The Gift of Years: Growing Older
Gracefully by Joan Chittister
A Must Read
Not only accepting but celebrating getting old, this inspirational and
illuminating work looks at the many facets of the aging process, from
purposes and challenges to struggles and surprises. Central throughout is
a call to cherish the blessing of aging as a natural part of life that is active,
productive, and deeply rewarding. Perhaps the most important dimension
revealed lies in the awareness that there is a purpose to aging and
intention built into every stage of life. Chittister reflects on many key
issues, including the temptation towards isolation, the need to stay
involved, the importance of health and well-being, what happens when old
relationships end or shift, the fear of tomorrow, and the mystery of forever.
Readers are encouraged to surmount their fears of getting older and find
beauty in aging well.
Personal Review: The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully
by Joan Chittister
Joan Chittister's: "The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully" is full of
wisdom about aging, which all of us are doing right now, no matter the age.
Her book deals with many of the topics elders and boomers are discussing
with each other and discovering for themselves.
Much of her information seems to come from her years of living within a
Benedictine women's community and observing the aging process
intimately with friends and other sisters. The intentionally brief chapters
invite thoughtful consideration of such topics as Possibility, Fulfillment,
Relationships, and Tale-Telling.
Sister Chittister uses quotes about the aging human experience we share
from many sources to spur her reflections. I find the way she has
organized and presented these reflections both inspiring and refreshing.
She draws from a wide range of people to begin her chapters. For
instance, this one by Carl Jung begins her chapter on Solitude.
"For a younger person it is almost a sin--and certainly a danger--to be too
much occupied with himself. But for the aging person it is a duty and a
necessity to give serious attention to himself (sic). After having lavished its
light upon the world, the sun withdraws its rays in order to illumine itself."
There is so much simplicity and depth of thought available in The Gift of
Years that I recommend The Gift of Years to discussion groups, especially
those who might be discussing spirituality of aging topics.
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