Do you want to be a Senior Dynamo?
“Within us all there are wells of thought and dynamos of energy which are not suspected until emergencies arise. Then often times we find that it is comparatively simple to double or triple our former capacities and to amaze ourselves by the results.” These are the inspirational words of Thomas J. Watson, Sr. , American industrialist who built IBM into the world’s largest manufacturer of electric typewriters and data-processing equipment.
Do we have to wait for emergencies to tap own inner dynamos of energy? Do we want to be more dynamic? Radiate more energy, vitality, good health, creativity, loving relationships and financial abundance? Who hasn’t wondered — am I slowing down because I’m getting older? Is there anything I can do about it? What about those dreams unfulfilled? Should I just shuffle off this mortal coil and figure, It’s too late now!
I’m here to say: Absolutely Not! Let’s resurrect those dreams, plans and goals of yesterday, with its limitless time horizon and youthful optimism. Let’s acknowledge the changes in our bodies, the losses of our loved ones, the unrealized potential of our youth. And let’s do more than that…let’s acknowledge we’re still here, walking around on this earth, and we’re not going quietly into that good night. Nope, we’re deciding to live our best live, right here and right now, with the resources that we have and those we can develop. We can say: I’m going to live my best life NOW. I’m going to dream big, expand my “dynamic range” and live large. I AM a “senior dynamo.”
What is a Senior Dynamo? Who Can Become a Senior Dynamo?
The word dynamo comes from the Greek word, dynamis, meaning power. The first electrical generators delivering industrial power were called dynamos. So as Dynamos, we develop our own power to the max.
And Dynamic Range? Wikipedia defines “dynamic range” as the ratio between the largest and smallest possible values of a changeable quantity, such as in sound and light, measured as a ratio.
In photography we use “dynamic range” to describe the luminance range of a scene being photographed. Different techniques increase the dynamic range, resulting in a brilliant, very detailed photograph.
I’m an avid photographer, so I adapted this phrase to describe a Senior Dynamo…someone who is is expanding the parameters of his or her human existence to live life full throttle. A Senior Dynamo is evolving to become more brilliant, powerful, alive, healthy, loving, creative, fulfilled, beautiful and spiritual.
“Aging ain’t for sissies,” said actress Betty Davis in her laser fashion. But as Mark Twain said, “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter. “ In other words, with steady courage and unwavering focus on the positive, we can be Senior Dynamos.
Going forward, this blog is dedicated to those things which expand our dynamic range, that help us to live large in our golden years.
About Rev. Elizabeth
Rev. Elizabeth is the founder of seniordynamo.com. She is an ordained minister of Religious Science and a staff minister at her local Center for Spiritual Living in California. This site began as a result of her life-long interest in health and fitness and a group she facilitated at the Center, which was called the Dynamos. The group met once a month for a healthy potluck (bring something you consider healthy to share), sharing of health and fitness tips and wins, and a program. Programs included everything from DVDs to speakers on such topics as Laughter Yoga, Stress Management, Weight Management, Emotional Freedom Technique, Energy Medicine, and more. Participants enjoyed camaraderie, fun and good, healthy food.
Rev. Elizabeth decided to take the Dynamo idea further with this website, and eventually a book (which is in progress). She continues to research the latest ideas in health, fitness and longevity which especially concern seniors, with the idea of sharing these ideas with readers of this blog.
More about Rev. Elizabeth: She came to Religious Science in the late 90s, after a health challenge triggered an intense spiritual and personal journey. Immersed in Science of classes, she completed requirements to become a practitioner and a licensed staff minister by 2003, and an ordained minister in 2011. A passionate photographer, Rev. Elizabeth has served as photographer for the Center and occasionally gives workshops on creative expression through digital photography. She earned master’s degrees in journalism, with a specialty in photojournalism, and counseling psychology. She is a graduate of Coach University, an internet-based life coaching program, has studied spiritual psychology at the University of Santa Monica, and worked as a freelance writer/photographer, vocational rehabilitation counselor, career coach, and university instructor, While serving with the U.S. Foreign Service in Europe, she met her husband of over 40 years and they raised two children. She is an avid photographer and has created over 30 personal photo books for family and friends. She considers photo books a personal legacy to her children and grandchildren. In addition to photography, Rev. Elizabeth’s current interests include health and fitness, writing, and online learning. For Rev. Elizabeth’s Creative Thoughts and Affirmative Prayers, go to www.revlizwritings.blogspot.com.
All photos on this site are taken by Elizabeth Schneider, copyright by Elizabeth Schneider, all rights reserved.