Is Your Glass Half Empty or Half Full?

by Barb Dion

Is your glass half empty or half full?  The latest To Your Health offering, “Good Mind: Good Mood,” answered that question in a fun, insightful way.

Our first presenter, Lynn Arizzi, spoke about ways that “Music Makes the Soul Soar,” even through troubling times. She led the audience in singing many familiar songs, including “Oh What a Beautiful Morning,” “We Shall Overcome,” and even “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”  Lynn concluded her session by inviting everyone to circle around a large, colorful parachute which had been placed in the center of the floor. They were asked to hold on and raise and lower it while she played an aria sung by Leontyne Price. The soaring notes lent a beauty to the gentle fluttering of the parachute.

Making the parachute soar.....

.... to the skies!

The next topic, “Staying Positive: Maintaining Connections through Movement,” was a fun and eye-opening audience participation presented by Janet Willie. She explained how important it was at this age to maintain good joint health, and demonstrated ways to stay flexible and learn how to relax. Janet encouraged the audience to join her in stretching and flexing exercises and gave many hints on how these can be performed at home. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the instruction, if the amount of laughter was any indication! 

Strectching with Janet Willie

Lastly, Ellen Crocker presented “Homework for Old Age: What’s the Assignment Now?” She reflected about growing older and how to see the glass as half full rather than half empty. Ellen said this is the time of life to look back; to acknowledge the good and bad things we have done, and realize that right now is extremely precious. She mentioned it is not what we have, but what we enjoy. She then asked the group to comment on two questions: what was hard for you in going from one stage of life to the next and, what makes you happy now. A lively and heartfelt discussion followed and capped off this enlightening evening. 

Ellen Crocker, Janet Willie, and Lynn Arizzi

photos by Barb Dion

For more information about Western Mountains Senior College visit our website at http://sad44.maineadulted.org/western_mountains_senior_college