Seniors can feel better with mindful meditation

If we are lucky, getting older will happen.

Life moves fast. As a 60-year-old man, I am beginning to experience life changes happen as I get older.

My body is not the same. The world around me seems to move fast and there are so many changes to, well, everything. My friends and family are getting older, and I have lost many dear to me. Time flies and frankly, the future often troubles me.

Then I remembered, I am a senior center director. I am among the hundreds going through the same thing, at so many different levels. Not a day goes by that someone at the center doesn’t verbally remind me that I am a young pup and “they remember when they were 60.”

I am grateful for the reminder. I also understand the quest to understand life and to continue to adapt and grow never ends because life never stops changing. It is more important than ever to slow things down; to stop and smell the roses.

My journey enables me to see the examples of how people embrace life as they age and how community members can do the same.

Stress, depression and anxiety are issues for seniors, as is cognitive decline. Sleep, digestion and mood also fit into the equation. Creating healthier habits is not easy. One strategy is to become more mindful through awareness of the present, eliminating judgement and engaging in the moment.

Studies show the connection of physical and emotional well-being. Learning to live with gratitude of the past and acceptance of the future enables us to connect with the present. This is an exercise that everyone can practice, and it does not cost anything.

The mind is the greatest tool we have and needs exercise to bring out the best life has to offer. This, however, does not mean we have to push harder. Instead, we need to slow down and listen.

So how do we do this? I will be your guinea pig. Recently, the Blaine Senior Center started a free meditation class. I joined it. I needed it. Why? I sometimes feel stress. I occasionally don’t sleep well. I forget to eat properly. My body hurts and I forget to take care of myself.

However, I want to always be mindful and thoughtful of myself and others. Is meditation conventional for me? No. Has meditation been amazing? Yes.

Meditation is learning to breathe and releasing all the thoughts and feelings to just be and to remember true intentions. For me, it is to slow down and remember the peace life can give.

It’s been amazing. I feel calmer and more aware. I am able to slow down my thoughts and react with true intention. I fall asleep easier by mentally going to my place by the sea and by paying attention to the moment. I breathe easier. I am learning to remove myself from situations or judgements by slowing down and being present. I am also in a practice mode that enables me to love myself.

Meditation is a worldwide practice. Many successful people have flourished from its benefits. Mediation and mindfulness have been shown to help with digestion, sleep, pain, depression, cognitive decline and much more. If you are looking for a way to feel and be better, join us for free mediation at the Blaine Senior Center 5 days a week at 8:30 a.m.

Pete Nelson is executive director of Blaine Senior Center.