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What is she like, this
elderwoman?
 crone dreaming by Teresa Madison - reproduced with permission "What I have realized is
that if a woman approaches old age with fear and trepidation, with
denial, dread or even just with resignation, she will simply become an
old woman. On the other hand, if she approaches it with curiosity,
expectancy, joyful acceptance, a passion to be of service and the
willingness to explore new territory, she will find herself becoming an
elderwoman.
The world needs elderwomen. In fact, it is my belief that the elderwomen of tomorrow will be one of the most significant groups in our society. It is they who will lead the way out of the social and environmental chaos in which our world now finds itself. (Why specifically elderwomen? Well you will have to read the whole book to see how I justify THAT assertion!) So what is she like, this elderwoman? One thing I know, is that no two are alike! But they do have certain things in common. If I had to make a list of the typical qualities of the elderwoman it would go something like this:  Full aliveness (you can see
this in her eyes and feel it in the air around her) Wisdom. Her own life's
experience is now as important and useful as her knowledge Power. Not power OVER
anyone. Just a feeling of inner strength that goes with her everywhere Freedom. The ability to
shrug off the constrictions of social convention and be a free spirit Passion. Caring deeply
about her world, and serving it in some way, great or small Compassion. The ability
to feel for - and with - others without becoming swamped Simplicity. A diminished
need to collect "stuff." Delight in quiet and in simple pleasuresand ...  ... lightness. On the next page, you will find an excerpt from Elderwoman entitled 'The Other Side of the Mountain,' where I talk about this wonderful feeling of lightness which can come with aging." (click the gold button to read the excerpt) 
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