Slowing Down

There are a lot of disadvantages to getting older.  But I am discovering some advantages as well.  

My natural mode of being has typically been to keep activity lists (either written or mental), and to race thru the day trying to get as many items on the list done as possible.

I just turned 80 last month (December, 2015).  I have been meditating on a somewhat regular basis for about three years.  This was brought on by my friend Blanche telling me about a free, weekly meditation class led by Diana Winston at the Hammer Museum every Thursday, which is now a high priority on my weekly schedule.

I am trying to "slow down" in life.  Being aware thru meditation of how much of my mental activity is naturally in the past or in the future.  Go more slowly, be present, "smell the roses", notice more fully the things and people and nature that surround me at all times.

This relatively new desire, to slow down, is now aided by the natural aging process of my body (and mind).  I just can't move as fast or as far as I once did.  To a certain extent, my aging body must slow down.  So, my conscious new direction is in tune with the unconscious aging process.  Like it or not, I must slow down.  So far, I like it.