Aging and Inner Growth = GRAGING

The Inevitable Nature of Aging

Aging is an unavoidable part of life. We all experience it, often without conscious effort. Our bodies reflect the cycles found in nature—growing in strength and beauty, bursting into vibrant colour that brings us joy, then gradually showing signs of age: dry skin, wrinkles, the appearance of persistent "weeds," and a decline in vitality. Hair thins or fades in colour, much like autumn leaves by Thanksgiving. Despite a global industry worth trillions built around maintaining that “riot of colour that makes our heart sing,” no remedy halts the aging process for long.

The Possibility of Inner Growth

While aging is inevitable, personal growth remains an open choice for everyone, no matter where they are. Growing inwardly means recognizing and nurturing the inner resources we all possess. Like a garden, these resources require care, attention, and love to flourish.

Stages of Adult Development

The social psychologist Daniel Levinson introduced a stage theory of adult development. The final stage, which he called INTEGRITY vs DESPAIR, speaks directly to the senior years. Despair is a real and sometimes overwhelming presence. However, it can be countered by the ongoing process of growth—by tending to the inner resources that may have always been within us, even if they were overlooked in earlier years.

GRAGING

GRADUAL

GRATITUDE

GRACE