The Elder’s Journey: The Four Shields of Elderhood for Women

“We are the seeds of the tenacious plant, and it is in our ripeness and our fullness of heart that we are given to the wind and scattered.”

Kahlil Gibran

Throughout the ages, elder women have enjoyed sitting in circle to weave the rich tapestries of their stories, stories that continued to warm and inspire people across time and culture.

What about us, now, in our time? As women in all stages of growing into our greater years, there is a growing passion and a commitment to tell our own stories. We have children, or we are childless, we are single or we are partnered, working or retired, healthy or feeling the struggles of the body. Whatever stage of elderhood we find ourselves navigating it is important that we find our way, with as much humor, grace and dignity as possible. Death awaits us all, and how we move through these years is of utmost importance.

Elderhood is an evolving experience that can be a ripening of our strengths rather than the dulling of our minds. From the words of social activist Maggie Kuhn, “Old age is not a disease. It is a strength in survivor-ship, triumph over all kinds of vicissitudes and disappointments, trials and illness.” This speaks to aging as an extraordinary achievement. It is an opportunity to re-awaken the imagination towards new possibilities and a renewed spirit inspired by the lived wisdom acquired over the years.

As women ripen into the various stages of elderhood, it may be time to re-map the landscape to make room for the emerging new perspectives of what it means to be an elder in today’s world. Through honoring the years of a life lived, creating new meaning and imparting our gifts in service, we move towards transformation and into a renewed vitality, creativity, and vision. This program is an invitation to open to what is needed to welcome the elders we are becoming.

Program Overview: During our time together we will explore ways to deepen into a more conscious approach to how we can live as elder women in the world today. We will recall our personal stories, life experiences and collected knowledge and discover ways to transform them into our wisdom and our medicine.

We will explore an ancient means of looking into the mirror of nature through the lens of the Four Shields (a nature based teaching) that will reflect and support the wisdom of the elders as a natural point for introspection and meaning . We will move through the 4 seasons, the 4 directions and the stages of life.
These teachings and the earth itself will help to bring what is needed to your own particular stage of this rich new frontier.

Our days will be filled with a morning circle that will include a check-in and teachings and discussion. In the afternoon a mission will be suggested and there will be time alone on the land. There will be late afternoon story councils for listening and reflection.
A 24 hour contemplative solo/silence will be offered during the week. Fasting is suggested during this time. A ceremonial sweat will be offered (moderate heat due to honoring sensitivities).

Time and Location: A special offering for the first time at the Elders’ Journey program. We will be Staying at one of Tucson’s special ranch and retreat centers at Aravaipa in Winkleman, Arizona. Steeped in Apache history and land that offers a stream that flows through the canyon and a beautiful labyrinth nearby and much more.  

Program Questions Contact: Silvia Talavera at [email protected]