Eldership

Last night I was involved in a discussion about what it means to be an Elder. It got me thinking, and trying to express what I feel the spirit of "Eldership" means to me (not implying in any way that I'm an Elder). I'm still in the process of working it out, but here's what I've come up with so far...

Having a garden in your yard doesn't make you a gardener. You have to tend, and cultivate the garden. Putting time, energy, love, and attention into the growth of your garden is what makes you a gardener

It is the same to be an Elder. It's not just about being old. Being an Elder is related to action. It's a calling to serve. It's all about tending your community. It's a dynamic relationship. It moves, and flows, can grow or diminish, like a flame. Sharing yourself, your stories, songs, experience, and wisdom with those who touch your life is at it's core. It's not about extraction, cultivating validation, or respect, but an act of service informed by humility, and love

Another important aspect of being an Elder is that you are offering yourself to the whole, rather than trying to absorb, and distort the whole to fit your self image. It's not about making the community like you, but about offering what you have to share as concisely as possible without judgment. Communities adapt, and change over time, and the gifts of the Elders should help to inform rather than constrain that growth and change while honoring the spirit of tradition

In death, we give our bodies to Nature. In life, we give our mind, spirit, and energy to the web of relationships that comprise our community. This is Life