Came across this prayer and boy, does it hit the nail on the head. As I read it, had this disconcerting feeling that a lot of it applies to me too!!!!! :hide: :bonk But seriously, I think it really is worth a consideration for all senior citizens as well as for all of us who are getting there faster than we would wish. It would be the ideal recipe for a harmonious, peaceful, sweet life - for oneself as well as for others around us. A PRAYER FOR SENIOR CITIZENS.... Almighty God you know that I am growing older. Keep me from becoming too talkative, and particularly keep me from falling into the tiresome habit of expressing an opinion on every subject. Release me from craving to straighten out every one's affairs. Keep my mind free from recital of endless details. Give me wings to get to the point. Give me grace, dear GOD, to listen to others describe their aches and pains. Help me endure the boredom with patience and keep my lips sealed, for my own aches and pains are increasing in number and intensity, and the pleasure of discussing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally, I might be mistaken. Keep me reasonably sweet. I do not wish to be a saint (Saints are so hard to live with), but a sour old person is the work of the devil. Make me thoughtful, but not moody, helpful, but not pushy, independent, yet able to accept with graciousness favors that others wish to bestow on me. Free me of the notion that simply because I have lived a long time, I am wiser than those who have not lived so long. If I do not approve of some of the changes that have taken place in recent years, give me the wisdom to keep my mouth shut. GOD knows that when the end comes, I would like to have a friend or two left. AMEN
Dear Sats, So far, the best gem of a post from you!! It is as though you have expressed my thoughts in present days of my life. I assiduously try to follow every single point you have raised BUT you have to believe in it fullly and the thought starts growing on you. You learn to keep your big mouth shut more & more often for fear of"spilling words" which we think are valuable piece of advice! The youngsters prefer to learn from their own exposure & experience which I think is fully justified. It is exactly for these reasons,we have to learn to keep our minds occupied as we grow old. This is precisely why I joined Vedanta classes in 96. It was pure " greek & latin" to me to start with. But I told myself, I will not give up, instead challenge myself. Though it took time & was exasperating to fall in line, the result was sweet. My entire thinking process changed & now even to my close family & friends. I just stop with " I am fine - how are you"!! It is only in IL, I open out myself more to keep my thoughts flowing in a lighter vain also!!
Thanks Chitra. Nice to hear this from you. I agree, it really requires loads of practice and self-discipline to keep one's opinions to oneself as well as to allow others to learn through personal experience. We thoroughly enjoy all your snippets and recipes. So keep going strong. We shall look forward to it.
Hi Satchi, nice post!....good tips for us in advance Thanks for sharing I remembered my parents while reading this..they follow disciplined life, well engaged in their activities and independent too,bit exposed to techology around them..using mobile and computer to email/chat and they have always sticked to "dont advice unless you are asked for" policy in the society RGDS
Thanks for the fb Soumedh. Advice from elders is indeed valuable. And youngsters will surely appreciate that and go to them for advice whenever they need it. They will more probably go to elders who are discerning and who do not keep heaping them with advice which they do not need.
Very well expressed Satchi. But I think it is applicable for us all and not just senior citizens. But if that id implemented, then what will happen to tea-time conversations ad phone calls ? :hide:
Dear Geetha, You are right. This applies to all of us. And if it applies to us right now, God help us and all those around us when we are senior citizens. Then all the more reason we try to implement this right now.
What a beautiful prayer that you shared with us Sats and just at the right time when we are going to walk that path sooner or later !! Better that we lay the foundation whilst still young and dare not hurt anyone with words. Loved Chithu ma's and Geethamr's feedbacks too. They have also rightly pointed out their views on this.