I’m a long time member of BNI (Business Networking International) and in our chapter, we have someone who writes the introductions for members who are doing their 10-minute presentation. Our resident Member Experience person is none other than the fabulous Susan Schwartz, Brand Strategist, Speaker and the Queen of Branding.
I was doing my presentation on January 27, so Susan and I spent quite a long time on the telephone where I regaled her with stories of my life. Because I’m 67, I have quit a few stories to tell. What Susan came up with follows, and I have some questions for you after you read it.
“Bawdy. Naughty. Dangerous. Wild.
Spiritual. Centered. Profoundly reverential.
Passionate. Purposeful.
Physically challenged. Tired.
All of them — at one point, or many, in her life, have described our resident Oracle of Aging with grit and grace, Taru Fisher.
In her youth, Taru went to India to sit at the feet of her guru. I don’t know if reincarnation was part of her studies, but I don’t think Taru has to worry about coming back. She’s had more extraordinary experiences in this one life than most people probably have in several. From living in a commune to working in a psych ward, to experiencing the divine bliss of oneness and the pain of arthritis.
That’s barely the beginning.
Obviously I can’t even give you the whole story. But I can tell you; she is planning to write a book. And you will definitely want to read it.
Taru, actually Premtaru, means tree of love. Taru received her name from her guru who also told her that many people would come to sit under her branches to be nurtured and receive love.
And that is exactly who Taru has grown to be —
Strong. Centered. Wise. Wonderful — unshakable.”
OK, I had no idea what she was going to say and I was floored by this introduction. I wondered who she was talking about–and then I realized it was ME.
Is this what she’d gotten from our conversation? If so, how could I possibly deserve it? It was that old “self-worth” thing again. Part of me absolutely loved it and another part cringed in embarrassment.
So, to people who know me, I’ve got the following questions:
1- Do I warrant the title, The Oracle of Aging?
2- If I do, for what reasons?
3- What do you expect from an Oracle of Aging?
The Oracle is off to do the dishes now.
© 2010, Taru Fisher. All rights reserved.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
For me what really stood out was when she said “I don’t think Taru has to worry about coming back.” In other words, you’ve already lived such a rich and purposeful life, that coming back in another life would not be necessary.
I personally worry a lot about making my life purposeful. Living every day to the fullest. Not getting caught up in doing what’s expected of me but what makes me truly happy. Taking self-assessments often to make sure I’m truly happy with my current path, and if not, then taking steps to change it as soon as possible.
I don’t know you, but you seem to do that too. I’m a long time BNI member too – how blessed you are to have someone like that in your group.
Sharon Hiebing
Creating Wealth through Caring & Connecting
http://www.wealthships.com
Sharon, your lovely comment ended up in my spam box for no reason I can tell, so I apologize for the delay in responding to you. It does seem the older I get, the more I want my life to matter and to be of service to others. I love BNI because it gives me a chance to help my fellow members be successful. It sounds like you are a great asset to your BNI group as well, and they are lucky to have someone who is purposeful about their life. Great to meet you here!
I LOVED this! I don’t know you – but now I do. And I have shared some elements of your journey – sitting at the feet of the Guru and arthritis, just for two examples. Now I’m writing about food – and the title Feeding People with Love just came to me. There were other words around it – and they dropped away. When I saw my beautiful poster, lovely logo, website name – Three Bowls – still under construction, I was thrilled. But then it said Indu Kline and underneath that: Feeding People with Love – and I had an attack of embarrassment and self-doubt. You can’t say that about yourself! I had to calm myself down and go on, knowing that this is what I am supposed to do, to teach, to share: it’s not “me” feeding people with love; it’s Love feeding people and I am just here having fun – and arthritis – and very tired for two days after each farmers market or catering event. Thank you!
Thank you so much, Indu. I love that you are honoring your own wisdom about food and love. This is huge! And not letting arthritis get in your way, and still living and sharing…well, I know what an accomplishment that is. Keep in touch. You inspire me.
What an incredible introduction, and I love the description of your name and the guru’s reference to the tree. By the sounds of it, you’ve led quite an intriguing life. I don’t know you, but I would say that leading a rich, intriguing life such as your’s qualifies for the title of Oracle of Aging.
Thanks for the vote, Davina! With the help of a book coach, Joel Orr, I am starting the process of writing a book . So far, no title or sub-title–the first step. I may ask my tweeple for suggestions…. I love the way you write on your blog, Shades of Crimson, so I’ll be reading it for inspiration. So, how did you choose the name for your blog?