to define an elder

[k9soldier]

I apologize to whoever asked yesterday.... couldn't find the words at the time, couldn't find the post once I gathered my thoughts..............

One knows when they are in the presence of an elder when you find yourself LISTENING to what they have to say, everyone else you are just hearing them talk. With age comes wisdom, wisdom doesn't always come with age.

[bahnisiain]

that was my thread of define an elder - i think that is what i called the tread.

[FluteMaker]

I apologize to whoever asked yesterday.... couldn't find the words at the time, couldn't find the post once I gathered my thoughts..............

One knows when they are in the presence of an elder when you find yourself LISTENING to what they have to say, everyone else you are just hearing them talk. With age comes wisdom, wisdom doesn't always come with age.

i'll go one farther and add that the wisdom we always talk about comes from a lifetimes worth of experience and direct involvement with the communitee,the people and the culture.
which leaves out the "im 57 and recently learned of my heritage" crowd.
being an elder is a position of respect and honor,and the people will somehow let you know when they see you as such.its not something you can just stand up and claim.
being older doesnt make a person an elder. it just means they'll be eligible for social security before i will

[k9soldier]

well put, thanks for the backup

[soopashinaab]

I like it!!

Well put!! The word Elder, like the word Sacred, and a whole slew of others are used to freely nowadays. I think these words have lost their true meaning in most peoples eyes. I liked what I read on this thread, it's nice to know there are people that haven't lost sight of what's good in the world.

[Barb]

Good Morning from Canada. What I have come to learn is there are are what I call self proclaimed Elders then there are Real Elders. The Real Elders are the ones who are kind have gentle spirits and an abundance of knowledge. That are more than happy to listen and help any of us when ever or what ever we need. They give advice when asked and do not push their opinions on others.

[soopashinaab]

Don't forget humility, a true person of knowledge is harder to find because they don't talk about themselves much. They show humility, in my opinion there are too many people coming forward to show the "way". True knowledge is a never ending journey, because we are constantly seeking it. We can never know enough. A true Elder will not utter that word, a true Elder does not see oneself as such.

[FluteMaker]

i try to not fall into the qualifications thing and say an elder will do this,an elder wont do that because when its all said and done an elder is still a person first. they're allowed to get angry and yell, theyre allowed to say bad words and make bad jokes. they're people.you dont stop being a person in order to be an elder.
when i was with my first wife and i mentioned, to an elder type person i knew, that i was getting married he put an arm over my shoulder and asked if i wouldnt rather have a puppy.
(he didnt like her much,and looking back i should have taken him up on the puppy)
listing what makes a person an elder is a complicated idea. its kinda like pornography "i cant describe it but i know it when i see it". i think one big thing to keep in mind is that elders are still human beings entitled to the same range of emotion as anyone else.and while they are entitled to a bit more respect i dont think they dont deserve to be expected to live up to some intangible idea of 'elder perfection'

[FluteMaker]

ps......

i seriously never want to be an elder

[soopashinaab]

I agree an elder is a person first, last, and always. I have old people that I like to talk with all the time. Some I respect more than others, but have respect for them all nonetheless.
I don't even like the word elder to be honest, sounds to corny
I always enjoy the talks we have, I especially like the dirty jokes I might learn.