Sage-ing, Not Aging

 

The Swiss psychiatrist and founder of Analytical Psychology, Carl Jung, was known for seeing the mystical, metaphorical, archetypical, and cyclical aspects of life. Many credit his introspective ponderings and exploration with changing our perspectives today. Even more see his work as being the basis for understanding the possibilities of sage-ing, not aging.

In Jung’s Words

A human being would certainly not grow to be 70 or 80 years old if this longevity had no meaning for the species to which he belongs. The afternoon of human life must also have a significance of its own and cannot be merely a pitiful appendage to life’s morning. 

Was Jung right? What if there is a unique and purposeful significance to the aging process? What would that significance be?

Jung’s answer to the question of significance was as much for himself as the rest of us. “An ever-deepening self-awareness seems to me as probably essential for the continuation of a truly meaningful life in any age, no matter how uncomfortable this self-knowledge may be.”

Harvest the Wisdom

According to saging.org, we are meant to “harvest the wisdom of our lives. We are meant to find ways to transmit that wisdom as the legacy to future generations.”  Like Jung, they believe that the later years in life should be lived with an understanding of their social, psychological, and spiritual significance.

He believed that aging can be a time of discovery, growth, development, inner expansion, and enrichment of life. It isn’t about just adding candles to the birthday cake, but taking the journey that leads us to our true Self.

The true self, according to Jung, is the process of integrating various aspects of one’s personality, the unification of the consciousness and unconsciousness. This process unavoidably requires the passing of time to complete.

The Sage Wisdom of 100 Year Lifestyle

At The 100 Year Lifestyle we have always said that your healthy longevity is birthright time, not borrowed time. We’ve long advocated finding passion, purpose, and meaning at every stage of life. That’s part of living at 100% for 100 years or more.

Regardless of your age today, can Jung’s words impact your perspective on aging? Can you see that birthright time as being healthy, enjoyable – and holding tremendous responsibility and meaning.

Are you ready to make the mental shift from aging to sage-ing? Do you see yourself as one day taking on the role of wise elder, and crushing it?

To keep your longevity journey as healthy as possible, find a 100 Year Lifestyle provider near you today.