A Time to Live: Seven Tasks of Creative Aging

by Robert Raines

In A Time To Live , Robert Raines explores the spiritual and emotional dimensions of what can be the most rewarding time of life. Drawing on his experiences as an ordained minister and as director of a non-denominational retreat center focusing on issues of personal growth, Raines delineates the important passages we must all make from our middle years in the process of growing older. In an approach that is both meditative and inspirational, drawing from a variety of backgrounds, anecdotes, and literature, Raines provides a new perspective on the aging process and its implications. To make the most of this ultimate period of life, he argues, we must each confront certain waking up to mortality, embracing sorrow, savoring blessedness, re-imagining work, nurturing intimacy, seeking forgiveness, and taking on the mysterious process of exploring what is yet to be done in life with a sense of possibility and hope. For the millions of baby boomers just entering their fifties and others approaching their sixties who are determined to be aware and take advantage of the challenges they face, A Time To Live , is the only book to directly address their needs. Sure to be a welcome and important spiritual guide for many, it offers the possibility of fulfillment and personal satisfaction.

Genres: Spirituality

Paperback

First published May 1, 1997

Reviews

[Dr. Lisa Cowley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this book is twenty five years old I really found it still holds up today. The subtitle is erroneous because other than prompter questions at the end of each chapter there was nothing task oriented about the book. Rather it was poetic, soulful, thoughtful and hopeful. I loved the way the author took a poem or a Shakespearean quote at the beginning of each chapter and would break it down line by line, sharing a story from his own life or another example that helped the reader take on a new perspective regarding the aging process.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful insight into the elder passage. Bob was my pastor for a time and I enjoyed reading his take on what we can do to be happier at this time in our lives.

[Harry Allagree · Rating 4 out of 5]

At 83 years old I'm at just the right time to have read this book, published in 1997 when I was 60. Subtitled "Seven Steps of Creative Aging", it has helped me revisit my life: posing some poignant questions & leading me to a serious review of waking up, embracing sorrow, savoring blessedness, re-imagining work, nurturing intimacy, seeking forgiveness & taking on the Mystery in a personal way.

While I certainly don't agree with Raines on every item, I appreciate his comments, sharing as I do some of the same years of living that he has (he's currently 93). The book is a useful tool for anyone who is aging to indulge in some truth-thinking, if not truth-telling. Raines helps one appreciate more deeply the incredible gift of life utilizing what he calls "listening to the sonar of the soul".