The Golden Evening: Embracing Minimalism in Our 70s and Beyond by Shrikant Soman
- Shrikant Soman
- 4 days ago
- 12 min read
The Golden Evening: Embracing Minimalism in Our 70s and Beyond
By Shrikant Soman
To my dear friends—those of you who have crossed the golden line of 70 years.
We may have started as college friends, trekking partners, or work colleagues.
Some of us were bosses, some subordinates; some were neighbors, and some were even fierce competitors in business.
But once we cross this threshold, those labels that once defined us begin to fade like an often-washed cloth.
We dawn to a new reality: we are all passengers on the same boat in the high seas.
We are pilgrims on this journey of life, now on our return trek in the glow of a golden sunset.
Soon, it will get dark, and we are preparing for the journey through the night.
We want to make the most of our evening with memories that will stay with us when we take our final exit.
I have written this for you, to make our journey light and beautiful.
Minimalist living is the "golden funda" for this new phase of our lives.
In the end-of-life situation, minimalism is a compulsion, not a choice.
We must pack only the essentials: Gratitude, Forgiveness, and Presence.
Read this, reflect on it, and let us make this final lap of our pilgrimage the most beautiful one yet.
Happy Journey.
अखेरच्या वळणावर यावा
मंद सुगंधी असा फुलोरा
थकले पाऊल सहज उठावे
आणि सरावा प्रवास सारा
- आरती प्रभू
These lines by Aarti Prabhu (the pen name of C.T. Khanolkar) are hauntingly beautiful. They capture that delicate moment where the physical journey ends and a spiritual fragrance begins —a Phulora. When we practice minimalism of the mind, we find that even though our feet are tired, they lift easily. The entire journey of 70, 80, or 90 years doesn't feel like a struggle; it feels like a completion.
“In life’s golden evening, may I dissolve quietly into the endless glow of eternal light.”
The Final Turn by Shrikant Soman
The path has narrowed, the sun is low,
The heavy miles are left behind.
And at this turn, where the shadows grow,
A sudden fragrance meets the mind.
No longer driven by the need to reach,
Or burdened by the things I bore;
The quiet wind begins to teach
The peace I never felt before.
My weary feet, once leaden-gray,
Now lift as light as autumn leaves.
The long-worn road just fades away,
Into the grace the heart receives.
The journey ends not with a sigh,
But like a blossom’s soft release;
A traveler beneath the open sky,
At home, at last, in perfect peace.
What is Minimalism?
At its core, minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of everything that distracts us from them. It is often misunderstood as an aesthetic of white walls and empty rooms, or a radical vow of poverty. In reality, it is a tool to rid oneself of life’s excess in favor of focusing on what’s important—so you can find freedom, fulfillment, and meaning.
"We are pilgrims on this journey of life, now on our return trek in the glow of a golden sunset."
The General Understanding of the Concept
To understand minimalism in a modern context, we can look at it through three primary pillars:
Intentionality: It is the opposite of "living on autopilot." Instead of accumulating possessions, commitments, or habits because "that is what people do," a minimalist asks if each item or activity serves a clear purpose or brings genuine joy.
Utility over Accumulation: It shifts the focus from quantity to quality. A minimalist would rather own one high-quality tool that lasts a decade than ten cheap versions that break and create clutter.
Freedom from the "Comparison Trap": Modern consumer culture is built on the idea that our worth is tied to what we own. Minimalism breaks this cycle, suggesting that by owning less, we actually gain more—more time, more money, and more mental energy.
“When the day of life turns gold, let the self fade gently into the timeless light beyond.”
Why It Is More Than Just "Cleaning Up"
While decluttering a closet is a common starting point, minimalism is a mindset shift. It is about realizing that "stuff" carries a hidden cost: the time spent earning money to buy it, the space required to store it, and the mental energy needed to maintain it.
When we remove the physical and digital noise, we are left with the "essential." For a management professional or an active citizen, this translates to sharper focus; for a family man, it translates to more presence. By understanding this broad foundation, we can now see how these principles apply even more critically to our internal mental state and the specific needs of senior citizens.
“At the golden dusk of living, may my being melt into the infinite radiance.”
Minimalism in the Mind Space: The Art of Becoming 'Light'
If physical minimalism is about clearing your room, mental minimalism is about clearing your internal horizon. We often carry "invisible luggage"—weighty emotions and memories that serve no purpose other than to tire us out. To live minimalistically in the mind is to audit these internal assets and liabilities, systematically letting go of what no longer serves our peace.
"Once we cross the threshold of seventy, our past labels fade like an often-washed cloth; we are simply passengers on the same boat in the high seas."
Identifying the Mental Clutter
We often don't realize how much "space" a single grudge occupies. Mental clutter takes many forms:
The Weight of the Past: Old insults, "revenge" fantasies, and the sting of past hurts. These are like heavy furniture in a room you no longer live in.
The Friction of 'Cravings' and 'Longings': Constant desire for what we don’t have creates a background noise of discontent.
The Heat of Hatred and Attractions: Intense polarities of emotion—extreme like or extreme dislike—keep the mind in a state of constant agitation.
"The world will take care of itself—or it may not—but that is no longer your weight to carry."
The Process of 'Letting Go'
To achieve that sense of being "light," we must practice active mental decluttering:
The Audit of Awareness: Just as you would look at an old box in the attic and ask, "Do I need this?", look at a recurring thought of an old insult. Ask: Is this thought helping me solve a problem today? If the answer is no, it is clutter.
Forgiveness as Functional Utility: In this context, forgiveness isn't just a moral act; it's a practical one. It is the act of "deleting the file" to save disk space. By letting go of a grudge, you aren't necessarily condoning the other person; you are simply refusing to carry their weight anymore.
Neutralizing Attractions and Aversions: Mental lightness comes from a "middle path." By reducing the intensity of our cravings and our hatreds, we stop the mental pendulum from swinging violently, allowing it to rest in a state of calm.
The "Expired" Label: Many of our hurt feelings come from situations that no longer exist. Labeling these memories as "Expired" helps the brain recognize that they no longer require active processing.
The Result: A 'Light' Mind
When you stop hauling the baggage of the past and the anxieties of the future, you experience a lightness that improves everything—from your physical health to your ability to make clear decisions. A light mind is agile, resilient, and, most importantly, present.
"Mental minimalism is the art of becoming 'light'—clearing an internal horizon for the peace that follows."
The Ultimate Solo Journey: Minimalism for the Senior Years
As we reach the senior chapters of our lives, the metaphor of life as a journey becomes literal. Imagine preparing for a long, solo trek. You are the one carrying the bag on your shoulders; there is no one else to shoulder the weight for you. In this scenario, every extra ounce of "stuff"—whether physical possessions or mental baggage—directly increases your fatigue and diminishes your ability to enjoy the view.
In the end-of-life situation, minimalism ceases to be a luxury or a hobby. It becomes a functional compulsion.
The Burden of the "Heavy Bag"
For a senior citizen, a "heavy bag" consists of:
The Physical: Large homes that require constant maintenance, accumulated objects that no longer serve a purpose, and "sentimental" items that have actually become anchors.
The Mental: Unresolved conflicts, the "if onlys" of the past, and the heavy desire to control the lives of the next generation.
Why 'Lightness' is a Compulsion, Not a Choice
When the final exit approaches, we must recognize the reality of our "carrying capacity."
Energy Conservation: Our physical and mental energy is finite. If 80% of your energy is spent managing "clutter" (legal disputes, old belongings, or ancient hurts), you only have 20% left for the joy of being present with your grandchildren or your own thoughts.
The Smooth Exit: Just as a well-packed suitcase makes for a stress-free flight, a "minimalist mind" makes for a peaceful departure. By systematically letting go of hatred, old insults, and cravings, you ensure that your final thoughts are of peace, not of "unfinished business."
The Gift of a Clean Slate: By decluttering your life now—both your home and your heart—you ensure that you leave behind a legacy of clarity rather than a mountain of chores and "emotional debt" for your loved ones to sort through.
"Forgiveness is the practical act of 'deleting the file' to save mental disk space."
Packing the 'Essentials' Only
To travel light in your senior years, focus on packing only these essentials:
Gratitude: The lightest and most nourishing "food" for the journey.
Forgiveness: The act of dropping the heavy stones of "revenge feelings" and "old insults" on the side of the road.
Present-Moment Awareness: The ability to enjoy the "now" without the distraction of "longings."
"Cribbing about the world is an anchor dragging behind you; acceptance is the sail that catches the wind."
Ready for the Journey
The goal of minimalist living for seniors is to reach a state where, if the call for the "final exit" comes tomorrow, my bag is already packed with only the essentials. I am ready. I am light. I am free.
By embracing this "compulsion" of the end-of-life situation, we don't just prepare for the end—we actually learn how to truly live the most peaceful years of our lives.
From Cribbing to Contentment: The 70s Milestone
For those of us who have crossed the threshold of 70, the nature of our "minimalism" changes. In our 60s, we were still active observers—often critics—of the world. We looked at the new generation and compared their ways to "our time." We debated politics, religion, and the state of the nation with a fiery attachment to being right.
But as we pass 70, the reality of the physical body changes the rules of the game. Our bodies age faster, and our dependence on the world around us grows. To navigate these "high seas" of our 70s, 80s, and 90s, the attitude of minimalist living is no longer a choice; it is our survival and our peace.
"A light mind is not an empty one; it is a mind that has stopped hauling the stones of old insults into the evening."
1. Surrendering the Need to Reform the World
Minimalism in your 70s means letting go of the burden of "fixing" the world. The world will take care of itself—or it may not—but that is no longer your weight to carry. Cribbing about the new generation or the political climate is like trying to row a boat against a tide that has already turned.
Minimalist Action: Release the urge to debate or criticize. Save that energy for your own internal calm.
2. Acknowledging the New Physical Reality
As the body becomes more dependent, a minimalist mindset helps us accept help without resentment. When we let go of the ego’s "longing" for the independence of our 40s, we find that being dependent is not a weakness, but a natural phase of the human journey.
"At seventy, we don't just get older; we graduate to the highest level of human consciousness—the silent observer."
3. Sailing into the High Seas
Think of your life after 70 as a ship moving into the deep, high seas. To stay afloat and move forward, the ship must be light.
The "Cribbing" Weight: Every complaint about "how things were better in our day" is a heavy anchor dragging behind you.
The "Contentment" Sail: Acceptance of the present reality is the sail that catches the wind and moves you forward peacefully.
4. The Peace of the Moving Forward
By practicing this mental minimalism, you aren't "giving up." Instead, you are moving forward with calmness and contentment. You understand that your journey is unique and personal. The noise of the world becomes background music—you hear it, but you don't let it disturb the rhythm of your own heart.
Closing Thoughts: The Contented Traveler
My message to my peers is clear: the most beautiful part of the journey is when the baggage is gone, the complaints are silenced, and the mind is free to simply be.
"In the final lap of life, minimalism is no longer a choice; it is a functional compulsion for a peaceful journey."
The Modern Sanyasi: Minimalism as our Final Ashrama
Our ancestors provided a brilliant roadmap for life through the four Ashramas. We have traveled through Brahmacharya (learning) and Gruhasthasrama (the householder phase of building and providing). Many of us in our 60s experienced Vanaprasthasrama—the gradual withdrawal and the beginning of the "looking back" phase.
But as we cross 70, we enter the final stage: Sanyasashrama.
Sanyasa in the Modern World
In the ancient days, Sanyasa meant donning saffron robes, renouncing all possessions, and retreating to the forest. In our modern context, especially for those of us living in cities like Mumbai, the "jungle" is replaced by our own homes.
"True Sanyasa today does not require a change of clothes, but a change of our 'inner lining'."
True Sanyasa today is an internal minimalism. It does not require changing our clothes; it requires changing our "inner lining." We continue to live in our houses, eat with our families, and participate in society, but we do so with a spirit of complete detachment.
Inner Sanyasa: The Ultimate Minimalist Living
This "Inner Sanyasa" is exactly what we mean by becoming "light" in the mind. It is characterized by:
Emotional Renunciation: Letting go of the "ownership" of our children’s lives, our past achievements, and our social status. We are no longer the "CEO" or the "Head of the Family"; we are the peaceful observer.
The Saffron Mind: Saffron represents the fire that burns away impurities. In modern Sanyasa, we use the fire of our wisdom to burn away old insults, hatred, and the "cribbing" habits of the ego.
Living in the World, Not of It: We use the world’s resources because our physical bodies are dependent, but we no longer "crave" them. We accept a meal or a helping hand with gratitude, but without the "longing" for things to be different.
"The goal is to reach a state where, if the call for the final exit comes, your bag is already packed with only the essentials: gratitude and presence."
Putting the Ship into the High Seas
By viewing our 70s and 80s as the period of Sanyasashrama, we transform "aging" into "ascending." We aren't just getting older; we are graduating to the highest level of human consciousness.
When we enter this phase "innerly," the physical decline of the body no longer feels like a defeat. Instead, it feels like the shedding of a heavy coat before a long-awaited journey. We stop debating politics and culture not because we don't care, but because we have reached a height where those storms no longer reach us. We are at peace. We are content. We are light.
।। मानसहोळी ।। संत जनाबाई यांची!
कराया साजरा । होलिकेचा सण ।
मनाचे स्थान । निवडीले ।।
ऐसे ते स्थान । साधने सरावले ।
भक्तीने शिंपिले । केले सिद्ध ।।
त्या स्थानी खळगा। समर्पणाचा केला।
त्यात उभा ठेला । अहंकार एरंड ।।
रचलीया तेथे। लाकडे वासनांची ।
इंद्रीयगोवऱ्याची। रास भली ।।
गुरुकृपा तैल । रामनाम घृत ।
अर्पिले तयात । ऐसे केले ।।
रेखिली भोवती । सत्त्कर्म रांगोळी ।
भावरंगाचे मेळी । शोभिवंत ।।
वैराग्य अग्नीसी । तयाते स्थापिले ।
यज्ञरूप आले । झाली कृपा ।।
दिधली तयाते। विषय पक्वान्नाहुती ।
आणिक पुर्णाहूती । षड्रिपु श्रीफळ।।
झाले सर्व हुत । वैराग्य अग्नीत ।
जाणावया तेथ । नूरले काही ।।
वाळ्या म्हणे जनी ।
व्हावी ऐसी होळी ।।
जेणे मुक्तीची दिवाळी।
अखंडित ।।
This Abhang by Saint Janabai is a masterpiece of spiritual metaphor. It fits my blog perfectly because it describes an "Inner Holi"—the literal burning of mental baggage to achieve that "lightness" I am advocating.
Here is a translation that captures the spiritual essence, followed by how we can blend it into the section on Mental Minimalism.
English Translation
The Inner Holi (Manasholi) by Saint Janabai
To celebrate the festival of Holi,
I chose the "Mind" as the sacred ground.
Through the practice of Sadhana, I prepared this space,
Cleansing it with the water of Devotion.
There, I dug a pit of "Surrender,"
And planted the central pole of "Ego."
I piled up the wood of "Cravings" (Vasana),
And added a great heap of "Sensory Desires."
I poured the oil of "Guru’s Grace"
And the ghee of the "Divine Name" (Ram Nam).
Around it, I drew a Rangoli of "Good Deeds,"
Beautifully colored with the "Hues of Emotion."
I lit the fire of "Detachment" (Vairagya),
Transforming the Holi into a sacred Yajna.
Into this fire, I sacrificed the "Pleasures of the Senses,"
And offered the final coconut—the "Six Inner Enemies" (Shad-ripu).
Everything was consumed by the fire of Detachment,
Until nothing remained to be known.
Jani says: Let your Holi be like this,
So that the Diwali of Liberation (Mukti) remains eternal.
This process of becoming 'light' is beautifully captured in our tradition by Saint Janabai in her poem 'Manasholi.' She suggests that instead of burning wood outdoors, we should perform an 'Inner Holi.' We take the 'Ego' and the 'Cravings' that have accumulated over 70 years and offer them to the fire of 'Detachment' (Vairagya). When we sacrifice our 'Six Inner Enemies'—lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride, and jealousy—nothing of the old 'heavy' self remains. As Jani says, only when we burn this baggage can we celebrate an eternal 'Diwali of Liberation' within our own hearts.
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