What is an Elder?

The question as to what entails being an elder often arises in the form of a debate stemming from the catalyst of various schools of thought.

I had my own views and questions regarding eldership; so in an effort to gain what I thought could be the best possible information, I conferred with one of my elders who is also my godfather and spiritual guide. I was prepared to present to him a list of questions such as, “is eldership a function of chronological age coupled with life experience, and, if so, what would be the minimum age requirement and, exactly what types of experiences would so qualify for the sake of definition?” I was also curious about the lifestyle of an elder, and desired information regarding culture, tradition, spiritual orientations, community recognition, family background and values, and religious/spiritual as well as political attachments. It then “hit me” that I almost approached the Grandmaster from a linear perspective which was largely instilled in me as the result of my Western upbringing, and so I changed gears. I then humbly asked the Grandmaster for his perspective on the subject of eldership.

I expectantly waited while he pondered for a few moments (which to me seemed like an eternity!), and then he began to speak in a manner which clearly could only result from the wisdom and understanding of a wide array of life experiences, both spiritual and secular.

I now share this information with the intent to bring a measure of clarity to those who may have questioned the subject of eldership and thus far, may not have received answers which met their needs. Before presenting this brief yet complete (in my humble opinion) definition of eldership, I suggest to you, as has been suggested to me, that in reading these words, you extract what resonates for yourself, and discard the rest. You will be drawn to what belongs to you for your assistance at this point along your journey.

And now, without edit or revision, I present the following exposition:

“An elder is one that has been tempered by time, environment and circumstance, to arrive at a place to recognize the proper positions of knowledge that is usable to cultivate wisdom…

To understand the physical presence is seldom a total spiritual essence, to arrive at a central point that is neither good nor bad, high nor low, fast or slow…

To live in the moment, not attempting to hold on to it or to stop it…

To remember, judgement of others is execution of self…

To remind oneself that yesterday you were whom you hate the most. Trying to become tomorrow who you love most is a waste of time. It will happen when you simply are, and no longer trying to be…

When you are prepared to let go of what is, you are prepared to accept what is to be…

Attempting to please humans in matter or spirit in spirit is a waste of time. Cultivate who you are – the results of your energies will manifest into ‘what is’…

Contrary to popular thought, you seldom are who you think you are…

An elder has developed the tools to accept who they are currently; not who they are wishing to be tomorrow…

An elder need not be the eldest…”

And so, there is no right or wrong way to digest the information which has been presented above. Thoughts and ideas will flow in and out of your mind. You may have several ‘aha’ moments, or you may have none. At your own pace, in your own time, you will be able to see the relevance.

I would be remiss not to graciously thank GrandMaster Kham for these as well as countless teachings which he continues to selflessly share with myself and others. May these words be a blessing to all who read them.

Queen Mother SpiritChange

©January 2012

Brooklyn, NY, USA