This feature is coordinated by The Post-Standard/Syracuse.com and InterFaith Works of CNY. Follow this theme and author posted Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.
When I facilitate groups on aging we sit in a circle called a Wisdom Circle. For Indigenous people, the circle is sacred, only Truth can be spoken. We share our collective wisdom. We all speak from the authority our experiences have given us.
While almost everyone in these groups is retired, we have not retired from life. We have only retired from our roles as teachers, caregivers, service, or parenting, etc. While we may initially feel useless, we gradually discover renewed energy. We may find this new role is to harvest the gifts of the soul, to be spiritual guides and mentors. We embrace our new identity to offer the world a service of enlightenment and integrity, the voice of the soul that tells us our worth is not based upon success, wealth or power. How freeing!
The Rev. John Rose is a member of the InterFaith Works Roundtable of Faith Leaders.