How would you like to say, "I never dreamed life could be so good," ten years from now? 20 years? How about 30 or more years from now...

and really mean it?

There are too many of us who have bought the idea that once our breasts sag and beauty wains...the good years are over. No longer able to capture the twinkle in a man's eye we resign ourselves to make the best of a raw deal.

Many woman just don't believe it can be any other way...at least for them.

And you know what? It doesn't have to be that way...unless you allow it to happen.

On this webpage you'll learn:

• How to take control of your future.
• The question every aging woman needs to ask...Answer this question and you're well on your way to becoming the powerful woman you've always wanted to be.
• Think you'll drift gracefully into old age? Well, think again.
• You'll be gifted a preview into the making of a Corn Mother
• How Corn Mother Guidance will guide and support you in your quest to discover the magic and mystery of the Wise Old Woman within. Did you know that regardless of her age, every woman has a Wise Old Woman she carries within her being. And that includes you. You have access to this wise grandmother at any time... just ask. And if you're having trouble connecting with her Corn Mother Guidance will help you out.

Women's Mysteries Do Not End at Menopause

A litter further down this page you'll find a story to love...about a 90 year old beautifully empowered woman. You won't believe what she did the day before she died.

Needless to say You Can...

Make the second half of your life Snap, Crackle and Pop
with the Passion of being alive. (And I'm not talking bones here.)

But first, you have to ask the right question(s)...and then be willing to follow through. You need to know where you're headed and what steps to take to get there. I'll explain, but first, before I go any further, I want to introduce myself.

Hi, I'm Dr. Sondra Fields,

It's been decades now, since I began my immersion into learning about women and what happens to us as we age. My compelling interest has been not just what is happening to us, but what can happen; what you and I can become under the right conditions with the right kind of guidance to help us along.

This question of what you and I can become (illuminated by a couple of women you will meet here) is responsible for my desire to pursue and eventual earn the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the combined fields of Gerontology and Woman's Studies.

Academic credentials have their place and, in my opinion, are significantly enhanced when combined with experiential learning. I bring you both.

It has never felt right to me that old women in America should be so unappreciated; often times invisible, even scorned... and by women themselves.

I remember visiting a Dana Home Care client named Ethel one day when she was 83 years old. It was time for her daily walk and I was invited to join her. As we walked along side by side, I noticed that Ethel carried herself with a real sense of dignity. It didn't bother her one bit that she moved slowly and needed to lean on a cane for support. My own mother, in contrast, limited herself greatly in her old age; reluctant to be seen as an old woman wearing hearing aids and walking with a cane.

As Ethel and I were strolling leisurely along, a young man passed us, smiled and nodded hello. This prompted Ethel to reflect upon the differences she'd observed between the way young men and young women greet her.

Somewhere along the line things got really twisted and bent out of shape.

I'm not talking bodies or bone here. :) I'm referring to thoughts that keep us stinted and warp our growth. It is my opinion that these stultifying thoughts contribute to far more unpleasant physical deterioration than we realize...and definitely far more debilitation in our elder years than is necessary.

Women who refuse to acknowledge old women and deny the old woman within themselves can never take their power fully. Whenever you resist something, especially something about yourself, you are restricted and closed in some way. Eventually, you will dry up, become bent and twisted (body and bones) out of shape.

You may be familiar with the poem When I'm an Old Woman, I Will Wear Purple. That poem is basically saying, as a younger woman I've had to suppress myself and my thoughts in order to be accepted, but when I'm an old woman, I can do as I like, because what do I have to lose?

Shedding fear and inhibitions is essential. Taking your power means letting your true self be seen without reservations or self-consciousness. And...there is always a backside. You don't need to become belligerent and adopt the attitude of "The h___with you. I'm doing it my way." The attitude and thus the energy with which you do something makes all the difference.

I don't know if Betty, another client, had read this poem or not, but in her pain and anger she took this attitude of liberation to it's negative extreme. Betty was the heiress of a famous fast food franchise. She had lived a life of privilege and was now reduced to living in a relatively small apartment, in ill health, with children she couldn't stand and who could not stand her. She was always complaining about this or that, it didn't matter, noting was right or good enough for her. In her egocentric self pity, I don't think she was fully aware of the degree of pain she created for herself and others.

Betty was just one of many elders who taught me through their pain and infirmity. I saw the end result of many lives stuck in fear, ignorance and despair, despite social position or level of education.. The prospect of such a future for myself or others, I considered an intolerable travesty against humanity.

But it was elder women like Ethel and Elizabeth, as in Lessons from Elizabeth (a regular column in The Corn Mother News) who demonstrated a beautiful inner power that I admired.

Here's the story I mentioned--

After Elizabeth's death at 90, I wrote a story I entitled Remembrances of a Most Remarkable Crone: Part 1 and 11. Part 1 is written as a letter speaking directly to Elizabeth. The following passage I believe captures a glimpse of her inner power.

After years of working with old women, helping them remain in their own homes (Elizabeth, Ethel and Betty were among those folks), after interviewing hundreds of elders for more than 70 radio programs that I produced, after spending 10 years researching old age, five of which were spent working in Mexico with an elder Indian woman (my guide), and a few years helping women with their relationships, I am now ready. I'm old enough. I've fought my own battles, struggled with healing my own wounds...

I've learned the hard way what it means to take one's power.

I've taken risks and leapt with only my intuition as my guide. I've gone from struggling for survival to a happy and abundant Dr. Fields, who's ready to reach out and help others. At last, I can see my way clear to do what I have wanted and intended from the beginning, to help women take their power and wisdom into their elder years, i. e. to embrace the old woman they will become.

Back in the late 90's in my doctoral dissertation Crossing Rivers: Two Journeys into the Heart of Old Woman, I wrote:

You may be skeptical or question how real or realistic such a life quest is... please read on.

Some food for thought you just may want to chew on as you ponder your future.

Back in the late 80's and early 90's old women and children, as stated above, were considered the poorest people in America.

Conditions in the 21st century have improved considerably or have they?

• Older women have fewer sources of retirement income and are more likely to be poor than older men.
• The median income for older women (65 +) is just $3,000 above the Census definition of poverty.
• For all women 65 and older the poverty rate is 12.5%. For African American and Hispanic women, the poverty rates are almost double that.

From: AARP Research Report, Women Age 65 and Older: Their Sources of Income, Oct. 2005

Now, you may feel that you are far removed from poverty, so this really doesn't apply to you. And that may be true. But...in this unstable world that we now live in one's situation can turn on a dime. It is not my intent to promote the "Dust Bowl" mentality here. Fear will get you nowhere, but down.

I do, however, think it is important to look squarely at reality...at what is.

• Single women were the most likely to spend their last years in poverty in 2000.
• In 2000 28% of older single women were classified as poor or "near poor."
• One-third of non-married women age 85 and over are poor or near poor.
• "I wish I could write that the future looks brighter but while many more women are working, the divorce rate and rate of never-married for the baby boomer generation is about double the previous generation. Wages continue to be lower for women than men and the potential changes to the Social Security program could further negatively affect their treatment."

From: Women + Age= Poverty by Rita Giovannoni Independent Living, Inc CEO, (2004)

Once you can clearly see what is, then you can say, I choose to create a different reality. I choose to do things differently. I choose to take the steps that will assure that I have the kind of old age I desire and deserve.

Remember the journey begins long before you get to where you're going.

This takes us back to the question every woman needs to ask if you want to create the future of your dreams.

Do you know what you want your elder years to look like? What do you want to be like as a long-lived woman?

Now is the time to begin preparing for your fabulous future. I'm not wanting to pump you up here. This is real. The famous anthropologist, Margaret Mead, coined the phrase Post Menopausal Zest, commonly referred to as PMZ, to acknowledge the energy and vitality she felt on the other side of menopause.

You may have a sense of where you want to go, but really haven't clearly envisioned what you want and haven't a clue how to get there. As a result you live your life by default. You "slide" rather than "decide."

I can help you decide.

Here's a statement I heard from an American Public Media program The Splendid Table. Lynn Rossetto Kasper was interviewing a father and son who own a vineyard in Oregon. I believe it was the son who said something like, "Grapes are a lot like people. The older they get the greater the quality and the smaller the quantity."

He was talking about the Pinot Noir grape vines that were planted in 1966 and are still growing. As the grape vines age, we were told, the quality of the grapes increases, but the quantity of grapes produced is reduced.

I really like this as a metaphor for a person's life. As you age you focus in and distill down to the true essence of who you are. Each day, if this is your desire, you become better and better and better. You may not be moving a mile a minute; you may not be accomplishing a million things a day, but when you do accomplish something, it is a thing of substance, of quality. It shines. But just like the grapes, that quality that keeps getting better and better in you has to be called forth. All your true beauty held in suspension must be tended and nourished. It is your desire that brings forth your own special, rich, deep beauty.

Whatever your current situation...

I can help you on your journey to becoming an empowered elder woman of age and wisdom. I can help you make sure you bring forth all your potential that still lies within. I think that's why in some cultures the old women are said to be lit like candles. Their essence, the truth of who they are is being shown to the world and they are shining bright.

When I turned 40 I threw a big party to celebrate. I remember my friends and I joking about joining up again to celebrate our 65th birthdays. That seemed so far away it was laughable. Can you relate? And wouldn't you know, as the world turns, I recently celebrated my 65th birthday. Who'd of thunk it?

Shortly, thereafter, I was doing some post election work for the county and was partnered with an extremely overweight woman with gray hair like mine. I figured she was in her mid to late 70's. Every move was an effort, she had to push herself constantly to perform the simplest of tasks, she grumbled all the way, yet she kept herself involved in many activities as hard as it was for her. One day she said to me, "Sondra, how old are you? I've been watching you and you move around like a young person." When I told her I was 65 she said, "No way! I'm 66!"

I don't tell this story to brag. My youthfulness may be partly genetics, but my siblings are not quite as fortunate. Mother took care of herself and faired pretty good. I have taken mother's example further by taking my health and happiness into my own hands-- years ago-- and that includes honoring my age. I believe it has made a great difference. My vitality is definitely of my own making.

And I, like you, am still learning, refining and growing.

Remember the John Prine song where he sings about, "Going to work, coming home, and having nothing to say?" When I first heard those words, I thought, "How sad to have such a boring, dispirited life." So I keep experimenting, finding the pieces and watching with fascination at how they miraculously fit together. Life can actually be quite exciting, if you allow it. Allow is the operative word here.

Long before it became popular I had been taught the principles of what is now being called The Law of Attraction. Now this blitz of information on the power of our thoughts and emotions, has taken me to an even higher plateau of staying in the "Now," letting go, accepting (thank you Eckhart Tolle) and keeping my mind focused on all the incredible things I do have and the wonderful things that are coming. Thus, "you have to believe it before you can see it," I have found to be true.

Here's the kicker, You Actually Have to See it, Before You Can See It.

When you feel what it's like to be a healthy, vital, empowered elder woman and you envision yourself feeling good and engaging in life, then this is what you will see when you get there....actually all along the way. You continue to grow attracting to yourself the health and well being you desire. With that said,

I offer a guiding hand to those of you who want more of the good stuff as you age.

It's all an Adventure!

When you'd like some support and guidance on your life adventure....I'm here. Just shoot me an email at sunwindfields@earthlink.net and we'll set up a time to talk.

I'll listen carefully. In the convenience of your room, your car or wherever you are, you can feel safe in sharing with me your private thoughts and concerns. Together we'll explore things you can do and steps you can take to feel better about the age you are now and the future you want to create. What you share with me is private, confidential and safe.

Bye the way...I almost forgot to give you the most important part.

Here are some areas I can shine a light on... to help you stay on course as you walk the path to become a grandwoman of age and wisdom.

1 * Traversing the Menopausal Tunnel. The Tunnel is the final tempering, the center of the climacteric, that 10 to 15 year span in where your body prepares for, goes through and adjusts to the cessation of your menses. It's the time to walk your diet talk and to heal those yet unhealed emotional wounds.
2 * Healing the Mother/Daughter Relationship. I'm talking your relationship with your own mother, even if she is no longer with us. This element is absolutely essential.
3 * The Power and Importance of Intuition. Intuition is your inner knowing, your 6th sense. It's time to hone your intuition now.
4 * Giving Birth to Something. This is significant for you women who have not given birth to another.
5 * Gathering Energy. Fuerza, Kipuri, Prana from the Gods, Universal Energy; call it what you will, this is the time to gather and own this God Energy for it brings the knowledge.
6 * Your Sexual Energy Before and After Menopause. The "after" is an area that has historically been denied and herstoically is now being acknowledged and dare I say enjoyed?
7 * An open heart. It ain't gonna happen if your little ol' heart is closed. What you think and feel in your heart is the key. I give you permission to think with your heart.

How to get there from here...Guidance and Support...for the second half of life.

Here's the best part! I'm offering an Introductory 50% discount.

Normal Fees 15 minutes for $40.00 30 minutes for $60.00 60 minutes for $90.00

Discounted fees 15 minutes for $20.00 30 minutes for $30.00 60 minutes for $45.00

choose option 15 MInutes $40.00 15 MInutes $20.00 Intro Offer 30 Minutes $60.00 30 Minutes $30.00 Intro Offer 60 Minutes $90.00 60 Minutes $45.00 Intro Offer

And One last thing. When you get that special feeling, like being pulled... Stop and Listen!

It could be your soul alerting you to the next step in your journey to empowerment. So, have a talk with your soul. And after that, if you are still feeling compelled....

Let go of the fear and LEAP! This just could be a most important mid-life journey for you to undertake.

P.S. Consider the possibility that you can actually...

• Expand your thinking about your future in ways you never dreamed possible.
• Find real choices and options for living comfortably in the decades to come.
• Be supported in your quest for a well-lived life.
• Come to appreciate that Grand Womanhood can be truly Great.
• You can grow mentally, spiritually and physically healthier as you move into your future.
• Gather information you can use when entering and exiting the Menopausal Tunnel and how to best use the time in between to grow your power.
• Embrace the positive side of aging.
• But most importantly you don't have to feel alone on this journey.

Remember this

• As a mid-life woman...You don't have to cringe at every new blemish that heralds your advancing years.
• You certainly don't have to forge courageously ahead with your head held high determined to make it...whatever that means. Absolutely not!
• This can be an exciting, exhilarating time to hone, polish and put into practice all that you've learned...and more.

I'm here for you when you need some support or guidance. Simply email me at sunwindfields@earthlink.net for an appointment. I'm in Mountain Standard Time. Tell me your time zone and give me a couple of times and dates that will work for you and we'll find a time that will work for us both. Because...

You'll begin to feel better and better as you let go, lighten up and discover your joy in the present, because...

It is the present that creates your future.

Take advantage of the 50% Introductory Discount on Your First Two Sessions.

15 minutes only... $20 30 minutes only... $30 60 minutes only... $45

choose option 15 MInutes $40.00 15 MInutes $20.00 Intro Offer 30 Minutes $60.00 30 Minutes $30.00 Intro Offer 60 Minutes $90.00 60 Minutes $45.00 Intro Offer

You have a choice. You can change the way you think about your age and aging
or not. Ask your self...Why not?

P.S.S. To subscribe to The Corn Mother News click here.

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