On Wednesday afternoon, December 8th, I spoke at the Fielding Institute's International Conference on Positive Aging in Los Angeles. The event was held at the Center for Non-Profit Management which sits next to Chinatown and the old Union Train Station. It is one of the most colorful and historical areas of Los Angeles.
The conference presentations were divided into 4 categories: wellness, life transitions, creativity, and community and the workshops were given over a 3 day period. My workshop focused on the storyline of the Wizard of Oz and the merits of play for both sheer enjoyment and for positively altering brain chemistry.
Aligning the main hallway leading to the workshop rooms were tall posters with short stories written on them by vibrant people who had discovered the secrets of what it means to have and retain a beautiful and healthy mind. Here is what these very inspired elders had to say:
A beautiful mind feels free to discover new things, avoids rigid thinking, and solves problems in new ways.
A beautiful mind is optimistic and sees the good in life and in others.
A beautiful mind believes that excellent nutrition and regular exercise are as important as entertaining new ideas.
A beautiful mind enjoys and savors every moment.
A beautiful mind keeps the body active and feeds the brain the nutrients it requires.
A beautiful mind thinks creatively, lives in the moment, risks failing, and says 'yes' to life.
A beautiful mind loves to learn new things.
A beautiful mind treats the body like a dear friend.
A beautiful mind knows how to play, how to enjoy, and how to have fun.
A beautiful mind is not concerned with age, position, status, or having to have anything or anyone.
A beautiful mind simply is.
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