The “art of aging” translates for me into the art of acceptance and gratitude. Considering the alternative to aging makes clear our only viable response.
In “surrendering” to aging we are embracing life. And in embracing life we are able to celebrate our humble position in the grand scheme of nature. When I look out and see the beauty of nature, it allows me to experience my own beauty, but only with the discipline to move from the inner to the outer.
Moving through the journey from the inside to the outside leaves me with the experience of focusing on others more than on myself. Being a part of the wonderful world of acting, one learns the lesson of “giving performances,” which requires putting the emphasis on the audience, the “receiver” rather than on myself. Working in the powerful world of the fight against AIDS has magically combined with this experience to provide me with a context for appreciating the magic of our being of service to each other.
Service and surrender seem to me to be my personal foundation for aging with whatever grace I have been able to manage. The “art” seems to me to lie in allowing what is to be the choice for what will be. Mother Nature is our guru and demonstrates what gifts are generated out of “getting out of the way” and allowing life to happen.
Judith Light is a multiple Emmy and Tony award winning actress and social activist. www.judithlight.com
See blogger Gregory Metzger’s response to Judith Light’s Jewel HERE.
