Spiritual Aging - by Carol Orsborn (Paperback)

About the Book

"Inspiring readings for spiritual seekers growing older, wiser, and fiercer"--Provided by publisher"--

Book Synopsis

Inspiring readings for spiritual seekers growing older, wiser, and fiercer

As featured in Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper!

- 2025 Nautilus Gold Award

- Presents years of weekly inspiration and practices pointing the way forward through every conceivable mood, opportunity, and stumbling block on the spiritual journey through the second half of life

- Includes quotes and stories by and about mystics, sages, and old souls from ancient through contemporary times who have walked this path before us

- Shares insightful guidance on transforming loneliness to solitude, loss of identity to freedom, anger to self-protection, fear to faith, and envy to love

Many of us navigating the years beyond midlife report high levels of self-acceptance, freedom, and joy, but there can also be bouts of second-guessing and regret as well as the occasional longing to be reminded that you're not in this alone.

Designed to be read weekly in two-year cycles, the 120 timeless readings in this book focus on the issues and concerns that arise among those who view aging as a path to spiritual culmination. Transforming loneliness to solitude, loss of identity to freedom, anger to self-protection, fear to faith, and envy to love, Orsborn's wise and compassionate insights are seasoned by quotes and stories by and about mystics, sages, and old souls from ancient through contemporary times who illuminate the path to living a full life while embracing old age. The connecting thread is the reminder that you have what it takes to shift from reacting with fear to the challenges of aging, instead accepting these challenges in a spirit of gratitude as they help you grow not just old, but whole.

Review Quotes

"I highly recommend Carol Orsborn, a sister writer on aging, as a wise elder, and Spiritual Aging as a book that can keep your finger on the pulse of your own aging and give you ways to reflect."-- "Vicki Robin, coauthor of Your Money or Your Life"

"Spiritual Aging is a strand of wisdom pearls to guide your life--a timeless and invaluable book. As Carol advises, start where you want--the journey never ends. The shelf life for this book is eternity."-- "Jann E. Freed, author of Breadcrumb Legacy"

"Spiritual Aging is a treasure chest filled with wisdom, compassion, and joy. This book, from one of the most trusted voices in the field of conscious aging, is a profound and creative expression of Carol's deep inner work, long life experience, and academic training. It's like having a personal spiritual guide who is available whenever you reach in her direction. I highly recommend this book."-- "David Chernikoff, author of Life, Part Two"

"Spiritual Aging places old age in the only perspective that gives it meaning and purpose, as one of our most prized privileges, a space and time to experience life from a brighter and higher perspective. Orsborn does not gloss over the difficulties and challenges of old age but incorporates them into her welcome vision, which helps us to embrace life, living, and ourselves. . . . This book is the honest, lived experience of one who walks her talk."-- "Kamla K. Kapur, author of The Privilege of Aging"

"A beautiful, beautiful book of weekly reflections. These delicious nuggets of deep wisdom, gentle respectfulness, and down-to-earth, heartfelt humanity call me to keep reading more. Highly recommended."-- "Richard Matzkin, author of Love and Time"

"A treasure that delivers invaluable guidance and intensity for anyone on the path of conscious aging and divine exploration. Rich in wisdom and insights, it is a must-read for those seeking to deepen their understanding of themselves and the mystical journey they share with millions of their aging peers."-- "Brent Green, author of Questions of the Spirit and Noble Chaos"

"Carol Orsborn harvests the deep wisdom of life's final act. Through extensive research, keen observation, archetypal symbolism and transpersonal experience, and her own exemplary personal growth, she shows us that we are the path we've been seeking. Intuitive, honest, and uncanny, this book gives you exactly what you need before you knew you needed it. Begin anywhere, stay for the rest of your life."-- "John C. Robinson, author of The Three Secrets of Aging"

"Once again, Carol Orsborn stirs the reader to reflect upon aging as an opportunity for depth and expansion and, week by week, to experience that which abides through life's changes."-- "James Hollis, Ph.D., author of Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life"

About the Author

Carol Orsborn, Ph.D., is founder of the Spiritual Aging Study and Support group and author of more than 35 books, including The Spirituality of Age, with Robert Weber, Ph.D., and Older, Wiser, Fiercer. She has taught at Georgetown University and lives in Nashville and Toronto.