My friend SARK is a Succulent Wild Woman (the name of one of her books) and she laid this wisdom on me when we had a conversation last week. How can we welcome being both old and new at the same time? SARK has reached the 7th level (70 years old), AND she’s still a giggly girl full of newness and idealism.
I was also inspired by this week’s Santa Fe workshop with Steven Kotler on Finding Flow in Midlife. When we’re in flow, we have a timeless awareness of whatever we’re doing (Steven calls it “time dilation”). Is it possible that when we’re “in the zone” doing what we love to do that we stop time, that we don’t biologically age during those moments of flow? If so, how are you welcoming more flow into your life? I wish you could have joined us this week.
Scientists now distinguish between lifespan (how long you’ll live) and healthspan (how much of your life you’ll be healthy). It’s no fun to live till 100 if you’re very sick from age 70 onward.
I also think we should coin a new word, “zestspan,” defined by how much of your life you have great enthusiasm, energy, curiosity, and a passionate eagerness for life. I know some infirmed elders whose healthspan isn’t great (they’re dealing with chronic illness) but they still have incredible zestspan as when I spend time with them I notice their energy, not their wrinkles.
How will you nourish your zest as you age?
-Chip