Susan Ullman knows a thing or two about aging.
"My mother used to always say that old age is not for sissies," she said.
And because aging isn't always easy, Ullman is teaching a workshop titled Conscious Aging, to help those struggling with the challenges that come with growing older.
The workshop will be at the Mancos Public Library, 211 W. First St., Saturday, Jan. 31 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The cost for the workshop is $65, plus $15 for a workbook. Call 970-779-0979 for more information.
Ullman said the workshop addresses concerns we face with aging and changes in roles and identity within family and society. Other concerns and fears faced by seniors are isolation and decline in functional activities. Ullman is a physical therapist and leader of Dances of Universal Peace. The one-day training is designed to encourage those in middle or later life to explore their consciousness to become more balanced, self-compassionate and intentional through the process of aging.
"We will look at things like life review and mining experiences in our lives that give us meaning," Ullman said.
The program utilized meditations, mindfulness, envisioning, journaling and collective discussions to empower and invite participants to a greater sense of wholeness.
"I teach participants to not just be victims, but to take charge of their aging," she said.
The program is good for seniors, the newly retired or people who are seeing changes in their lives, Ullman said.
For the past 27 years, Ullman has devoted her career and life to elder care. Employed by Infinity Rehab she directs an outpatient therapy clinic at Vista Mesa Assisted Living Residence in Cortez.
Throughout her career, Ullman said she has, "listened to amazing stories and witnessed enormous courage, fortitude and grace."