Sage-ing® and Wisconsin Rural Women's Initiative
by Barbara MurrayI find that my Sage-ing work seeps into every nook and cranny of my life. And, most recently, it has taken this turn.
I am on the Board of Directors for Wisconsin Rural Women's Initiative, a non-profit organization that is devoted to gathering rural/farm women in circles. We have days of reflection, week-end get-aways, and facilitator training. This is done around self-improvement issues, (self-esteem, communication, assertiveness, self-care, health care screenings, dealing with isolation), around catastrophic events (tornado clean-up and recovery, low crop prices, small family farm disappearance), we even have a farm couples week-end.
The profound simplicity of the WRWI process encouraged me tremendously; and reaffirmed my Sage-ing training in several ways.
Creating a safe and non-judgmental space in which people can share in confidentiality is essential. Teaching and learning about 'listening' as a tool, at the same time encouraging the telling of life stories is also emphasized. Women released to share their life stories of pain, healing, growth and wisdom is literally being invited to share in transformation...lives changed before my eyes.
I have just completed the facilitator training for these rural/farm circles, and my experience with my"final project" is, I believe most telling. My circle was named The Gift of the Crone. And our question was,"Who is your most memorable Crone Elder? and share with us a little about why this woman stand out in your mind." Out of that sharing came some of the most poignant, delightful, encouraging and even delicious tales filled with images of powerful Elders. These were Elders who shared their wisdom in many different and even at times, unconventional ways.
I am confident that Sage-ing will emerge in a strong way as my work with rural/arm women proceeds. At this point, our emphasis is on life tools, communication, self care, identifying stereotypes and addressing their roots, debunking them and creating (shall I say, re-framing??) them in new images that foster reaching out, healing and healthy attitudes.
I would say this work we do is centered on helping each other to live fuller, more connected lives as the best human beings we can be. Spiritual Eldering is clearly a part of my conscious attempts to live life fully in the present. Needless to say, I am deeply indebted to the Rabbi and everyone who is active in keeping Spiritual Eldering alive.
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