the frailties of the human body, our souls will run free? Perhaps being one with the universe is another form of freedom? And possibly one we experienced before (before birth into our human form) and these dreams are lost memories?
Guess I'd better stop this thread before people start worrying about my sanity. These thoughts do occur to me - but I don't dwell on them. Mull them over for a bit... then get on with it. But I do believe that we *create* our lives... so taking the time occasionally to take stock and make changes accordingly does seem like a good idea. I'm just saying....
Dear Rian, that is one of the sanest posts I've ever read. Nothing strange about it, except that wonderful dream or visitation or whatever it was. I have had feelings like that in dreams that have lingered with me for days. Getting ready to celebrate the arrival of your 70th year is filled with meaning! Happy 69th birthday when it comes around. I'm just a couple years ahead of you, and I think of these things often, too. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know that I'm not alone in thinking about all these things. Guess it's normal... or close enough. As for the dream, it's fading now. I keep trying to bring the feeling back, but can't quite get there... so remembering will have to do.
DeleteI'll ditto dJan in that's a perfectly sane post, echoing things many or most of us have pondered, felt, etc. The recurring dream definitely is a gift.
ReplyDeleteI try not to think about my elder years, as I don't know how I'll be able to just get by, let alone create a life I would want, not having the financial resources and no family (won't have any family once my parents are gone).
BTW, I remember feeling "free" when I was a child in Gaspe, running around under the night sky, wind in my hair, trees whispering in the breeze. But I don't think I've ever felt the same degree of freedom in all the years I've lived in urban areas. Part of it was childhood, of course, and part of it absolutely was the land and space. I long for that sense again, not of a return to childhood, but of the peace and joy that comes (for me) from Nature. I'd like to have that in my retirement years.....
Anyway, happy early birthday to you!
Nature is a wonder... and a source of comfort and healing... and yes, peace and joy. You WILL have it in your retirement years if you want it bad enough and keep it forefront in your thoughts.
DeleteI will wish a both a Happy Birthday in advance.
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that sometimes a dream experience can carry the feelings into waking life.
I guess there would be no excuse whatsoever for you to forget each other's birthdays.
No, they are both in July... a few days apart... so we're not likely to forget.
DeleteGary and I have talked about what we'll do if one of us passes away and it would definitely be a struggle for either of us; and lately we are wondering why we bought a house with three stories, basement, middle, and upper, they say these are the golden years but sometimes I wonder.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you both, enjoy the dreams great post.
Well, 3 levels may not be a problem if the stairs are not straight up. As for the *golden* years... since jobs are no longer an issue, in reality they are what we make them. Health and finances play a part of course, but one can work around these things.
DeleteI'm another who thinks this is a very sane and thoughtful post, Rian. I too have recurring dreams, some good, some not so good and I know how they can spill over into the waking day. I'm 68 and DH will be in November, so we are having some of the same conversations. I think we have to, as we can't stop the passage of time and have to plan for the changes it will bring.
ReplyDeleteYou sound so sane and sensible, Perpetua. Do you think contentment is good? My sister used to say that it killed the motivation to aspire - or *something* to that effect. She always thought I was too content with my life... and I have to admit, she made me wonder if she was right. Not that this is the issue here, now the question is more likely to be "what do we do next?"
DeleteI think contentment is very good, Rian, and feel fortunate that I've been content with my life for a long time now. The thought of continuing to aspire to things at my age makes me feel tired. :-) That doesn't mean I don't have plans and aims at times, but aspiration sounds stressful and liable to disappointment and I've no wish for that.
DeleteI always consider dreams like yours as spiritual/emotional check ups. Perhaps it is just showing you that you are content and a peace with your age.
ReplyDeleteDee, I've had some dreams that were... let's say, *educational*... they gave me answers to questions that I didn't know I had. Other times I've had dreams that forced out feelings of anger or fear... kind of like *venting* hidden angers that again I wasn't aware of. So, yes, I do think dreams can be therapeutic... and some dreams are just jumbles of things that we've seen or come in contact with...in our lives or on TV.
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