CONSCIOUS WELLNESS
Living an engaged and meaningful life.
Gifts of the Mature Life
Our mature years are a time to attend to our inner and outer world in a way that we could not when we were speeding over the surface of things. Older persons have a large reservoir of experience to draw from.
Weaving memories together, finding the patterns and digesting the learning, is a huge job. This is where elder-as-artist begins to dawn. The power of creative imagination wells up in old age for just this purpose: to digest a lifetime of experience, mine the gems, and transmit that insight to the next generation.
“The real difficulty of old age is seeing it as an affliction. We give up on creativity, adventure and love because we are old. We narrow our lives and limit our possibilities because of this thinking.” — Victoria Howard, PhD
What is Conscious Aging?
Conscious Aging is an emotional wellness program designed to give mature adults the tools and resources to live meaningful and productive lives while coping with life’s unavoidable stresses. It helps us to recognize the opportunities available at this stage of life in order to provide us motivation and inspiration for continual growth and engagement, as well as to move forward with lives that demonstrate wisdom, depth and creativity as our legacy.
Here are The Center for Conscious Aging core beliefs:
- Certain specific and invaluable abilities grow and peak during this stage of our lives.
- Our mature years present a unique stage of life with associated psychological and spiritual tasks— ones that provide us prime opportunities for inner growth and deep fulfillment—for growing into truly mentoring leaders at the pinnacle of our life journey.
- The mature life can be a time of passionate engagement and service in our communities–rather than being a time of withdrawal from service.
- Engagement and service at this stage is more powerful and satisfying if it is grounded in “being” rather than “doing.” This way of living is informed by our deep experience and the guidance found within.
- It is vital to do the inner work, which supports wholeness–the hallmark of true wisdom.
- Our challenge today is how we can embody our vital role in a modern youth-oriented world.
- Supporting others committed to this path is critical. Providing such support is the mission of The Center for Conscious Aging.
QUALITY OF OUR PROGRAMS
RESEARCH BASED
The basis for all programs is taken from the latest research in the fields of gerontology, education, psychology, spirituality and neuroscience. We’ve used this information to inform our understanding of the developmental needs of older adults and how to best facilitate one’s growth toward greater purpose, meaning and pro-social behavior.
TIME TESTED
Our programs have been tested over the past five years in many different settings including community centers, libraries, health fairs, independent and assisted living communities, churches and private practice groups. The programs also work well in many diverse socio-economic and racially diverse group settings.
What we do
Our Programs
PRESENTATIONS FOR OLDER ADULTS
These are two-hour learning opportunities for midlife and older adults to promote lifelong learning opportunities for people of all ages on topics related to the eight dimensions of wellness held at various locations. Gatherings give participants a chance to connect with others and learn about community resources.
TRAININGS AND WORKSHOPS
Assorted workshops guide participants through the meaning of positive aging in a supportive group format. Workshops provide the skills needed to confidently grow and build a life of meaning and purpose in a supportive community. The goal is to harvest the opportunities of aging while coping with the stresses.
PERSONAL CONSULTATIONS AND SUPPORT GROUPS
These are available for individual guidance, life planning, and heartfelt listening. Facilitated by a trained spiritual counselor that allows individual to discuss the challenges they are currently facing. One-on-one interactions and group formats allow for open sharing while receiving support to address these challenges. Group members learn from each but do not give advice.
FAMILY CONSULTATION
Professionally facilitated communication can improve family relationships by facilitating interactions with compassion and empathy. Guided conversations emphasize proactive, non-judgmental and beneficial outcomes for everyone.
CORPORATE AND ORGANIZATIONAL TRAINING
Trainings to staff and those who work with older adults to assist in understanding the developmental needs of older adults. This understanding can help in program development to more effectively meet needs and improve communication.
SPONSORSHIP OPTIONS
This is an opportunity to get your name and business out in front of an older demographic. Sponsorship entitles you to join our resource list of preferred vendors.
What Drives Us
Our Mission
Founded in 2013, we bring research-based information from professionals in the community. We use this information to inform our understanding of the needs of older adults and design programming that brings the latest offerings in the field to older adults for inspiration, reflection, and social connection.
Educational Resources
Many older adults are looking for guidance, connection, and community to help fortify themselves for their aging years. We combine excellent presentations on compelling topics that matter. We deliver programs on-site and customized to each audience.
EVENTS ARE ALL ONLINE NOW VIA ZOOM LINK
Join the Zoom meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3039032368
This is an opportunity to explore topics related to conscious aging and compassionate communication on a personal level and to learn from others in a facilitated small group format.
Cost of all programs: “Donations” accepted via Venmo and Zelle.
Upcoming Events
Conscious Aging
The Solo Agers
Conscious Wellness Events
All events are on Zoom
Join the Zoom event: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3039032368
Request a newsletter for listing of current events.
LIVING DEEPLY DISCUSSION GROUPS
TUESDAY MORNINGS AT 10AM
FRIDAY MORNINGS AT 9AM
OUR FOUNDER
Catherine Dockery, M.A.
Catherine is the author of a workbook on conscious aging. She has over 10 years of experience in individual and group facilitation and is an ordained interdisciplinary minister. Her strong background in communications, public policy, and economic development has made it possible for her to create a bridge between older adults and those professionals and businesses who serve them.
Catherine presents on aging topics at events/locations that have included the Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center, Evanston Center for Spiritual Wholeness and Healing, Encore/Boomers Leading Change Conference, Denver and Douglas County Libraries, L’Chaim2Life Conference, Heart of the Rockies Women’s Health Day, Chafee County Engaged Aging Conference, and Denver Housing Authority.
OUTCOMES
How You Can Benefit
DEEPER UNDERSTANDING
Understand what it means to MATURE and find value in new roles.
CULTIVATE increased vitality.
Reflect on what has given HEART and MEANING to your life.
Discover renewed PURPOSE to guide new goals.
EXPLORE unexamined, self-limiting beliefs and stereotypes.
Make better and more conscious CHOICES.
A NEW VISION
Develop SELF-COMPASSION to cope more effectively with change, worry, and stress.
Enhance CONNECTIONS and reduce isolation from others by understanding our shared humanity.
Reduce fear and increase ACCEPTANCE in the presence of death and dying for ourselves and others.
Create a NEW VISION for aging.
Contact Us
If you would like to RSVP for our programs, inquire about a program specifically for your organization or you would like more information, please contact:
Center for Conscious Aging
Catherine Dockery
Denver, CO
303.903.2368