In this blog Sophie Boyer shares her reflections on the Dukkha of Ageing in preparation for the weekend workshop she's teaching with Tony O'Connor on 6-7 June 2027.
Why the dukkha of ageing? Is it something you have been exploring in your own practice / life? What interests you about it?
At 53 years old, I can’t deny that this body is aging. And how these many changes that come along with this process require a more flexible mind, and a greater sense of adaptation.
It really points out how the reality of impermanence can sometimes be experienced with irritation, aversion, and resistance if it is not nurtured by reflection, spiritual approach, and understanding.
I also spent many years working in geriatrics and saw how difficult it can be to grow old, to be face to face with one's own mortality. Especially in modern society where this time of life tends to be hidden, denied or regarded as very negative and useless.
This reality has fed my reflection throughout my younger years.
Why do you think it's helpful to explore aging relation to the buddhist teachings?
The Buddhist teachings offer a wonderful map to navigate the landscape of change and also look at what our attachments are based on, and our sense of a constructed illusional identity/self.
It offers a way to deepen our understanding of the natural law of life and death. And as this matures it gives an opportunity to develop a more peaceful relationship with change, with life.
In many ways, the deepening of the understanding of this simple statement « ageing is dukkha » is valuable beyond measure.
Why do you think it could be useful to explore in a group setting like this?
Exploring this theme in a group setting is a wonderful opportunity to connect on a common ground - that we are all growing old as human beings.
How has exploring this helped you in your own practice / life?
It has helped me to stay connected with what really matters to the heart.
The more we allow life to express itself as it is, including the process of ageing, the more trust and confidence can mature within. And the less the need to control, to manage, to fix things when they do not match our liking and disliking can loosen.
Despite all our attempts we slowly start to unveil the truth that something is at play at every moment, and that does not need any intervention of a « separate me ».