There is an older lady that I often visit when I am out on a bike ride, she is always ready with a welcoming cup of tea ! It was while reflecting on this older lady that I realised what a wise old woman she is, perhaps her old body is giving up a little but her mind is active and alert. She is well aware of what is happening in the world, has wise comments about our society, the environment, politics, teenagers, family, getting old, life in general in fact. Acknowledging wise old women is a wonderful tradition to maintain, for they are wise by observation, experience, understanding and listening.
Wise old women are often associated with magic, mystery and nature and are well known symbols in myths and fairy stories. Indeed, these stories help us remember that it is important to value our elders and pehaps take time to listen to their advice and maternal wisdom. Some stories suggest that these women are a source of light and celebrate the beauty of old age and the wisdom that comes with it.
This is quite a contrast to the obsession of continually looking young that some societies adopt and promote. Many say it is time to celebrate the wise old women and acknowledge their experience. In fact, the wise woman exists in all of us females, we just need to look inwards and recognise when you can give help and when you need help, being a wise old woman is no longer about fighting dragons and demons ! My wise woman friend is an inspiration, after all getting old is inevitable and becoming a wise woman in old age is an amazing step towards having a positive effect on on your surroundings.
Wise woman are clear on who they are, they still have a passion for things in life, they are just being themselves, still growing, learning and caring and they have a strong knowledge of themselves. Wise old women have always been a part of our culture and history we just need to be sure that this tradition continues, I remember how much we respected my grand parents, they were wise, kind, helpful people perhaps in those days there was less devaluation of the elderly. Wise old women then are strong symbols for us, it is a beautiful thing to see a woman continuing to grow, passing on her experiences, reaching out to help others, as Maya Angelou said « the desire to reach the stars is ambitious.
The desire to reach hearts is wise. ».
