Author: HairWeavings Editorial Team

Don’t miss March’s biggest sports event.

Here’s something I crave to do as much as I am able: taking a walk in the woods. It’s such a mundane thing to do, but I miss it when I’m unable to head out.

Today I was fortunate. The natural beauty of the hillside crowded with towering oaks, laden in icy green
moss, and a gentle breeze caressing my skin, calmed my jagged nerves as though I was being tenderly held in its maternal embrace.

I felt my
shoulders drop as my body relaxed and my heart pumped oxygen rich blood through
every fiber of my being. The natural world welcomed me and granted me solace
and a feeling of protection from harm.

Outside of
my imagination, there is scientific evidence that a walk in the woods can
indeed change our physical, as well as our mental state.

Forest Bathing: A Modern Brand for a Long-Held Practice

Studies
have proven that time spent in a quiet, natural surrounding can produce an
overall feeling of well-being. Regular visits to forests and woodlands can have
a lasting effect on how we feel, as well as our physical condition.

Results of multiple studies monitoring health indicators such as hormonal levels, blood pressure and heart function prove the practice is indeed beneficial.

Shifting Our Focus Changes Our Outlook

Scientists
observed MRI images as patients viewed peaceful nature scenes and found an
interesting reaction. They noted increased blood flow to the anterior cingulate
and insula, the parts of the brain associated with empathy and altruism.

I know that
when I am among the trees, I find myself awed by the power of nature, its
resilience, and fortitude to prevail and live on, despite the harsh elements.

I take
note of how the trees bend to the wind so they don’t break, how a flower finds
a crack in the rock to reach for the sun, and I try to apply those principles
to my own life during difficult times. We can learn so much by observing the
natural world up close and benefit simply by being in its presence.

Moreover, if it’s too cold/hot/rainy/stormy to head out, or we are simply unable, watching images or videos of nature can lift our mood too.

There are
plenty of options on YouTube – from single images with calming music, to drones
filming natural sights around the world. Find one that works for you and take
some time to immerse yourself in the views.

The Effect of Silence

Our days
are often lived at an excruciating volume – traffic
noise, loud music or television, ambient noise of all kinds go relatively
unnoticed. But the constant barrage takes a toll. Whether we’re actively
listening or not, noise affects our mood.

Have you
ever noticed you are walking to the beat of the music in the grocery store? Our
brain processes all stimuli, and sound is a powerful one.

When we escape the din for the quiet of a walk in nature, those overstimulated sensors power down temporarily, focusing instead on the peaceful sounds of the breeze through the trees and the birds calling for their mates.

Our brainwaves settle into a calm pattern and our entire body reacts to the change. Thankfully, we have the alternative of listening to nature sounds even when we can’t go to the park, and we can experience the benefits of slower heart rate and calmness from home.  

The Impact of Physical Exertion on the Body

Our bodies
are engineered to move. Physical exercise was once achieved by searching for
food, defending our tribe from predators and eking out an existence in an
inhospitable environment.

As we
settled and tamed our surroundings, we stopped using our bodies as they were
intended, became sedentary, and our health suffered.

In an effort to fend off the impact of this lifestyle, medical professionals encourage us to find ways to include movement into our daily lives.

So, whenever you can, take that walk in the woods, full of appreciation for the benefits it offers to your mind and body!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What do you crave to do right now? What do you do as a substitute to your favorite outside activity? Are there any tools you have found helpful to lift up your mood? Please share them with our community!

In my last article, I explored the remarkable leadership of Cyrus the Great, a ruler who governed with wisdom, tolerance and a deep sense of spiritual purpose. In that exploration, I mentioned that one of the important reference points in Cyrus’s worldview was Zoroastrianism.

There’s a good chance you’ve heard of Zoroastrianism before. This unusual but beautiful word certainly sticks in your mind once you’ve seen or heard it. But in the West, we’re far less consciously familiar with the specifics of this faith than we are with those of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism and various others whose names I could reel off.

I think this is a shame, because this gentle faith has so many virtues and values to teach us.

Zoroastrianism is one of the world’s oldest surviving religions. It influenced not only Cyrus but also countless spiritual traditions that followed. And it laid the groundwork for many of the ideas we now take for granted – for instance, free will, the battle between good and evil and even the concept of heaven and hell.

Perhaps most importantly, though, Zoroastrianism asks us a question as old as time itself: What kind of person will you choose to be?

Origins: The Roots of a Timeless Faith

Zoroastrianism is built on ideas and practices that are nearly as old as civilization itself. Its origins date back over 3,500 years, to the early Aryan tribes who migrated into Persia (modern-day Iran). These people carried with them spiritual beliefs that would become the foundation of many later traditions.

At the core of their belief system was the idea of a Great Spirit. This divine force pervades everything and everyone. To maintain harmony with this Being, priests conducted rituals involving haoma, a sacred plant-based drink, and fire, which was seen as a divine manifestation of purity and wisdom.

Unlike many other ancient religions, which worshipped a multitude of unpredictable gods, what would become Zoroastrianism gradually developed a more structured, moral philosophy, one focused not just on pleasing the divine but on living an ethical life.

Zoroaster: The Prophet Who Saw the Light

At the heart of Zoroastrianism is its prophet, Zoroaster (who was known in his time as Zarathushtra, Zoroaster being the Greek rendering of his name). His exact biographical dates remain uncertain. some say he lived around 1000 BCE, while others place him as late as 600 BCE, possibly making him a contemporary of Cyrus the Great.

According to tradition, Zoroaster received a divine revelation while meditating beside a river. In this moment of clarity, Ahura Mazda, the Wise Lord, revealed the nature of existence to him: the world was not controlled by fickle gods but the theatre of a cosmic struggle between truth (Asha) and deception (Druj).

Zoroaster’s teachings were later recorded in the Avesta, the holy scriptures of Zoroastrianism, in the form of hymns and prayers. Their message is clear: people are not powerless before fate. Instead, they have the free will to choose righteousness and to contribute to a better world.

Zoroastrianism’s Core Teachings

Zoroastrianism is built on a simple yet profound moral philosophy: good thoughts, good words, good deeds.

This triad serves as a guiding principle for followers, emphasizing that every action, no matter how small it is, has consequences. The universe, according to this belief system, is shaped by the choices we make.

At the center of this cosmic struggle are two opposing forces. On the one hand, there is Ahura Mazda, the wise lord, the embodiment of truth, justice and order. On the other, there is Angra Mainyu, the spirit of chaos, deception, and destruction.

Unlike many religious traditions where evil is an independent force, Zoroastrianism teaches that Angra Mainyu exists because humans have free will. The battle between good and evil is not just a war between gods; it is a struggle within every individual.

The faith also introduces the idea of divine judgment. At the end of life, each person’s soul is weighed based on their thoughts, words and actions. Those who have lived with righteousness cross the Chinvat Bridge into paradise; those who have followed falsehood and cruelty fall into a realm of suffering.

These ideas of free will, personal responsibility and a moral afterlife are also found in the major world religions, including Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

A Legacy that Shaped Empires

Zoroastrianism became the guiding force behind three great Persian empires across more than a millennium. But the Muslim conquest of Persia in 651 CE marked a turning point for the faith. As Islam spread, Zoroastrians faced pressure to convert, and many were forced to flee. A significant number settled in India, where they became known as the Parsis. Today, there are roughly 25,000 Zoroastrians in Iran, 60,000 in India (Parsis), and 30,000 in North America.

Sacred Fire and Unique Traditions

Zoroastrians hold fire and water as sacred symbols of purity. Fire temples, where an eternal flame is tended by priests, remain places of worship. This reverence for fire has led some to mistakenly call them “fire worshippers.” In truth, fire is seen not as a god, but as a divine representation of wisdom and truth.

Some of the most fascinating Zoroastrian traditions concern death. To avoid polluting the earth, Zoroastrians traditionally placed their dead in Towers of Silence, where bodies were left to be naturally consumed by birds. This practice, though largely discontinued, reflects a deep environmental awareness that feels strikingly relevant in today’s world.

Why Zoroastrianism Still Matters

So why should we care about this ancient faith? Because at its heart, Zoroastrianism is a philosophy of empowerment. It reminds us that:

We have a choice. Every day, in the smallest of actions, we decide between kindness and cruelty, truth and falsehood, light and darkness.

We are not alone. There is a greater order, a moral structure to the universe, and our actions contribute to it.

Our legacy matters. What we do in this life echoes beyond it.

In a world that often feels chaotic, these ideas are as relevant now as they were three thousand years ago.

As Cyrus the Great himself said: “Whenever you can, act as a liberator. Freedom, dignity, wealth – these three together constitute the greatest happiness of humanity. If you bequeath all three to your people, their love for you will never die.”

Find more information at the encyclopedia Britannica.

What Do You Think?

Had you heard of Zoroastrianism before? Do you see its influence on modern beliefs? What do you think about the idea that we actively shape the world through our choices?

It’s safe for all skin types!

Core values are fundamental beliefs that serve as guiding principles in life. They shape decisions, actions, and perceptions of yourself and the world.

As important as they are to a higher quality of life after 60, most people have not fully defined their values at this stage of life.

If you are looking to define your core values, where do you begin?

We are going to answer this question and more as we continue our exclusive series for Sixty and Me readers on, “Planning Your Legacy & Guiding Your Heirs.”

Read the first article here: A Practical Guide to Giving Your Life Away to Heirs.

What Are Core Values?

To define your core values, you will want to first understand what a core value is. Our generation of women was taught values that reflected the societal, cultural, and familial norms of the era that came before us.

These same values not only helped shape the world we are now in, but they are also playing a direct role in forming the world our heirs and future generations will inherit.

Here are seven examples of core values many women over 60 were taught:

Respect for Elders & Authority

A strong emphasis was placed on respecting elders and those in positions of authority, reflecting a hierarchical view of society.

Honesty & Integrity

Being truthful, maintaining one’s integrity, and being trustworthy in personal and professional relationships.

Hard Work & Perseverance

The virtue of hard work, diligence, sacrifice, and perseverance as means to achieve success and overcome challenges.

Modesty & Humility

Behavior and appearance were shaped around modesty and the importance of humility.

Patriotism & National Pride

A sense of pride in one’s country and respect for national traditions and cultural history.

Religious Faith & Spiritual Beliefs

Religious faith and adherence to spiritual beliefs were central components of life and moral guidance.

Frugality & Financial Prudence

Growing up in the aftermath of World War II as well as due to various economic shifts, scarcity was a prominent topic. This placed heavy emphasis on saving, frugality, and managing finances wisely.

Are Your Core Values Changing?

Which of these seven core values resonate with you?

It’s important to note core values are not universal. They vary greatly depending on individual experiences, cultural backgrounds, and personal beliefs.

Equally important to consider are the radical social changes we have witnessed. Change is an immutable law of life, therefore, the core values you learned early on may have changed as you aged.

How would you know if your core values are serving you today as they once did?

10 Steps to Define Your Core Values

To define your core values after 60, it is important to make time to carefully review the core values of your past and assess your core values in the present.

To help you, here are 10 steps you can take to define your core values:

Life Reflection

Self-reflection and re-evaluation of core values is essential in measuring the quality and meaning of past experiences. This also determines the direction you want to take in the future.

Legacy Concerns

Aligning your goals and dreams with your core values ensures the legacy you want is one of purpose and meaning and also clear to your heirs.

Life’s Transitions

Life after 60 brings significant changes. Understanding which of your core values can act as a compass during these transitions will help you navigate decisions and maintain a sense of identity in the face of change.

Prioritization

As we age, a desire to focus on what truly matters most becomes a priority. Core values help in identifying and prioritizing essential aspects of life.

Consistency & Authenticity

As we age, it’s understandable to have grown weary of societal pressures and external expectations. Aligning goals and dreams with your core values for life today – not as it once was – helps you live life with authenticity, where actions resonate with deeply held beliefs.

Resilience

Life inevitably presents challenges, especially after 60. Knowing what your core values are provides strength and resilience, offering a foundation on which to face adversities and maintain one’s path with ease and grace.

Emotional Well-Being

Aligning actions with core values produces greater well-being and satisfaction. Living by your core values after 60 can lead to a sense of fulfillment and peace that may have alluded you earlier in life.

Community & Relationships

The quality of relationships often takes precedence over quantity as we age. Shared core values with others can deepen connections and foster a sense of community.

Guidance in Decision-Making

The more defined your core values are, the easier it is to make decisions that are in alignment with your beliefs.

Motivation

Clear core values provide a definitive ‘why’ behind actions, fueling persistence and passion when and where it matters most.

A Better World

Core values are not just abstract concepts but lived experiences.

Aligning your goals and dreams with well-defined values provides clarity, purpose, and a deeper connection to yourself and loved ones.

For this reason and more, when your core values are defined, your life is more joyful and this ensures future generations inherit a world that is better than the one we inherited all those years before.

I invite you to join me in the video where I will share additional insights on core values along with journal prompts to help you integrate what you’re learning.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What are your core values? Are they different from the ones you were raised with? In what ways have your core values affected your life?