Enriching Lives and Communities at MEA

After completing an eight-week Modern Elder Academy (MEA) online course on Navigating Midlife Transitions in November 2021, I was automatically eligible for MEA alumni membership.  

As a Kiwi (not the fruit) living in the southern hemisphere, I wondered whether alumni membership would lead to lasting friendships, connections and more learning opportunities. The answer is a resounding ‘yes’. 

A cynic could view MEA as a cult or a tribe, given how connected people feel. I view MEA as a global community of like-minded souls who want to make the world a better place for future generations. 

MEA came along at a perfect time, when I was writing a book 'Going AWOL – Inspiration and Insights from Adventurous Women On the Loose' about how real-life adventures lead to personal growth and successful transitions. MEA’s fresh perspective on midlife transitions is mentioned in my book. 

A smorgasbord of MEA workshops, retreats and events cater to a diverse global audience, including a captivating fireside chat series featuring Chip Conley with other thought leaders like Ken Dychtwald, Esther Perel and Lynne Twist.

I recently joined Modern Elders Caring for Others (MECO), a valuable support group for people like me caring for a partner with a chronic health condition. As a way of giving back, next month I have offered to facilitate a session on self-care for care givers.

MEA is a wonderful way to bridge intergenerational divides. 

Chip’s referral to young Aussie alum, Nim de Swardt, led to Nim’s referral to Meredith Drummond who I met in person during her Australasian sabbatical. Meredith and I bonded well on our two-day Kaikoura Coast Track walk in the South Island, an uplifting shared adventure. 

Until recently my focus was on shared outdoor adventures and inspiring others to live adventurous and fulfilled lives. This has shifted towards a spiritual inner journey through meditation, reading and writing. I enrolled in a six-week online poetry master class. Would I have done this without MEA? Probably not.

So, as you can see, MEA has a lot to offer. One day I hope to visit an MEA campus in Baja or Santa Fe. Maybe I will see you there!