This is a recent interview I did for the Center for Spiritual Wisdom:
From Rob Field, the Director:
“And if you’d like to hear my full 30-minute conversation with Dr. Mary Ann Iyer, you can enjoy it here”:
Cheers! MA
Serenity
6 posts
The recent workshop I led on “Aging as a Spiritual Practice” was so delightful. The shared wisdom in the group reverberated. I realized how very much I love sharing time with elders who are invested in growing in self-understanding – and to do this as a group was delicious.
I wrote a poem, on the back of a slip of paper – sort of a tongue-in-cheek bit of humor. A couple of folks asked me for a copy of it afterward — so I’ll share it with you, too. Perhaps you’ll enjoy the humor — and understand! – also.
Coming together – all the loose shards of my life. What to call this? “Retirement” hardly seems to qualify. Although I do seem to be tired, a lot. Memories, in part, the fragments of my mind drifting through hazy, lazy days in a sometimes frenzy. Wanderings, a fair bit, the mind wondering what – if anything – might motivate me to put in time - and energy – to “step up to the plate,” “volunteer,” “pay back” (whatever does that even mean?) I do seem to be tired, a lot. Curious, still, what the day and days will hold. Grateful, often for deeper and deepening relations. With those I’ve known and are still meeting. Awestruck at the way the changing light of the seasons glint off the old log pile in the back. That can’t be new – yet – to me, it is. What is left, then – without the alarm propelling me into the busy days of clinic-life? “Re-tired” OK, Well. Let’s just see where these new treads will go.
I have the profound good fortune to have an EMF (electromagnetic field) emissions sensitivity severe enough that I avoid over-use of technology. It was quite a trek of research to figure out the source of my symptoms, but it turns out this malady has proven to be a blessing. For instance, it protects me from the incessant “junk-food” of the mind through taking in too much media. I notice a fair amount of the anxiety in those I know and love is fueled by the mental toxins taken in through technology addiction.
My EMF sensitivity also means, when I am on the phone with someone, I am tied to the landline and actually attending to the conversation. Almost every person I know is casting about for what else to be doing while they’re on the cell phone – and not really attending to the person with whom they’re conversing. I hear it in the neutral “uh-huh” – and lack of response to what was actually just said. Or the pots and pans rattling or water running.
If you just can’t shake an inner restlessness or sense of unease – start by stopping. All social media or any media input. No. more. “stuff.” Crammed into your mind space. Focus on a few good deep clearing breaths, then ask your deepest most innocent self what would be nourishing to your simple joy-state right now.
I hear from some that they fear losing track of what is going on if they’re not “plugged in” all the time. How can you keep current with media and keep sane and not do anxiety and fear? Spend two to five minutes inside – find a spacious calm, THEN – read the news and take in what you must. This helps you broaden your perspective as you read. And if you’ve already seen it – get off!
It seems we’ve forgotten how to be deeply present with this or any moment. Fueled by an ever-increasing incessant hum of activity – virtual and otherwise- our neurons are too excited to take a seat at the table. An interesting medical fact is that the leading cause for insomnia these days is use of technology – “screen-time” – too close to bedtime.
Above all else, practice kindness. To your own precious self. CHOOSE what you take in – from amongst the abundance of possibilities. And – for an experiment – try completely unplugging for a stretch of time. Decide in advance how long you want to try this – and just see how you feel. Ask – what is nourishing to you – and do that for a period of time. I’d love to hear how that goes.