ISBN: 978-1-57143-169-1
Everyone ages. But while many societies embrace it, in ours it's a defect we are told to fight. We hide our physical signs of aging and whistle past our mortality. Our vocabulary of euphemisms means we rarely have to use the "D" word. Our fear inhibits introspection, erodes self-esteem and undervalues time. Denial says we have "all the time in the world" and leads to unconscious consequences.
Coming to Terms with Aging offers a better alternative - an inspiring way to think about life's natural pathway. Learn the ten most common aging fears and ten powerful benefits when you work through them. Learn how aging serves life and why mortality is the engine that drives it. Exercises and meditations help diminish your fear and free you for positive priorities. We can live in denial, but we won't escape it. Coming to Terms with Aging shows you how to make the most of the aging process.
Death is Inevitable; Living Optional
If you died today, would you have any regrets? Considering your own mortality takes a large lump of courage. Readers who are uncomfortable with the concept will benefit from I Michael Grossman's book, "Coming to Terms with Aging: The Secret to Meaningful Time."
Our society claims that aging can be controlled. Instead, Grossman believes that it should be harnessed. People who face death live to the fullest. Knowing that time on Earth is temporary can be reassuring. Hours become an asset, spent only on what matters most.
No one relishes the idea of growing old and dying. Pain, and loss of control and identity are common fears. Grossman explains how these fears wreak havoc on individuals and society. He avoids discussion of religion and the afterlife. For him, the focus is on the present life with all of its natural limitations.
To step beyond these fears, Grossman offers three writing exercises. By composing a eulogy for themselves, readers discover how they've lived their lives. The eulogy is followed by a set of questions that explore priorities. The final exercise asks readers to imagine their ideal life. What's it like?
These questions are a terrific tool of self-discovery, allowing people to figure out what is missing from their lives.
The meditations in the third part are too wordy to be fully effective. They are also free on the book's Web site in an MP3 format. The explanations at the beginning of each meditation are distracting.
Still, the book is sensitive and compassionate, and will help readers look at the end of their lives with calm acceptance. Death may be inevitable, but living life to fullest extent is optional. --Laura Axelrod, The Birmingham News