A Formula for Being a Little Older, Wiser and Happy

 

  

~Kahlil Gibran

I’m afraid I’m not very inventive when it comes to giving graduation or bar/bas mitzvah presents. I always give a copy of Khalil Gibran’s The Prophet. Of course, I opt for a beautiful, slipped case edition because in my heart I believe this small book will be read repeatedly and will bring tears to the reader’s eyes, tugs at their heart, and knowing smiles. 

I selected two Gibran quotes to share with you. The first is for those of us who have seen many seasons come and go and are prone to reflect on the past with calm and hopefully, with a measure of joy and satisfaction for the lessons we have learned.

The second quote is to remind the young that there is much to be learned from those who have walked, tripped, and fallen on the roads of life. Bringing together people of diverse backgrounds has proven that we have multiple perspectives on issues. Bringing together in collaboration people of a span of ages helps us consider mistakes and differences in a new way.

On May 16, the Charter Education Institute (CEI) will start a course, Growing Whole, Not Old. You can learn more about it in the description below. The course will provide skills, philosophies, perspectives, and tools to improve the latter part of our lives - not by trying to pretend that we are not growing older, but by using strength, minds, and power in numbers. We are charged with recognizing the value we offer, while adapting in practical, positive ways to the changes and challenges in our lives.

Let's come together and learn for one another.

 

 

Community Chat

 May 4. 9 am PDT.  

Charter Education Institute

Course: Growing Whole, Not Old: Aging Wisely

Take this four-week course convenient to your schedule. Each of the four weeks, the course module goes live on Mondays at midnight beginning May 16. There will be two optional Zoom ‘meet & greets’ to discuss the course material and share your journey with the course.

At the beginning of the 20^th Century, people approaching elderhood could expect to live another 20 or 30 years. However, the worldwide impact of the Coronavirus has presented us all with new constraints, increased isolation and amplified fears. Ironically, the bright side is that this pandemic has shed light on how important it is to find our purpose and plan with clarity. Now, more than ever, comes the question, "How do you want to live these years?"

During this workshop you will be introduced to Sage-ing concepts including life review, forgiveness, and issues surrounding our mortality. We will explore the impact of our beliefs about aging and the role of spiritual development and active self-healing. Finally, participants will begin the development of their own personalized Sage-ing plans that will be personally fulfilling and also beneficial to others. Learn more and register.

Global Read

 

From Women to the World by Elizabeth Filippouli

Date: Wednesday, May 18 at 8 am PDT, Elizabeth Filippouli (Greece)

Acclaimed writer Elif Shafak writes a letter to Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand after the Christchurch attack. Actress Yasmine Al Massri pens a poem about war for her mother. Activist and TV presenter June Sarpong addresses designer Diane Von Furstenberg.

These are a few of the moving and insightful letters that make up From Women to the World, a book by journalist, author, and executive Elizabeth Filippouli, which brings together letters from a global group of accomplished women - politicians, royalty, actors, writers, activists and more – everyone addressed to a woman who means something to each of them. The results are extraordinary, heartfelt letters to historical figures, mentors, family members or inspiring ordinary people. Each is based on these women's personal histories and experiences, drawing attention to social issues such as homelessness, war, LGBT activism, mental health care or the plight of international refugees.

From Women to the World is more than a simple collection of letters - it is a book that shows a new model of leadership based on emotional intelligence and demonstrates how we have the wisdom to inspire, motivate and reinvent our world.

Elizabeth Filippouli is a journalist, author and executive. Her early career in print and broadcast journalism at Greek and international media was prelude to now over a decade of activism and serial entrepreneurship. Learn more and register for this insightful Global Read, facilitated by Leonor Stjepic, an award-winning social enterprise entrepreneur whose career has spanned both the private and NGO sectors.