Positive Aging Blog: Wisdom and Spirit in Action December 2020

Wisdom and Spirit in Action

by Susan Freiband

December 2020

Sage-ing International is a grass roots, nonprofit organization which aims to change the paradigm from age-ing to sage-ing through learning, service and community.  It traces its history from 2004 to the ideas of Rabbi Zalman Schachter Shalomi, founder of Jewish Renewal and the Spiritual Eldering Institute. Since 2008 it has hosted six international sage-ing conferences attracting a growing number of participants from all over the U.S. and internationally.

In addition, its programs include workshops, webinars, classes, wisdom circles and leadership training.  Its emphasis has been on creating conscious elder communities, learning, connecting and serving. Its vision statement reflects this focus:  “Sage-ing International is dedicated to helping elders reclaim their roles as leaders, sharing wisdom and spirit essential to creating a better world for current and future generations”.

The ten qualities of sages in service identified on the organization’s website reflect its core values and principles:  deep listening, compassion, joyfulness, peacefulness, open communication, lifelong learning, inclusiveness, integrity, reverence for life and respect.  As Jews, these same values resonate as important guideposts for living.

The Sage-ing International website (www.sage-ing.org) includes more detailed information about the organization, its leaders and certification, events, resources (including books, articles, movies, music, conscious aging bloggers and organizations), blogs, and virus response tools.  “Wisdom and spirit in action” clearly reflects the commitment made by well known professionals, the Council of Honored Sages, who have provided exceptional leadership to promote the growth and development of this important organization.