The Grace in Aging: Awaken as You Grow Older

The author has been able with this book to make a very important and relevant subject accessible to everyone. The wisdom is captured and presented alongside a collection of beautiful, thought-provoking quotes and poems. As I began to read this work I found myself being quickly drawn into the stories and references to many spiritual, wisdom texts. I come from a Christian tradition, and found the material was opening up scriptural references I had known for many years in a refreshing and relevant new way. Actually this way appears to be ancient, it just can seem new to a contemporary audience that has not yet been exposed to the opportunity to find deeper meaning in the second half of life. The presentation of these truths is done in way that celebrates and honors all faith traditions. Ms. Singh has provided an very accessible means to avail yourself to some core wisdom that can start a life transformation that will bring much joy! I want to find a way to share this with a group of friends, maybe a reading/discussion group!! Can't wait!

I read Dr. Singh's book on dying after I lost my partner suddenly and unexpectedly, and of the many (maybe 40) books that I read seeking to understand life, death, and grief, it made the most sense. But I was afraid, and it took another 18 months after I had purchased it, to read this book. I had experienced a resurgence of profound and intense sadness almost to the point of suicide. I could see nowhere to go. Life was empty. The sole source of love, of friendship, my sustenance was gone, I was living in a sea of emptiness, aloneness. From this vantage point when I consulted my Kindle library for my next book (reading as escape from pain), I was drawn to this book. It was time. I can only say that Dr. Singh is the closest friend you ever had, a soulmate, a person of such discerning wisdom and compassion that you feel warm and secure held in the embrace of lovingkindness. Not a guru, not a therapist, not a spiritual advisor or a life coach, perhaps a mother? Words fail me, but she is the real deal.

This is a book that I could--and plan to--read over and over as I age.

I've read and reread her book The Grace in Dying, so I got this one. It doesn't have the same depth, but it's worth having as a reference and just to read parts of occasionally. It depends on one's experience and training on aging and death. If you haven't had many opportunities to discuss and reflect on your own aging and death, this book would be helpful.

This book has made such a difference in how I understand my life and aging. I recommend it to caregivers to see what aging people go through and what thoughts can help them.

I truly appreciate Ms. Singh’s depth and her spiritual assertion. My body started aging with exhaustion at age 50, when my cells could no longer produce sufficient energy for my muscles. Now at age 60 I live in constant exhaustion, like I have the flu. My ego personality has felt this agony of stepping into this nothingness. The hidden depth of my nothingness is now Ms. Singh’s book, The Grace in Aging, offering me this support and faith to make the leap into the unknown. Her book offers this Divine awareness that this emptiness is a part of aging and I can be Centered within this void. Her book offers this dynamic force to melt down barriers and boundaries, where the ego relaxes and the soul can begin to grow and to change.

Although beautifully written and with deep sensitivity I thought that there was too much emphasis on the Buddhist spirituality almost a fatalistic approach to the subject. .

I was first introduced to Kathleen Singh’s work through a well known retreat leader who mentioned the helpfulness of her book, The Grace in Dying. At that time I was in my early 60’s and newly diagnosed with a life threatening disease.This book was an amazingly useful tool to help me navigate this time as well as the years following.Now turning 70, I am even more in the category of “aging.” The Grace in Aging has become another useful tool in “gathering the conditions” which lead to a fuller life while both aging and dying, both part of the life process.I have a favorite quote at this point. There is one on every page. In referring to the Sanskrit word usually translated as “emptiness “ or “void," she describes the word as originally derived from the Sanskrit for “zero." She states, “Zero is the point where form and formlessness meet in perfect balance. This is the awakened state. To live at the zero point is to be liberated.”You may be “an aspiring zero.” To live the remaining years of life as a “zeros” would be truly grace. Kathleen Singh’s newest book wisely offers resources to put ourselves in the way of such grace.