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PRACTICE - EDUCATION - SCIENCE
[KJW #084-B] WEL Meaningful Summer Adventures With Our Elders and Their Caregivers - Part II
1. Washington, D.C. - Conversation with Remarkable Elders: About peace, wellness and their dreams.
Kathy asked: My dear elders, I hope that you know that you can make a difference in our world, communities and right here, right now. Not tomorrow or maybe one of these days... let's talk about NOW. So let's imagine that you could send a message to the world right now, and that more than 80 millions of people are listening to you... what would you say to the world?
Sonia, 72: Our words are very powerful and we need to be more sensitive about what we say and how we say it. I still remember the words of a police officer more than 30 years ago. He changed my life with the words he said. He does not even know it because I understood the meaning of his words two years later. I am sure I am not the only one that has been inspired by him.
Barbara, 89: I will say to the world "Happiness... pass it on!"
Kathy: I love that Barbara, can I use this phrase to print bumper stickers for everyone?
Barbara, 89: Yes, but only you... and let me know what happens.
Ruth, 77: I think that the heart of gold that all of us have needs to be shared with everyone. The whole world needs it.
 
Kathy asked: How would you give peace a chance?
Candice, 76: I think that we need to even off resources and facilitate equality of opportunities for everyone. There is plenty in the world for everyone. Poverty is not acceptable and we need to learn how to use less and share more.
Don, 82: Being always helpful. Attitude is the key. We can make a difference everywhere with a good attitude. I have three sons but only the first two completed their PhD. My third son only graduated from college. Who do you think is more successful in life? My third son and I think it is because of his attitude. He is always positive and determined. He got that from me. I have always look at the glass half full rather than half empty.
Rose, 91: It is vanity to do with more what we can do with less.
Tom, 53: I can give peace a chance with faith. Beyond trust, faith is when we stop being afraid, when we do not consider ourselves "the center" of everything. Faith is when I know that "God" is in my center. And when I listen to that voice inside of me I am with PEACE.
Kathy: I think that if we ask God for the future of our human family and our planet Earth most probably God will say...
"I can inspire you but, it is in your hands."
 2. Chevy Chase, MD - Celebrating life with our elders.
The "Bench of Dreams" dedication ceremony.
 
Once again we are honoring our elders by LISTENING to them and their dreams, and by empowering and facilitating their heart's desires.
Kathy asked: Do you have a dream or an inspiring story that can be shared with everyone today?
Rose 92: "Yes, I remember that my father was always asking me at home, "Rose how was your day at school?", so I started to tell him all the bad and negative things that happened. Then my father asked me, "Rose, tell me the good things that happened today?" Then I needed to stop and think about it because I was not focused on it, so it was not easy to answer his question. Then I learned that I was focusing more in the negative than in the positive. I could remember good things too and tell him about it, but I was not used to do that."
Norman, 87: "I have a dream. I have always dreamed that I could see the picture of this planet from outer space. I want to make sure that countries are imaginary lines and that we are not divided."
 
Rose, 92: I think that we should have done this 50 years ago.
(1) Elders and Terri Adams, Activities Director, mapping out their dreams as they hold the two stones in their hands. (2) An elder tossed one stone onto the Earth, so that the sacred Earth will remember and help materialize this dream. Click here to view the original and first Bench of Dreams, created by Dr. Robert Muller, Chancellor Emeritus of the University For Peace, in M. Rasur, near the University For Peace in Costa Rica
3. Potomac, Maryland - "Yoga For Elders" Intergenerational
Program at Byron House Assisted Living.
Karen Kinnecome, Director of Byron House invited me this summer to guide some Yoga classes for our elders. During the classes we conversed about the power of the mind to better our thoughts, emotions, behaviors and overall quality of life. We practiced better breathing work, positive visualization and awareness of movement. It was a lot of fun! I asked the elders... what can you do to quiet your mind when you find yourself focusing on negative thoughts? - Virginia, 100: I play my favorite music and do not allow negative thinking "ruin my parade."
- Danny, 67: I take walks and for every step I make I try to think about something to be grateful for.
Here is a photo collage of YOGA WITH ELDERS at Byron House.  
 
4. Alexandria, Virginia - Summer Pajama Party with elders and caregivers. Creativity and humor and tonics for better longevity.
 
HAPPINESS IS HEALTH !
Please share your ideas or feedback to us.... send inquiries, requests for programs, speaker and consulting services with WEL, World Elder Land or Kathy J. Ward to connection@kathyjward.com
 Peace be with you!
Kathy J. Ward,
Universal Peace Ambassador,
Cercle Universel des Ambassadeurs de la Paix - Geneva Switzerland
© Copyright 2007 Kathy J. Ward. All rights reserved.
No part of KJW blog or KJW websites: WEL, World Elder Land, ERT, Elder Recreation Therapy, BWCA, Better World Community Adventures, may be reproduced, totally or partially, in any form or by any means, without the written prior permission of the author. The use of our materials in KJW websites, conferences, group presentations, publications or network computer system is prohibited without the written prior permission of the author. The use of proposals presented and discussed during individual meetings by WEL or KJW is prohibited without the written prior permission of Kathy J. Ward. There can be a civil penalty for a person or organization that violates KJW copyright. |
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