Rebecca Esterson is Dean of the Center for Swedenborgian Studies at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA. She is currently co-authoring a religious biography of Helen Keller for Eerdmans Publishing.
keywords midlife, menopause, chaos, self-care, Helen Keller, spiritual growth, community, women empowerment, therapy, personal development, inner peace
summary In this conversation, Sage and Rebecca explore the complexities of midlife, particularly as women approach their 50s. They discuss the chaos and shifts that come with this stage of life, the importance of self-care and therapy, and the wisdom of figures like Helen Keller. The dialogue emphasizes the transition from seeking external validation to finding inner peace and the significance of community and connection. They also touch on the challenges of civil discourse in today’s world and the need for new paths in navigating life’s chaos.
takeaways
* The second half of life can be a time of chaos and upheaval.
* Embracing the chaos can lead to personal growth and regeneration.
* Therapy and self-care are essential for navigating midlife transitions.
* Helen Keller’s wisdom offers valuable insights for women in their 50s.
* Finding inner peace is more important than seeking external validation.
* Community and connection are vital for support during chaotic times.
* Midlife can be seen as a power decade filled with potential.
* It’s important to create safe spaces for open dialogue and experimentation with ideas.
* The journey of growth often involves moments of confusion before clarity emerges.
* Being open to surprises can help alleviate anxiety about the future.
Sound bites
“I’ve been thinking a lot about that question of perimenopause and regeneration.”
“It really feels like physically, emotionally, spiritually at every level, there’s just a lot of upheaval and confusion.”
“The beauty of the present moment, even if it’s messy and chaotic and confusing.”
“As honed in as you might be about the future, you actually don’t know and there will be surprises.”
“Chaos and confusion isn’t a sign that you’ve messed up….Actually, it’s a sign that there’s going to be growth.”
“Continuing to show up for my life, even if it’s a messy day.”
“Teaching is a way of creating the conditions for connection.”
“I’m someone who thinks ideas matter.”
“We need spaces where ideas aren’t so scary.”
“Maybe the whole planet is going through menopause.”
“Be open to surprises.”
“There are healthy ways to get healthy.”
“We need some new paths.”
Chapters
00:00 Navigating the Second Half of Life
02:49 Chaos and Transformation in Midlife
05:15 Embracing the Power Decade
07:22 Grounding in Mental Health
09:56 Redefining Priorities and Values
12:19 Finding Inspiration in Nature and Role Models
14:59 The Inner Journey of Self-Discovery
17:17 Moments of Growth and Change
20:14 Embracing New Beginnings
24:39 The Beauty of the Present Moment
26:21 Navigating Anxiety About the Future
29:14 Chaos as a Path to Growth
31:53 Finding Balance in Chaos
32:55 The Role of Love in Our Lives
33:57 Creating Safe Spaces for Learning
35:53 The Importance of Critical Thinking
38:31 Engaging with Humanity in Discourse
40:21 Health and Self-Care in Chaotic Times
Our Theme Music is “I Love it,” by Luke Concannon www.lukeconcannon.com
