3 day

Exploring the Second Half of Life

The second half of life is now a time when you can be your own authority and make a unique contribution. Even thirty years ago women were often considered to be ‘over the hill’ after the age of forty. Today we realise that this period may be the most significant part of life. This is due not only to our increased life and health expectation, but because of the opportunities for personal growth, enriched relationships, education and travel. In fact the possibilities may be so enormous that it is good to have some time to stand back from life and look at priorities. It can also be a time of stress and anxiety as a full life of family or full time work gives way to what can seem like an uncharted area, for there is little recognition of any role for older women in our society.

The workshop provides an opportunity to take stock of the fund of skill, experience and wisdom acquired in half a lifetime or more and to identify talents and possibilities for which there has been no time in the past. A few days standing back from life and sharing with other women in a similar situation through discussion, reflection, laughter and creativity can help discover priorities and a new richness in our personal lives and relationships as well as considering our role in society.

We welcome contributions from a wide variety of cultures. The majority of women are in their fifties and sixties, but many are older or younger than this which adds to the enrichment.

Some people ask when the second half of life begins. It begins when you feel it begins. Women are welcome whatever their age may be, and ages have ranged from the late thirties to the eighties. Most women are in their fifties or sixties but it is good to have a wide range of ages.

Jung said: "The greatest potential for growth and self-realisation exists in the second half of life.' . . . 'Some careers, relationships, desired achievements, even cherished goals must be abandoned with grace or pain." But this can be an "unloading of self-imposed burdens and deliverance from exhausting efforts towards unlikely goals' . . . 'perhaps only half-wanted rewards. Consciously letting go of these burdens and aspirations lets one focus total attention and energy not only on what is available, but on what is one's truest concern."

'A human being would certainly not grow to seventy or eighty years old if this longevity had no meaning for themselves or the species.'

What People Have Said About the Retreat

"I feel more confident about being an older woman and want to celebrate it."

"The company of like-minded women. Being fed physically, emotionally and spiritually."

"I would recommend it to friends who are searching for spiritualitye - friends who are open-minded - ready for challenge - who want fun and seriousness."

"I liked the feeling of belonging and feeling comfortable just being myself."

"I had hoped for a sense of direction about what I wanted to DO. Instead I have a sense of what I want to BE. Maybe by increasing my sense of BEING I will become aware of what I can DO."

"This weekend has left me with a sense of joy and relaxation."

"The most helpful and enjoyable aspect was meeting and sharing ideas with a diverse group of women."

"I valued feeling safe in the company of women who are complete strangers - yet offer warmth, support and acceptance."

"The chance to be open and air issues which I never had a chance to air."

"Meeting with like minds. The generosity of sharing. Listening and being listened to. Peace, space, both physical and emotional; spiritual enrichment; sharing with like-minded people; intelligent, sensible profound discussion without being labelled "intense" or "over the top".

"The weekend was a wonderful renewing and enriching experience."

"I was worried that we would be holy and worthy. Gladly, this was not the case: spiritual and worthwhile rather."

Convenors

"Sophia" means Feminine Wisdom and is also the title of our twice yearly newsletter for those who wish to keep in touch and continue exploring.These are "Friends of Sophia".

Sheila Ward

Sheila has lived in other parts of the world and learnt from other cultures. She has been exploring the second half of life for over twenty years and founded the Grange Retreat Centre eighteen years ago initially to provide space for this. She has now retired and will be 78 this year.

Sheila has recently published a book, ‘Towards Wisdom’, available from www.greenspirit.org.uk/books/

They are both married with grown up children.
(Ward: same name - no relation)

Rosemary Ward

Rosemary was formerly a Special Needs teacher and is now concentrating on a second career in counselling and psychotherapy having trained at Leicester University, the Psychosynthesis and Education Trust and the Sherwood Institute of Psychotherapy. She now has her own practice. She will be 70 this year. She has recently an M.A. in psychotherapy.