I am learning to accept myself as I am, to let go of a lifetime of perfectionism, and to have more self-compassion.
Before Growing in Wisdom, I did not fully grasp how much aging can be an opportunity to grow spiritually – and therefore I am now aging more gracefully and am much more at peace with myself. In Growing in Wisdom I certainly had some wonderful role models!
Acknowledging and facing the surprising feelings that showed up on paper while drawing the mandala helped me to work through those feelings and to come out on the other side.
I gained so much by reading Soul of the Pilgrim and doing the assignments. In the book study I realized how much I appreciate and enjoy creativity and writing, and have begun writing my story, mostly in poetic form.
I am learning to pay attention to when I am over-ruminating, worrying, and thinking negative thoughts, to notice the reality of this distress – and then to breathe through it and give these thoughts less space by expanding my awareness to take in all the rest of my present experience.
I learned the importance and delight of blessing and encouraging the young.
Growing in Wisdom Participant, 2024-26