Last fall I read an article by Bradford Plumer in Audubon magazine. The article, "A New Leaf," was about climate change. Plumer wrote, "Climate scientists are increasingly worried that the clock is winding down, that unless the world very soon gets on a path to reducing its greenhouse-gas emissions by 50 percent or more below 1990 levels by mid-century, it may prove impossible to stop runaway warming. If that happened, millions would be at risk from heat waves, droughts, and floods; rising sea levels would swamp the coasts; whole ecosystems could be wiped out."

In recent months, there have been many signs that our government will take steps that will enable the United States to take a lead role toward global cooperation on climate change. However, a government is only as effective as the people in the country. It ultimately comes down to us, each of us, as to what we can do to curb greenhouse gases and slow down climate change. Slowing down climate change to ensure our children and grandchildren -- all children and grandchildren -- will have an abundant, joyous future is partially dependent on our slowing down our frenetic, materialistic, meat-oriented lifestyles and using fewer resources.

The climate change facts can scare us, and it is during such times that older adults in our society can be sources of wisdom and models. Seniors who went through the Great Depression generally know that the most important things in life aren't things. As it says in the old Quaker song, "'Tis a gift to be simple, 'tis a gift to be free, 'tis a gift to come down where you ought to be." In this phrase, "coming down" means centering down and getting grounded -- focusing on what is important. In order to do this, we must slow down, and sometimes just plain stop.

From Dr. David Kundtz's wonderful book Stopping: How to Be Still When You Have to Keep Going (1998), we learn about the "Gifts of Stopping."

Note: These are paraphrases of Kundtz's work with some original thoughts of my own, especially the "God-talk." I highly recommend this book.

1. Gift of Attentiveness. When we stop, we are able to pay attention. Being awake, remembering, and attentiveness are similar to mindfulness. The benefits of daily mindfulness in reducing stress and disease are widely documented. When we rush through our busy daily schedules, we have no time to think without distractions. There is a danger of putting last things first. When we are attentive, we gain knowledge of what is worthy in life. We are able to sense God's ultimate control and power and to be at peace.

2. Gift of Relaxation. Henry David Thoreau said, "Health requires this aimless life. This life in the present." With it, we can achieve mental and physical ease in our bodies, our dwellings, our country, and our world. Human beings were not made to stay in a state of stress all the time. Fight or flight hormones are coursing through our veins under stress, and they do not go away on their own. They need to be balanced by a time of relaxation.

3. Gift of Solitude. This gift of being alone includes the gift of introspection. Solitude transforms us. When we come from a time of aloneness, we are different. The great spiritual leaders of history spent a great deal of time withdrawn, stopped or slowed down. We all know how Jesus treasured his time alone to pray. When we are alone, we must becomecomfortable with ourselves. We begin by looking into our souls and taking stock of who we are. If being alone is daunting, try it in small increments. Beware of other people regarding it as a rejection of them. Help them understand that it is a breeding ground for deeper friendships or relationships.

4. Gift of Openness. This is the ability to receive the gifts the world has to offer and being satisfied with less. Sometimes less is more. We become like beginners with something to learn. Being a beginner has to do with being teachable, receptive, and nonjudgmental toward one's self. Beginners become more effective listeners because they notice every aspect of what a person says and how they say it. When we think about becoming more open, let us consider how we can be more open to learning from those of other generations.

5. Gift of Boundaries. It is crucial for us to learn that we can care about one another without losing our boundaries. By clarifying our boundaries, we have the ability to become closer in healthy ways. In turn, the community benefits. During times in which we stop or slow down, we have time to remember who we are. Our self-identity is strengthened and clarified, which also benefits the community.

6. Gift of Embracing Our Shadows. Jung's definition of "Shadow" can be paraphrased as a pattern of perception that we all hold in our consciousness. This refers to the secret and often feared part of ourselves that we generally keep hidden or pretend does not exist. Jung's insight was to identify the Shadow as a positive force and a means to self-understanding. Embracing the Shadow means acknowledging that things are not just black and white. We are all the causes of what is wrong. Kundtz maintains that the Shadow can take different forms, including the illusion that we truly believe we are too busy to stop. When we slow down and stay quiet, we can also admit to fears that compel us to search for false security.

7. Gift of Purpose. This gift encourages us to step away from ourselves and to discover our unique roles in life. All of us should have as some of our purpose the healing of the earth for future generations. Purpose means knowing there is something far beyond us. The gift of purpose is especially realized during longer times of stopping or slowing down.

Now that we understand more about how the gifts of stopping and slowing down can greatly enhance our own lives and help heal the earth, How do we stop?

Kundtz describes three levels of stopping, which are based on lengths of time. He calls them Stillpoints, Stopovers, and Grinding Halts.

A Stillpoint is stopping quickly and doing nothing for just a moment. It is brief; usable anytime; usable all the time; usable many times a day; and usable at moments of stress. Stressful moments include when you are late, before an interview, or when you feel angry. Stillpoints help us count our blessings.

Lloyd Young of Carpinteria, California, is teaching people breath prayer practices that include sitting with hospitalized or homebound persons for a few minutes and having them share how the silence was for them.

A Stopover can range from several hours to several days. It is a "mini-vacation for the soul." It might be an afternoon, a day, or a weekend "away," whether you have really been away or not. When I have a twenty-four hour retreat in my garage or a retreat center such as Mercy Center Burlingame or Auburn, I always try to journal. This process helps me reflect on how well I am doing on slowing down my frenetic life and putting first things first.

Grinding Halts probably happen only once or twice during one's life. They can last from a week to a month or more; need more planning, commitment, or resources; and typically happen at times of life transition. For me, it was quitting my job in 1992 and going to Pendle Hill Quaker Center for nine months to discern my calling to the ordained ministry.

I believe that by living our lives fully and by slowing down and savoring the blessings we have, we will help heal the earth with our good energy in body, mind, and spirit. This will also help ensure that the earth will still be in good shape for future generations. Indeed, this time in our lives is a key turning point in the life of earth and humanity. What an exhilarating and challenging time to be alive!

The Rev. Dr. Judith Pruess-Mellow is the Executive Director of Senior New Ways, 655 Magdalena Ave., Los Altos, CA 94024. For more information, see the website: www.seniornewways.org; or you may contact her by e-mail at judithpm@seniornewways.org or by phone at 650-209-1119.

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