May 9

May 9 Bodhisattvas & QuaranQueens | S6 E08

Clockwise from top left: Maria Elena del Valle, Jaune Evans and Karin Kawamoto

Surprise! Despite being at higher risk, older folks have weathered this past year in better spirits than younger people, according to recent studies. Well, maybe it’s not such a big surprise given our breadth of experience and, uh-hum, wisdom.

For Two Old Bitches, it’s certainly been a crucial topic of conversation since the first lockdowns in March 2020. We’ve also explored how COVID affected what we eat (sourdough bread has been an essential for these Two Old Bitches!), streaming preferences, newfound hobbies, relationships and our notions of the future. We’ve gathered gems and inspiration from these conversations with wise older women.

In this episode you’ll meet: Karin Kawamoto – a technology user experience designer -- who we connected with after reading about her in a Washington Post article on how a friend sent her weekly postcards over the many months when she could not leave her apartment; Maria Elena del Valle – our long-time friend and an extraordinary coach, trainer and performer – whose beauty salon in Queens, New York turned into a hub of information and solace for women in her community; and zen priest and teacher Jaune Evans, another long-time friend and former TOB guest, who offered reflections and comfort in dharma talks with the Heart of Compassion sangha that she took online early in the pandemic and that Idelisse joined.

In addition to excerpts from one of Jaune’s recent talks in this episode, we’re also sharing a bonus episode of Jaune leading a guided meditation that invites calm presence in these still uncertain days.

Listeners, we send you our best wishes for your health, your families and your communities.