Friday, November 6, 2026
If life on Earth could be said to have a purpose, it may be creation’s way of experiencing itself. From the first animalcules, through the dinosaurs, ground sloths, saber-toothed tigers, mastodons to Neanderthals and modern humans, life appears to seek to experience itself in as many forms as possible across time and space.
If death could be said to have a purpose, maybe it is to make way for fresh eyes by clearing out the inventory of creature that are past their expiration date.
As we age, our physical eyesight may be impaired by cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration, etc., some of which can be effectively treated. Perhaps more importantly, our mind’s eye, or spiritual insight, can also dim over time.
Seeing something with "fresh eyes" means looking at a familiar problem, project, or person with a new, unbiased perspective — free from old assumptions, fatigue, or past habits. When you are too close to something (like a work project, a writing draft or a routine), your brain stops noticing details because it fills in what it expects to see.
If your everyday experience of life is that the game doesn’t seem “worth the candle” anymore, perhaps it’s time to either change what you’re looking at, or the position/perspective from which you view a thing.
In his book, "The Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety" (1951), philosopher Alan Watts argues that human suffering and anxiety come from trying to find permanence, safety, and fixed meaning in a world that is fundamentally changing and impermanent.
Watts talks about the Backwards Law — trying hard to grasp for security, happiness or control often causes the exact opposite — deepening our fear, dissatisfaction and inner turmoil. Instead of constantly living in memory (the past) or anxiety (the future), Watts encourages people to root themselves fully in the present moment, which is the only real reality.
Obviously, seeing the logic of living in the present moment is far different from actually accomplishing that mission with consistency. It is impossible for most humans to be mindful at all times. I’m reminded of a cartoon which showed a distraught woman’s face with the caption, “Woman trying to live in the moment is upset by the arrival of other moments.”
Communicating with other humans is another way of seeing with fresh eyes. By connecting with other people in meaningful ways, such as sharing stories, we are able to get a glimpse of another life viewed from another perspective. What a marvelous capability this is, and yet we hesitate to engage beyond pleasantries with one another.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "We but half express ourselves, and are ashamed of that divine idea which each of us represents." Why not express our true selves? What have we got to lose that we’re not going to lose in the end anyway?
I've been wondering why I've been so moved by the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart, and I think it's because the character of Jean Luc Picard represented all of the admirable masculine qualities I wish to see more of in myself and the world. Courage, integrity, loyalty, strength, imagination, humor, compassion, wisdom and patience.
I realize this is a fictional character, but what an exemplary role model to emulate. As for Sir Patrick Stewart, the man, it took courage to leave the safety of his lifelong career of reciting 400-year-old Shakespeare speeches to boldly go into a new and uncertain future. Thank you for your performance, Captain. May we all find roles that suit us as well.
Twosday at Tumwater Falls on Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. Every second Tuesday at 2 p.m., elders are invited to show up for a free social gathering. Meet your neighbors, make new friends in one of nature's truly beautiful settings! Walk the paths or just sit at one of the many benches and picnic tables and socialize. For details, click here.
Elderhood Roundtable at the Olympia Library on Nov. 12 at 1 p.m. This free gathering starts at 1 p.m. for introductions and conversation. At 2 p.m., they will talk about newly available "green burial" options and cemeteries in Thurston County. For details, click here.
Elderhood Fall Feast of Friendship at Funeral Alternatives of Washington on Nov. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free event is a lunchtime social gathering for elders (55+) from all walks of life. It’s an opportunity to taste food from various chefs in the community while getting to know our neighbors and making new friends. For details, click here.
Glenn Harper provides support in aging and end of life. He is Chair of the Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council and board member of the Senior Action Network. He facilitates several free Death Cafe and Elderhood Roundtable gatherings in the area where Elders are invited to talk about difficult topics in a nonjudgmental space. Learn more about these events here.
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