Think About the Gifts: Elsa Bowman

Elsa Bowman was the Frye Art Museum’s executive director for five years. A music historian, Bowman is a former King County Arts Commissioner and trustee of Pomona College. She headed the Bush School and has written for national publications on arts management and educational issues.

What would you tell your younger self 60 years later? 

I’m sorry I felt so apologetic about being a seeker beyond the usual boundaries of religion and spirituality. Spend time finding what is deeply important to you and allow that to guide your life.

Don’t think about aging: think about the gifts that longer life can bring.

I wish I had known how interesting, exciting and meaningful the years past 50 would be.

What wisdom about aging would you want to share with a younger person?

The mind and the body aren’t aware of aging, WE ARE. They continue to respond, so honor them with positive attention and exercise: Walk every day, swim, take Pilates lessons; ask for PT advice when you know you could be doing better on some exercises.

Become excited learning about the positive changes that can emerge past “the due date.” 

The healthy aging brain continues to develop past mid-life. Help it expand by reading poetry aloud, listening to classical music, saying hello to every person you meet on your walks. Most important for me who talks too much: become a good listener! 

What is important to you looking ahead?

So far, my 90s have been full of challenges and gifts. The winnowing away of friends and loved ones has resulted in a different, simpler life that has allowed a kind of spaciousness that allows more time and distance for loving closure on old issues. And synchronicities! The exact book I need falls off the shelf; magazines open on a relevant article; people call before I call them! 

Most important: create a daily litany reminding yourself of what is most important. For me: lovingkindness and forgiveness everywhere and all the time, deep gratitude for the gift of being alive, and trust in continuing consciousness after death.