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Decenter Everything: The Unconventional Approach to Eldering in an Age of Immaturity
Humankind has not been here before. We are now living decades longer than our ancestors. We have never been healthier, wealthier and soul-stunted.As a result, we have an abundance of older people, but very few authentic elders.
Decenter Everything dares us to question the conventional script of later life that drifts from parenting to retirement to death. For the sake of the world, we must mature towards authentic eldering through intentional displacement; this means decentering anything that demands center-stage - including ourselves.
Through poetry, prose, research, and reflection Decenter Everything proposes five domains requiring God, being heard, knowledge, death, and consumption.For anyone sensing the hollowness of our elderless culture, here lies a provocative path to reimagining a soulful and sustainable future.
ENDORSEMENTS
“This book not only masterfully explores a vital topic, but is important to me personally. I was affirmed, but more important, deeply challenged. It called me to ‘look, listen, and learn,’ and offered an invitation to be a grander, more loving presence in the world, especially as I approach the winter of my life.
Paul Young, author The Shack.
“The disorientation around aging in the face of a shortening future to be expected, and I’m recognizing how the decline in health, energy, work, and potential losses (e.g., of a spouse) lurk in one’s mind. I’ve become convinced that my capacities twenty years from now will depend on how I reorient myself today. But I needed David to suggest ‘decentering’ as the surprising solution for meaning-making. Decenter Everything! Who knew? I’m all in.”
Bradley Jersak. Principal, St. Stephen’s University
“David Tensen is a poet, soul-whisperer, and spiritual provocateur whose words carry the weight of experience and the wonder of transformation. Decenter Everything isn’t a book you read—it’s a mirror, a mentor, and a map. It invites us to a path that many of us instinctively long for but rarely the way of becoming more by centering less.”
Jason Clark. Author of God Is (Not) In Control, and host of Rethinking God with Tacos Podcast.
“This is a book I will return to again and again—not only for its wisdom and insight, but for the grace and hope it offers. It reminds us that the role of a decentric elder is not just honourable—it is a sacred gift to be shared. Read it. Reflect on it. You may never see your own journey the same way again.”
Dr. Glenn Williams. CEO. LCP GLobal
“David is a thoughtful and perceptive soul—well-read, deeply reflective, and endlessly compassionate. Many know him as a gifted poet and writer, but fewer realise the depth of his experience as a counsellor and guide, having spent countless hours walking alongside others, especially leaders, through their own seasons of transformation.”
Gary Grant – Senior Leader. Friends First Community, Australia
“Blending personal and spiritual insight, multidisciplinary research, and deep compassion, Decenter Everything is a timely and much-needed guide for the journey toward true maturity. If you’ve ever longed for a generous elder soul to bless your path, David’s words offer deep comfort and practical guidance. I anticipate returning to it again and again.
Decenter Everything dares us to question the conventional script of later life that drifts from parenting to retirement to death. For the sake of the world, we must mature towards authentic eldering through intentional displacement; this means decentering anything that demands center-stage - including ourselves.
Through poetry, prose, research, and reflection Decenter Everything proposes five domains requiring God, being heard, knowledge, death, and consumption.For anyone sensing the hollowness of our elderless culture, here lies a provocative path to reimagining a soulful and sustainable future.
ENDORSEMENTS
“This book not only masterfully explores a vital topic, but is important to me personally. I was affirmed, but more important, deeply challenged. It called me to ‘look, listen, and learn,’ and offered an invitation to be a grander, more loving presence in the world, especially as I approach the winter of my life.
Paul Young, author The Shack.
“The disorientation around aging in the face of a shortening future to be expected, and I’m recognizing how the decline in health, energy, work, and potential losses (e.g., of a spouse) lurk in one’s mind. I’ve become convinced that my capacities twenty years from now will depend on how I reorient myself today. But I needed David to suggest ‘decentering’ as the surprising solution for meaning-making. Decenter Everything! Who knew? I’m all in.”
Bradley Jersak. Principal, St. Stephen’s University
“David Tensen is a poet, soul-whisperer, and spiritual provocateur whose words carry the weight of experience and the wonder of transformation. Decenter Everything isn’t a book you read—it’s a mirror, a mentor, and a map. It invites us to a path that many of us instinctively long for but rarely the way of becoming more by centering less.”
Jason Clark. Author of God Is (Not) In Control, and host of Rethinking God with Tacos Podcast.
“This is a book I will return to again and again—not only for its wisdom and insight, but for the grace and hope it offers. It reminds us that the role of a decentric elder is not just honourable—it is a sacred gift to be shared. Read it. Reflect on it. You may never see your own journey the same way again.”
Dr. Glenn Williams. CEO. LCP GLobal
“David is a thoughtful and perceptive soul—well-read, deeply reflective, and endlessly compassionate. Many know him as a gifted poet and writer, but fewer realise the depth of his experience as a counsellor and guide, having spent countless hours walking alongside others, especially leaders, through their own seasons of transformation.”
Gary Grant – Senior Leader. Friends First Community, Australia
“Blending personal and spiritual insight, multidisciplinary research, and deep compassion, Decenter Everything is a timely and much-needed guide for the journey toward true maturity. If you’ve ever longed for a generous elder soul to bless your path, David’s words offer deep comfort and practical guidance. I anticipate returning to it again and again.
154 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2025
20 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
David Tensen
10 books20 followersAustralian poet David Tensen brings form and beauty to our deep spiritual yearnings. Drawing from decades of experience in pastoral care and spiritual development, his poems have found their way into hearts of every age across the globe. Raw, honest, accessible and prophetic, David's writings both uncover pain and bring healing to it.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 19, 2025
I'm in my second half of life and the book provided a warm invitation into the adventure of growing older. The book revitalised my desire to shed some of my old ways of living and thinking and left me excited about the eldering journey ahead.
I can sense the lived experience in David's words, he makes the complex seem clear and beautifully outlines some of the pitfalls to avoid if I want to grow old gracefully, but more importantly as a fountain of wisdom for others.
Can't recommend this book highly enough.
I can sense the lived experience in David's words, he makes the complex seem clear and beautifully outlines some of the pitfalls to avoid if I want to grow old gracefully, but more importantly as a fountain of wisdom for others.
Can't recommend this book highly enough.
May 18, 2025
challenging and in hindsight obvious, a hard truth. excellent.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews