So teach us to number our days, that we may acquire a heart of wisdom.  Psalm 90:12

Our  3 "Wise Aging" sessions will address many of the opportunities and challenges we encounter as we transition through the ‘third act of life.’ This program invites us to embrace life by living more mindfully, joyfully, and compassionately, and by giving expression to the wisdom of our own ripening lives. Together we will explore our aging through the multiple lenses of Jewish wisdom, mindfulness and positive aging psychology. 

This program will be co-facilitated by Lori and Monte Dube. Lori is a social worker, life coach and certified Wise Aging Facilitator and Jewish Mindfulness and Meditation Facilitator, who received her training through the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. Monte, a retired attorney, is a certified Jewish Mindfulness and Meditation Facilitator, and is currently training to become a Jewish Spiritual Director. Monte also sits on the Board of Directors of the Boulder JCC, where Lori and Monte moved 5 years ago from their long-time home in Evanston, Illinois. They are excited to become a part of the Knoxville Jewish community where they will be spending more and more time to be with their new granddaughter, son, and daughter-in-law.

One Knoxville resident who has already participated in the Wise Aging program, which was offered on Zoom during the pandemic, was Wendy Besmann. Here’s what she has to say about her experience.

“The opportunity to learn, reflect and share with others through the lens of Jewish life was truly nourishing to my soul. Lori is a seasoned facilitator whose dedication to this process made me feel I was in good hands. I will carry the insights I gained in our Wise Aging sessions as I navigate through the third chapter of my life”

The Wise Aging sessions will be organized as follows:

Session #1 (3/9): The Mind: exploring our beliefs about aging and considering the process through an expansive vs. limiting lens.

Session #2 (3/16): The Body: The aches, the pains, the changes and how we fight or accept the reality of our bodies as we age.

Session #3 (3/23): The Soul: Our relationships with others and with the Divine and how to add depth to our lives ahead.

Recommended reading before class (available on line): Wise Aging: Living with Joy, Resilience, and Spirit by R’ Rachel Cowan and Dr. Linda Thal