A Sage-ing Journey: Connecting our Past, Present, & Future

Growing up I was taught the importance of paying attention, how to listen deeply, and that each step in our personal journey is an opportunity to grow through our daily experiences. I was encouraged to be curious, and to look for signs that would become essential guides in my life. Along the way I learned that there is not such a thing as accidental happenings. The places we are in, the events we experience, and the people who cross paths with us, are intentional happenings that contribute to our lifelong learning and spiritual growth.

Synchronicities, serendipity, and a turn of amazing events, came together, as an answer to my quest for the next chapter in my life. I remember having a deep conversation with my mentor, that although I loved what I was doing, I was looking for a deeper sense of purpose. She explained that Purpose is at the root of our being, the foundation of who we are, and the answer to the question “why am I here?”  She encouraged me to embrace the idea that the beginning of a new chapter will open up opportunities that can change my path in ways I did not even think about. I had clarity that I wanted to belong to a spiritual community with which I could actively engage. Research shows that people who feel a greater sense of purpose within a community live healthier and more fulfilling lives, partly because they contribute to something bigger than themselves, with heart and intention.

In 2011 I found what I was seeking, at Sage-ing International, a place where I felt a sense of belonging as part of a spiritual community of Sages. Our founder, Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, was an extraordinary man, a visionary, and a forward thinker who shared his wisdom about creating an aging process full of adventures, passion, mystery, and fulfillment. He was influential in bringing forth the concept of living our purpose and believed that as we move from Age-ing to Sage-ing, we have an important role to play in promoting opportunities for living life fully and contributing to society in meaningful ways. When asked who most influenced his life, he shared that it was not just one person, but rather the vibration of the community he moved into along the way.

Serving as the co-chair of Sage-ing International has been an honor and a significant part of my spiritual journey. As Parker Palmer so eloquently shares, “Service is reaching in toward our own wholeness, reaching out towards the world’s needs and trying to live our lives at the intersection.”

 Being surrounded by incredible leaders who choose to be of service, and contribute their collective wisdom, skills, and experiences to create meaningful offerings for our community has been a gift. I watched the organization step up with everything we had, during the challenging times of the pandemic, by shifting to technology to reach out and connect with Sages across the Globe, when people needed it the most. We created spaces to listen to one another, offered a place of calm during the darkest times and shared a sense of hope, through our rituals, practices, and meaningful conversations. Individuals seeking a sense of deeper meaning and personal transformation benefited. We expanded The World Wisdom Programs, Enrichment Programs as well as our Signature Programs. This past year we have designed a new logo, begun the updates on our website, all our teams continue to engage with one another working in collaboration to bring the best we have to our community.

 Insights I gained as a co-chair

As we welcome the new year, honoring our Founder’s 100 birthday, the leaders who came before us, the ones who continue to lead by my side, and those who will follow, we have much to celebrate. I would like to share what I learned in the last few years, as part of this incredible journey within the Sage-ing community.

We are all interconnected – Together we can create a new direction, designing a future that we wish to live into, while honoring our roots of the past. Our excitement, passion, and belief that we can transform ourselves and the world for the better, is contagious. Allowing our light to shine bright and making no excuses about who we are and what we are meant to do in the world will engage and inspire others to join us.

Building strong relationships- There is such beauty in collaboration. As social beings we are not meant to exist in isolation. We need one another to cross pollinate the collective wisdom that already exists. Acknowledging that there is no need to do everything alone is a must. Reaching out to other organizations who bring their own gifts to the field of conscious elderhood and conscious living, makes us stronger and more effective.

Essence is the most fundamental aspect of purpose – When we embody the qualities of the Sages, our essence radiates from us. The energy of this essence emanates from us in every moment, as long as we find meaning in all we do. Let’s use this energy wisely, placing ourselves in situations where we are most needed.

Be the change we wish to see in the world – Part of our spiritual journey as Sages is to mentor, to be the catalyst of the shift that we are meant to create in the world, being part of a movement that inspires us to create change, moving from I to WE.

The power of story – Our individual and collective stories can bring forth the inspiration and sense of hope the world needs during the challenging times we are facing right now. Our story is meant to be shared so we can engage and inspire wisdom you have been given to share it with others. It is something you transmit naturally and without much effort, something that passes from you to those around you. It is the deepest truth you can share.

Spiritual wellness – Sage-ing International offers meaningful, transformative events and experiences because of the incredible commitment of the many leaders who volunteer on a regular basis. It’s essential to take time to pause, breathe in what brings you joy, let go of what does not serve you well any longer, surround yourself with those who see you, hear you and appreciate you, and create space for your daily practices that nurture your soul. Embrace the unknown, with heart and intention.

May the space we share become a harmonious and nourishing circle where anything is possible.

May we reach deep within us to find our spark as we share our wisdom and spirit in action.

May we allow the unexpected surprises and magic of life flow like a river, unfolding in the great mystery in which we were born, supporting our spiritual journey.

Humanity needs us more than ever!

You cannot get through living

A single day without having an impact

On the world around you.

What you do makes a difference

You simply have to decide what

kind of difference you want to make.

Jane Goodall