As the generation of baby boomers reaches retirement and beyond, many people wonder what their remaining years will hold for them. From a Buddhist perspective, Kathleen Singh (The Grace in Dying) approaches the question of aging with insight and wisdom, opening the doorway to a relaxed acceptance of the inevitable. "Aging can offer us the time to deliberately reorient ourselves toward the inner life, an infinitely more reliable refuge than anything the world can offer," Singh writes. "To open these inner vistas is to enter a time of awakening, to lighten our attachment to self, the cause of all of our unease. We have the opportunity to, first, recognize that living attached to our own sense of self is a small, confined, and stressed way to live and, then, to wholeheartedly engage in practices that will free that myopic attachment."
Singh encourages readers to step onto the "noble path," to let go of their egos and to release habits that restrain them and prevent the progression from a constricted point of view toward one that embraces love, forgiveness and compassion toward everyone. By being mindful of our actions and words, Singh suggests we can recognize old patterns that hold us captive--that make us fearful, judgmental and ignorant--to find the bigger, brighter picture of the universe that awaits us. Meditation is the first and essential step on this path. Once the beneficial habit of meditation is in place, Singh reminds us that we may encounter silence and solitude, aspects of an aging life that cultivate "holy aloneness" and "allow deeper insight into the true nature of appearances."
Singh also delves into the ideas of forgiveness, humility, being present in the here and now, and making a commitment to continue along this "noble path" until the end--death is the constant, albeit unseen, companion to those in the later stages of life. Excerpts from a variety of poems help emphasize the complexity of Singh's views on the art of aging gracefully.
Using Singh's advice, readers of all ages can gain an awareness of the joy inherent in everyday moments large and small. Her calming and illuminating prose aims to bring a sense of liberation to readers' lives and open their minds to a world full of love, laughter and peace, so they can live with compassion and wisdom, surrounded by truth. --Lee E. Cart, freelance writer and book reviewer
Shelf Talker: The author of The Grace in Dying: How We Are Transformed Spiritually As We Die here presents an engaging, illuminating discussion on aging.