It was a great privilege to be part of the first cohort of the Growing in Wisdom Program. I joined because I wanted to deepen my contemplative prayer, learn about other practices, hear wisdom from writers and speakers about making the best of my senior years, meet and converse with fellow seekers from across North America, and begin to prepare for my own death. I am happy to say that all my goals were bountifully fulfilled. The Growing in Wisdom Program has given me courage, knowledge and confidence to discover and develop my own voice as an elder. I am deeply grateful.

Growing in Wisdom Participant, 2021-23

The Growing in Wisdom two-year program has been a gift of deepening faith in my elder years.  The four intensives invited me to examine many of my personal ‘lived’ experiences, beliefs and biases that were brought into the Light!  The elder circles created a safe, respectful, well-facilitated listening space, allowing me to articulate the many thoughts and feelings as they arose.  The optional book studies honoured the adult process of reading and discussion. Thank you for the opportunity to explore my voice, in these elder years, as I attempt to ‘give my life away’ in as meaningful a manner as possible. I am grateful.

Growing in Wisdom Participant, 2021-23

I felt called to enroll in the Growing in Wisdom Program. It was one of those times where something felt right, and I didn’t know why, so I started the pilgrimage with trust and curiosity. The experience has been life giving, exposing me to rich content, wise ‘teachers’, caring people, and a range of activities to feed my soul. I will be reaping the benefits of this program for years to come.  At this point, two gifts from my participation in the program stand out. I have gained clarity and appreciation of my multi-faith life and I have made new friends to walk with on this ongoing spiritual pilgrimage.  

Growing in Wisdom Participant, 2021-23

When I joined the GIW program I really didn’t have any expectations. However, I had been feeling an emptiness, a longing for some time and thought it was worth a try. Over the last 1.5 years there has been a lot of reading and introspection. There has been tears, laughter but most of all the most intense sharing and growing in depth with the whole group but especially with the members of our Elder Circle. I wish for this to continue forever.

Growing in Wisdom Participant, 2021-23

The Growing in Wisdom program is an interesting adventure for those who want to continue learning and growing and living life to the full in their golden years.  I have found this program to be a comfortable place to accompany other pilgrims as we try to make sense of our lives and ageing process, looking for meaning and peace on our spiritual journey.  The zoom format has made it possible for us all to meet people from near and far and discuss our joys and challenges from the comfort of our homes, listening to stimulating talks and interesting book studies and Elder Circle support groups.  There is no homework but rather an inspiration to deepen our walk with God no matter our faith tradition.  I have enjoyed this program very much and strongly recommend it for those looking for more in their retirement years.

Growing in Wisdom Participant, 2021-23

Being part of the four intensive training sessions of Growing in Wisdom has been a privilege and a growing experience. The carefully chosen topics on various aspects of aging have given me information, resources and a chance to reflect meaningfully with other folk who are aging … aren’t we all? The presenters have been wonderful – inspiring and informative. I enjoyed their books and hearing and interacting with them and other participants – this has been a life enriching experience giving me courage and insight as I grow older and hopefully wiser and more generative. I also feel more connected with my Creator and feel part of the grace, love and light that sustains me and all creation in the cycles of birth, life, death and whatever comes after that. 

Growing in Wisdom Elder Circle Leader, 2021-23

The Gift of Belonging to an Elder Circle…from an Elder Circle Leader:

When you are in a group, would you like an opportunity to share with others those things you are worried about as you enter into your elder years? Are you the kind of person who finds it hard to enter a conversation? Are you afraid of what people will think of what you have to say? Here is an opportunity to enter into a circle of elders, an opportunity to speak of your worries and concerns without being judged, without being fixed, simply to be heard, to be given a voice that you may think you do not have. Your Elder Circle Leader will provide that safe environment for the group. They will give you the space, the time, and, in addition to that, your group would be there to listen, to pray, and to bless you, for being present, for being who you are and not for who you should be, or not for who you might be, but simply for who you are.  The group members become a listening ear, a welcoming heart, and offer an encouraging demeanor.

Growing in Wisdom Elder Circle Leader, 2021-23

Growing in Wisdom was such a wonderful experience. Some of the gifts I received from the GIW program for which I am truly grateful are:

• listening to and learning from a variety of prominent speakers who shared their knowledge, wisdom, and life experience on various subjects regarding faith and aging
• time for reflection that helped me ponder valuable insights
• breakout sessions amongst peers that inspired thoughtful sharing during the intensives
• meeting once a month in an elder circle of women where confidentiality was respected, and trust, love and friendship flourished
• recommended valuable resources that were interesting and informative
• morning and afternoon prayer, meditation, and vespers framed each day of the intensives at its beginning and ending
• expressing myself through art and having a deeper understanding of mandalas from an excellent instructor
• a superb team of leaders who exercised exceptional organization, set a balanced pace, and facilitated with competence, compassion, and grace. Skillfully they created a caring and encouraging environment for which I cannot express sufficient gratitude

My bountiful and deep experience in my Elder Circle and in the program as a whole has nurtured my faith and spiritual growth, giving me an expanded vista on living life. Looking at how we age through the prism of meaning, purpose, grace, prepare for our death, and the legacy we leave behind has been a profound gift of love.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Growing in Wisdom Participant, 2021-23

I joined the Growing in Wisdom program because I was wanting to explore and discern what God might be inviting me to do in the last years of my life. I’m not sure I have discovered anything concrete, although a major opportunity did come my way during the program. Most of all, I think the program confirmed that all I need to do is live trustingly in God’s grace in this phase in my life, knowing that whatever I need will be given to me and whatever path I need to take will be shown me, and that all will be well. And, especially, to live in the moment and be grateful for whatever arises.

Being part of an Elder Circle, sharing our lives on a monthly basis, gave me a group of people who are at the same stage of life as I, facing similar challenges, with whom I can be myself and share freely in trust and confidence, and who know what I’m talking about! That is a true gift from God.

Growing in Wisdom Participant, 2021-23

Since participating in “Growing in Wisdom”

• I have come to a greater maturity of faith
• I have felt more grounded and more convinced that as humans we have so many common worries as well as short comings
• there is so much contentment that comes with shared prayer, shared study, shared stories
• I am convinced that we were not created to search alone for an understanding of God and self
• we are so vitally and profoundly connected and it is in touching (accessing) that connection that we grow in wisdom

I have thoroughly enjoyed this program and will be recommending to a few people. Thanks so much!

Growing in Wisdom Participant, 2021-23