Spiritual Mysticism

By Robert C. Atchley Spiritual mysticism is a direct experience of the ground of all being. (Many words are used to describe the mysterious unity with which we seek connection -- the Sacred, God, the Void, Brahman, the Absolute, and many others. I use "ground of being" because it is difficult to personify.) Direct experience precedes language; we have the experience first and then we attach … [Read more...]

Mental Habits can Create a Mental Prison

Do you want more prosperity, a better relationship, more creativity, more harmony, a better job, better health? That longing is the Universe's way of impelling you to expand and grow, to experience more freedom. So why haven't you achieved it? Your old thought patterns, beliefs, ideas, and mental habits restrict what you've accepted thus far. Sometimes, we stick with the familiar, because we're … [Read more...]

New Possibilities For Retirement

Recessions provide an opportunity to reevaluate what’s important. This recession is no different. Despite the financial strain many people are feeling, there is still hope for the future, especially for retirement. In a recent Harris poll, 60% of Americans described retirement as an “opportunity for a new, exciting chapter in life.” People still see new possibilities for retirement. While … [Read more...]

Aging and Retirement Change in America

Recently, I became interested in genealogy. The research on my father’s side of the family produced interesting information about aging and retirement change over the last century. My great grandfather was born in 1825. He immigrated to the United States from Germany around 1850. We were able to locate the census for 1880, which listed his occupation as a postmaster. What was interesting is … [Read more...]

Good Life Recipe in Retirement

Is there a good life recipe in retirement? Baby boomers are often thought of as a homogeneous group. In fact, we are a pretty diverse group of 77 million individuals. MetLife Mature Market Institute (MMI) partnered with educator and life coach, Richard Leider to see if they could establish criteria for the good life in retirement. They established thirteen activities within four core components … [Read more...]

Ways to Live Longer in Good Health

What are the ways to live longer in good health? Modern society has not only helped us live longer, it has contributed to increasing our stress levels. In a recent survey by Northwestern Life, over 40% of workers reported their jobs to be "very or extremely stressful." Heart disease and cancer -- two of the primary disease killers in North America -- are more rampant than ever, as are … [Read more...]

Dealing with Adult Children like Adults

It’s hard to imagine that our adult children will have to take care of us some day. However, it’s also hard to believe that many retirement age baby boomers have the responsibility of caring for elderly parents. Dealing with adult children like adults is the first step in preparing them to help you as you age. This became clear to me as I encounter resistance from my mother. She has … [Read more...]

Contemplation and Spirituality

By Robert C. Atchley There is ample evidence that in later life many people turn their attention inward, but not in self-preoccupied reminiscence. Instead, they engage in a new type of action called abiding. Take the topic of retirement as an example. There are certainly some aspects of retirement, such as financial management, that require calculative thinking. But there are other aspects of … [Read more...]

Manifest Your Desires By Taking Action

Have you selected your specific desire, done your mental work and affirming, let go of the concern that it'll manifest, but it still hasn't shown up? If you want to manifest your desires, it may be time for you to do some groundwork. What physical action have you taken in the direction of your desire? Sometimes, a person has to jumpstart things in the material realm to get the spiritual and mental … [Read more...]

Earthwatch Ocean Adventures-Marine Mammals-Part 3

My next whale adventure was Dolphins and Whales of Abaco Island, another Earthwatch expedition a great winter getaway in the Bahamas! The research scientists, Dian and Charlotte met the three volunteers in Marsh Harbor and drove us to the house and research center on a scenic each in the fishing village of Sandy Point where we met the rest of the friendly staff, Kiya, Stephani and Edward. The … [Read more...]