An Open Letter To The Modern Elder Academy
A reflection on my experience at MEA and a glimpse of what we can find in a community that is focused on human flourishing
The Modern Elder Academy. At first blush, I did not really see how I quite fit. The label of modern elder felt undeserved having scratched out a much smaller life span up until this point than most of the folks that found themselves at MEA. As a result, the most I expected was for MEA to be a nice spot to work from. A place to plop my toes in the sand and enjoy some much-needed sun.
Oh boy did I get a whole lot more than that.
It Was All A Dream
Fast forward and two weeks have raced by. As I depart, it’s not sadness I feel, it’s completeness, a word I’ve plucked from an MEA alumni, which feels right to describe how I’m going home.
I say complete because it has all felt so dreamlike. Each moment perfect.
I have learned from many of them. The walks on the beach watching the morning unfurl. Daily opportunities to be guided in the art of Qi Gong and to connect with the day. The low and meandering conversations by the dinner table with easy smiles laughs, and so much warmth. Sitting down at sunset watching the sun make its sleepy descent. Each day getting up and watching the sands shift, reinventing themselves daily. Each and every moment has been unique and just right in its own way. If there is anything I've learned from these collective experiences it is the value of moments, of savoring each one.
I almost can’t believe it’s happened and for that reason, I am not saddened by my departure. In many ways, my departure is a continuation of what I’ve picked up from my time at MEA - transience, the unrelenting march of time, and the deep satisfaction that comes from fully participating in each moment. All I can say is I’m grateful for those many wonderful moments I have spent with you all these past few weeks.
Feelings Color My Memory
As I reflect on it all, I feel much more than I remember. It’s a bit weird, but more so than memories it’s feelings that color my thoughts when I let the experience of MEA wash over me.
I feel warmth, I feel closeness, I feel connected, I feel open, I feel at ease, I feel peace, I feel safe, I feel joy, I feel curiosity, I feel delight, I feel love, and I feel so much more that is hard to even begin putting into words.
It's those feelings I'll carry with me as I leave this place and it’s those feelings that will make me not soon forget the time I spent here with you all.
It's hard to capture the essence of what made this all so special, so magical. I certainly can’t put it all into words but there are a few themes that stand out to me: space & freedom, wisdom, and energy.
Wide Open Space & Freedom To Be
I can only speak for myself, but I am so grateful for the space each and every one of you created. In a world that can feel so crowded, so stuffy - with opinions, advice, movement, and noise - you all created vast amounts of space. How it feels to have all that open-air, that ground to run on! The freedom of movement in mind, body, and spirit is like nothing I have ever experienced. How exhilarating. Thank you.
You all created a place where people listened, where people saw you, where people encouraged, where people asked. How freeing it feels to be given that space and how easy it becomes to slip back into yourself in that kind of company. That warm, nurturing company.
It has been a feeling like no other and I can't thank you all enough for showing me the magic of how a community can support the human soul to flourish.
The Wisdom of Lifetimes
I know I run the risk of using the wrong words here but I am grateful as I feel I've gained aunts and uncles (or brothers and sisters if that sounds better 🙂). The opportunity to learn from each of you, to be present to your moments and your transitions and the opportunity to seek your wisdom has been an extraordinary gift. A gift for which I am eternally grateful. It's hard to describe what it’s like to see people you admire ask and discuss questions that have become near and dear to your heart.
It was extraordinary and a real privilege, to have the opportunity to pick your brains, to see glimpses of why these themes have become important to each of you, and to hear your stories.
I heard recently that wisdom can't be taught, it can only be distilled from our life experience, from sense-making of what we've seen, lived, and heard. Thank you for sharing your distillations and the work of a lifetime with me. I’m carrying it with me as I depart and it’s not something I plan to let go of anytime soon.
Sometimes exploring what it means to live well has been a lonely endeavor. To meet travelers that have been on that path longer and have traveled wider was a breath of fresh air. One that has given me energy, excitement, and inspiration to continue carving my own path. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of your journeys. The time with you all has certainly influenced my own.
The Energy Of Living Well
Last, but certainly not least, the energy I felt at MEA is something I'll remember forever. I've never felt so simultaneously calm & energized. There is a peace of mind from being around you all that was fascinating. It was a place of no judgment or expectations. There was encouragement, open arms, and acceptance of whoever you were and however you wanted to show up. There was warmth, there was laughter, and there was delight. There was openness, sharing, diversity of perspective, and curiosity. There was a connection to each other, to this magical place, and to ourselves.
As I sit here and write this my whole body feels relaxed and yet I'm quite alert. Can't say I've felt this way, for this long (ever?). There’s a real and tangible difference in the energy - in how everyone shows up, in the place we were in, in the meals we shared, in the rituals we developed, and in the conversations we had.
I wanted to thank everyone for showing me what vibrant and alive energy can look like (a concept I used to be skeptical of). I wanted to thank all of you for showing up as you did and as you could. I wanted to thank you all for embracing me in the way that I was able to show up.
Thank You
Anyway, I've rambled a bit, but it was important that I thank you. Thank you for these two weeks. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for your mentorship. Thank you for the energy you brought. And thank you for how you made me feel. I won't soon forget it. I sincerely hope our paths cross again. Until next time.
With gratitude,
Alvaro