Eldering: The Art of Graceful Aging

At a time when aging is so often defined as the inevitable and dreadful decline in health and vitality and the pursuit of every medical intervention available that will prolong our lives- we need resources and experiences that advocate for eldering as a counter-narrative elevating aging as a journey of personal growth, spiritual development, mentoring and spirit-infused wisdom.

The graceful practices of eldering not only transform and enrich individuals as they age but also inspires hope within the broader faith community, serving as a vessel through which God’s love and grace embrace the world.

Themes Explored in Our Journey Together

• The Grace of Aging: Old is Not a Four-Letter Word
• The Grace of Maturing: From Self-centered to Soul-centered
• The Grace of Grieving: Embracing our Mortality
• The Grace of Being Present: Becoming Attune to Ourselves and the Divine
• The Grace of Nurturing Joy: Redeeming Suffering and Pain
• The Grace of Living On Purpose: Who Am I and Why Am I Still Here?

This retreat will be led by Dr. Gary Alan Shockley, a retired elder in the United Methodist Church and an Oblate of Spring Forest Community. Living in the western slopes of Colorado, Gary currently serves as a part-time Hospice Chaplain, Spiritual Director, Grief Counselor and multi-medium Artist/Illustrator. Gary is the author of The Meandering Way: Leading by Following the Spirit and his most recent children’s book for grieving kids, My Heart Sings a Sad Song. He is currently working on his latest book, Eldering: The Art of Graceful Aging, to be published early 2025.

Following the day long retreat at Spring Forest, Gary will meet with participants for monthly group spiritual direction sessions on zoom to further explore the themes of this retreat.

When arriving to Spring Forest, be sure to turn down the driveway by the Celtic tree of life sign, with the numbers 1907 on the mailbox post.

***Registration is open until October 15th***