The Contented Life: Spirituality and the Gift of Years

by Robert Atwell, Joan Bakewell (Foreword)

As a new bishop, Robert Atwell responded to a direct challenge from older church members, who usually make up the biggest majority in any congregation. Why, they asked, was there always so much for the young; what was there for them? This book grew out of his response. A series of talks he gave on the spirituality of growing older and the gifts that wait to be discovered generated an unprecedented response, not only throughout the diocese, but on blogs and websites around the world. 60 really is the new 40 for increasing numbers of people. The retired are a huge consumer category, increasingly recognised by marketing gurus. They may have disposable income, time on their hands, and the leisure of choice - but wisdom, humour and honesty are essential for these transitional decades too and this short book offers all three in plenty. The author's background in Benedictine life, with its profound understanding of what makes for a balanced and rich life, flavours a book of timeless value

Genres: Spirituality

100 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2011

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short book, written by the Bishop of Exeter, Robert Atwell, is a little gem, in my opinion.
It began as a lecture to a group of older people who felt that they were undervalued and side-lined in today’s world. They didn’t want to talk about death and dying, but about life and living and how they could contribute to their communities. Response to the lecture and the series of articles that the author wrote afterwards was greater than he had ever anticipated, so it was decided to develop his thoughts on living a contented life into this short and highly readable book.

The chapters, which include Retirement, Memories, Becoming, Happiness and Finale are all introduced with a short quotation from a variety of sources and each ends with a series of ideas for reflection. There are references from the Bible, and poetry and the book contains anecdotes as well as wise comments by Robert Atwell.

I was particularly struck by the author’s words in the chapter entitled “Happiness”. He writes: “Contentment emerges as we face our demons and integrate our disappointments. It is the fruit of the way we live, including a positive attitude to other people’s good fortune. Soren Kierkegaard says that self-absorption is the enemy of contentment because ‘the door to happiness always opens outwards.’ Above all, a contented life is one characterized by thanksgiving for what we have rather than moaning about what we do not have, or what adverts tell us we ought to have.”

Robert Atwell also talks about prayer and how “being present to God as we are is the basis of all prayer.”

I thoroughly recommend this book to all who need affirmation or guidance in following their path through life after receiving “the gift of years.”

[John Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful devotional book on the theme of ageing.

[Robert D. Cornwall · Rating 4 out of 5]

We live in an age where youth is celebrated and age is not. We do everything we can to avoid growing old, but even with plastic surgery and such, we can't hold it off forever. Anglican Bishop Robert Atwell has written a brief but wonderful book that deals with spirituality and the process of growing older. The title, The Contented Life, is quite appropriate! It is an invitation to slow down and reflect spiritually on life, finding value in the wisdom that we accumulate over time.

Even if you're not reaching the age of "retirement" this might be a good book to contemplate reading, that you might find a sense of contentment in the life you live now and in the future.