Story telling is an ancient form of sharing our experiences and wisdom and it provided a purpose for families and communities to come together and connect. This oral story telling was gradually replaced by the introduction of books and radio, and visual media such as movies and videos. With the visual delivery we receive the nuances of the speaker’s facial expressions and body language, which makes their story telling come alive. 
 
On our new video page, we present short videos which capture some of the many life experiences that elders have to offer and share. Listening to their advice and wisdom, and feeling their vitality is an enriching and inspiring experience.  
 
We invite you to view our elders recalling their challenges, their joys, and what has contributed to them being who they are today. 

This video from Anne Hart is a beautiful and enriching heartfelt sharing about the ageing process. She shares with sensitivity, grace and humour how her views of ageing have changed from ‘slowing down’ to the fun she has witnessed and enjoyed with women in their seventies. Anne reflects on the generosity of spirit she saw in her father at the end of his life and how we gain perspective as we age. She reminds us that we have to look at the big picture and that life isn’t just about this life.

Videographer Shannon Everest,   Editor Gayle Cue

How many of us are truly accepting of the ageing process and how our body changes? In this video recording Youan expresses his deep acceptance of the ageing process, from how he viewed it as a young boy as a natural part of life, to now recognising that he has nothing to prove as he once might have. Youan is still working and enjoying his work. He reflects on how he is learning to work in a way that is appropriate as he ages, and supports him to take care of his body. The simplicity of his approach and pragmatic acceptance of the ageing process is deeply felt.

Videographer Shannon Everest,   Editor Gayle Cue

In this video Bernadette explains how she feels about ageing, and reveals one particular aspect of her life that she enjoys discovering more about every day and that is quality. Understanding that we bring an energetic quality to everything that we do translates into daily observations and responsibility, as every day presents new opportunities to deepen the meaning and purpose of our life. 

Videographer Shannon Everest,   Editor Gayle Cue

Sandra shares with the viewers how she felt as a child towards old people and notes how her attitude about ageing changed as she aged herself. Hearing elders reflect back in the way that Sandra does, can help us understand what might be going on for younger people nowadays in their interactions with the older generations. 
 
Through Sandra’s reflection on ageing, we also understand how it is possible to still feel young within ourselves even though the body is ageing. The viewer can see the youthful vitality that lives within Sandra’s 70 year old body. 
 
In this video, Sandra is not just talking about Enjoying Life Now – she is living it and we can feel that. 

Videographer Shannon Everest,   Editor Gayle Cue

If we are described as ‘mature age’ in our mid-20s, do we feel old at 30? Our beliefs and fears about losing our youth can start at any age. What effect does this have on our sense of self worth if that is our focus? In this video, Judy speaks about life in her 60s, letting go of pictures, what is expected of us, and finding a sense of freedom. Now in her 70s she feels ageless, and shares what she sees as the purpose of this stage of life. Be prepared to be inspired and surprised.

Videographer Shannon Everest,   Editor Gayle Cue

When the Joy of Ageing Esoterically team asked Brian what his attitude was toward ageing, he gave us an overview of how his viewpoint has changed over the course of his life. 
 
We are always in the ageing process, no matter what our age, and we have different perceptions of ageing depending on our age and our attitude towards ageing. Brian gives a great example of how we may be influenced by other people’s perception of ‘ageing’ when he talks about being nicknamed ‘papa’ by his teammates – and he had not yet reached the age of 30!  
 
While Brian’s reflections on what ageing means provide insight into his experience it may also stimulate your own reflections on how it has been for you. 

Videographer Shannon Everest, Editor Gayle Cue