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Aging with Wisdom: Reflections, Stories and Teachings
How do we find beauty and meaning in old age? How do we overturn the paradigm of ageism? How do we age consciously and cultivate an inner life resilient enough to withstand the vicissitudes of old age? An extended meditation on how to age consciously and embrace life in all its fullness and wonder, Aging with Wisdom answers these questions.
- GenresNonfictionBuddhism
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 24, 2018
This is a valuable book. Author Olivia Hoblitzelle is a mind-body medicine pioneer who trained health professionals at Harvard Medical school and who has taught meditation for more than 45 years. She's also the author of the well-regarded, award-winning book, Ten Thousand Joys & Ten Thousand Sorrows: A Couple's Journey Through Alzheimer's.
In Aging with Wisdom, she weaves together gleanings from a lifetime of mindful experience, reading, and curiosity in service of clarifying and honoring our understanding of aging—"...when we begin to feel a softer, gentler rhythm calling from deep within us." I picked this book up at a time when I was beginning to hear an insistent call within to simplify my life so I can focus on, well, living! On what matters most. I've slowly read this book over the last number of months and felt enriched by Hoblitzelle's strong, kind, and sure guidance as I contemplate the path for the next stage in my life.
Here's a video of a wonderful talk she gave for the Insight Meditation Community of Washington in May 2018 which you might enjoy: https://imcw.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1256.
In Aging with Wisdom, she weaves together gleanings from a lifetime of mindful experience, reading, and curiosity in service of clarifying and honoring our understanding of aging—"...when we begin to feel a softer, gentler rhythm calling from deep within us." I picked this book up at a time when I was beginning to hear an insistent call within to simplify my life so I can focus on, well, living! On what matters most. I've slowly read this book over the last number of months and felt enriched by Hoblitzelle's strong, kind, and sure guidance as I contemplate the path for the next stage in my life.
Here's a video of a wonderful talk she gave for the Insight Meditation Community of Washington in May 2018 which you might enjoy: https://imcw.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1256.
December 8, 2018
I reviewed this book on my aging blog (The Generation Above Me). Here is the text that I posted there:
Since her forties, Olivia Ames Hoblitzelle has collected quotes, stories, and her own thoughts in a file labeled "Aging and Wisdom."
In her late seventies, this project came to fruition as a 2017 book, Aging with Wisdom: Reflections, Stories & Teachings.
The insights from this book, of course, are drawn from a broader source than a manila file folder.
Hoblitzelle has experience as a therapist, writer, and speaker. She draws from both Western and Eastern traditions, from quests of the mind and of the body.
The result is a book that conveys a tone of "Softness and Ease" (one of her chapter titles) that also offers quiet strength on how to negotiate the Second Half of life.
Summarizing the book proves challenging since the book serves as a catalyst for individual meditation.
I found myself reading some passages slowly. This allowed me to review events from my life in light of the chapter before me. Some of the sections address age-related challenges and opportunities I have yet to encounter. Consequently, I hope to reread this book as my life situation shifts over the coming decades.
The book itself isn't strictly linear. Many of the chapters return to previously discussed topics but through a different lens. In the conclusion, Hoblitzelle points out these recurring themes on page 185:
Rejoicing in the blessings we still have
Letting go of our struggle with life
Acceptance of loss and change
Seeing beauty in old age
Cultivating lightness and humor
Deepening awareness through meditation
Opening to the unknown
Making friends with death
Cultivating the life of the spirit
Hoblitzelle not only draws on her rich personal experience; she draws on her extensive reading in the areas of psychology, philosophy, literature, and comparative religion.
Here is a sampling of some of her influences:
Mitch Albom ~ Toni Bernhard ~ Joan Chittister ~ Dalai Lama, His Holiness ~ Erik Erikson ~ Atul Gawande ~ Alice Howell ~ Paul Kalanithi ~ Jack Kornfield ~ Rilke ~ Richard Rohr ~ Rabbi Zalman Schacter-Shalomi ~ Kathleen Dowling Singh ~ Dr. Bill Thomas.
Although not listed above, I see other recurring themes as follows: turning from doing to being, shifting from quantity to quality, and worrying less about the future or the past in order to live fully in the moment. These themes appear throughout her book, but here is one passage that conveys them:
"A gradual slowing down is a natural part of the aging process. It is a gift, often received with a sense of relief, even delight. With this gift, we may become more aware of the quality of our lives--the rhythm of the ady and a sense of balance that might have eluded us in the hurly burly of the workplace" (p. 69).
I'm grateful for the quiet strength conveyed by this book.
The book includes several short chapters on Hoblitzelle's "wayshowers," people who have guided her path into late adulthood. I am grateful for Hoblitzelle as one of my "wayshowers." I look forward to receiving her counsel with subsequent rereadings.
Since her forties, Olivia Ames Hoblitzelle has collected quotes, stories, and her own thoughts in a file labeled "Aging and Wisdom."
In her late seventies, this project came to fruition as a 2017 book, Aging with Wisdom: Reflections, Stories & Teachings.
The insights from this book, of course, are drawn from a broader source than a manila file folder.
Hoblitzelle has experience as a therapist, writer, and speaker. She draws from both Western and Eastern traditions, from quests of the mind and of the body.
The result is a book that conveys a tone of "Softness and Ease" (one of her chapter titles) that also offers quiet strength on how to negotiate the Second Half of life.
Summarizing the book proves challenging since the book serves as a catalyst for individual meditation.
I found myself reading some passages slowly. This allowed me to review events from my life in light of the chapter before me. Some of the sections address age-related challenges and opportunities I have yet to encounter. Consequently, I hope to reread this book as my life situation shifts over the coming decades.
The book itself isn't strictly linear. Many of the chapters return to previously discussed topics but through a different lens. In the conclusion, Hoblitzelle points out these recurring themes on page 185:
Rejoicing in the blessings we still have
Letting go of our struggle with life
Acceptance of loss and change
Seeing beauty in old age
Cultivating lightness and humor
Deepening awareness through meditation
Opening to the unknown
Making friends with death
Cultivating the life of the spirit
Hoblitzelle not only draws on her rich personal experience; she draws on her extensive reading in the areas of psychology, philosophy, literature, and comparative religion.
Here is a sampling of some of her influences:
Mitch Albom ~ Toni Bernhard ~ Joan Chittister ~ Dalai Lama, His Holiness ~ Erik Erikson ~ Atul Gawande ~ Alice Howell ~ Paul Kalanithi ~ Jack Kornfield ~ Rilke ~ Richard Rohr ~ Rabbi Zalman Schacter-Shalomi ~ Kathleen Dowling Singh ~ Dr. Bill Thomas.
Although not listed above, I see other recurring themes as follows: turning from doing to being, shifting from quantity to quality, and worrying less about the future or the past in order to live fully in the moment. These themes appear throughout her book, but here is one passage that conveys them:
"A gradual slowing down is a natural part of the aging process. It is a gift, often received with a sense of relief, even delight. With this gift, we may become more aware of the quality of our lives--the rhythm of the ady and a sense of balance that might have eluded us in the hurly burly of the workplace" (p. 69).
I'm grateful for the quiet strength conveyed by this book.
The book includes several short chapters on Hoblitzelle's "wayshowers," people who have guided her path into late adulthood. I am grateful for Hoblitzelle as one of my "wayshowers." I look forward to receiving her counsel with subsequent rereadings.
November 30, 2017
If you are concerned about aging consciously and connecting with your own inner spirit, read this book. In the past several years, many books have been published about aging well. Very few have been written with such sensitivity and gentleness. Hoblitzelle's stories, poems and reflections lead us towards inner examination and an expansive view of later life. She offers the reader personal examples as well as the stories of others in a variety of cultures about aging, diminishment and dying. Especially poignant is her relating how she and her husband dealt with his Alzheimer's decline.
"A Buddhist maxim says simply that pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional." As we age, our bodies begin to break down, even with our taking care. Hoblitzelle writes of her main theme, "the call of the inner life, deepening in wisdom, and living consciously with the purpose of awakening...." Our bodies are the vessels of who we are. She counsels reaching out to others in kindness and humility as a way of letting go of self-attachment.
Hoblitzelle includes practices of the heart and vignettes of wayshowers—those who have shown her the way. She acknowledges that she has needed maps and guidance. Perhaps, we do too. If so, Oliva Ames Hoblitzelle might be a wayshower for you as she was for me.
by Judith Helburn
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women
"A Buddhist maxim says simply that pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional." As we age, our bodies begin to break down, even with our taking care. Hoblitzelle writes of her main theme, "the call of the inner life, deepening in wisdom, and living consciously with the purpose of awakening...." Our bodies are the vessels of who we are. She counsels reaching out to others in kindness and humility as a way of letting go of self-attachment.
Hoblitzelle includes practices of the heart and vignettes of wayshowers—those who have shown her the way. She acknowledges that she has needed maps and guidance. Perhaps, we do too. If so, Oliva Ames Hoblitzelle might be a wayshower for you as she was for me.
by Judith Helburn
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women
November 15, 2017
Olivia Hoblitzelle is a wise woman. She has a lot to say about what it takes to stay positive in our age phobic culture and with all the challenges and losses of old age. Her tone is warm and encouraging and uplifting. While I don't normally read self help books or spiritual books, this struck a chord with me. Perhaps because she is right that as we age we need spiritual resilience. She pulls from her own experiences and from those of other wise elders who she calls "wayshowers." There is a lot of thought provoking material here for anyone who is inclined to look within or who is trying to make sense of later life.
January 31, 2022
This was a potent and inspirational book. Drawing from many sources, the author beautifully weaves the story of aging with intention and dignity. She includes the perspectives of and approaches to death held by various religions. Her own experience with her husband's journey through Alzheimer's, and his eventual death, is woven throughout the book. As an octogenarian, this book speaks to me with more immediacy than it would to a younger person. However, in my opinion, it will speak to people of all ages. She presents death not as something to be feared, but as a natural ending to the life cycle.
May 7, 2022
Truly one of the best books I have read to date. The content is so insightful and thought-provoking. We live in a society that treats the aging population as if their role isn't significant and their contributions minimal. This book validates wisdom in aging and all that our elder population has to offer. The author provides you with perspectives on what's to come and how to embrace it.
Each story told gives rise to reflection and preparation of what the future holds. The teachings and mantras presented are words to live by. Thank you for this thoughtful contribution. A read for people of all ages.
April 14, 2022
A well-intentioned book with some good advice but I felt it painted an overly rosy picture of growing old and facing death, especially towards the end where very accomplished people were described as looking forward to death as the next great adventure. Not ready to embrace that idea yet! I read this for a book group and did enjoy the discussions we had on it.
September 8, 2021
Overall, it was only alright for me. I had hoped for more personal lessons and stories, and instead It is more of a compilation of other's stories and a light primer on Buddhism. Might align more with others than it did with me.
October 26, 2018
A good read... The author is extremely knowledgeable and has much to offer.
A great read... I loved the stories of her remarable life and of the remarkable people she came to know.
A great read... I loved the stories of her remarable life and of the remarkable people she came to know.
Read
December 23, 2019Own copy. Heard her speak at Citywide fall 2019. Affiliated with CIMC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2024
I do NOT believe the following is an over-generalization: at some point in ALL our lives we begin to contemplate the process of aging and the mystery surrounding death. When that time comes, you couldn't ask for a better companion than Olivia Ames Hoblitzelle's book, AGING WITH WISDOM. Probably why it's won multiple awards.
This book is a gentle, short, eminently readable, and inspiring collection of reflections, gathered stories, and wise teachings. Trained as a health professional at Harvard Medical School, and a noted pioneer in the field of mind-body medicine, Hoblitzelle's life work has been integrating meditation, yoga, and cognitive therapy into Western medical practices. She was also caregiver to both her mother and husband, after each was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. THAT both explains her interest in this topic and gives her great credibility in my book.
As Hoblitzelle bemoans, ours is not a society that generally honors the process of aging and considers it socially awkward to discuss death. But this book takes on both head-on. She reclaims and reframes the wisdom of older people and validates their hard-won knowledge and comprehension. They are, she believes, living the most courageous part of their lives.
She also shares her own collection of stories and interactions with wise elders for us all to contemplate. She presents inspiring anecdotes about the dying that offer hope and comfort. And she includes the wisdom offered by six "wayshowers" who have helped her gain a better understanding of and comfort with the final years of life.
If you are a senior now, this book will expand your outlook in a positive way. If not, when your own time comes, remember this book.
This book is a gentle, short, eminently readable, and inspiring collection of reflections, gathered stories, and wise teachings. Trained as a health professional at Harvard Medical School, and a noted pioneer in the field of mind-body medicine, Hoblitzelle's life work has been integrating meditation, yoga, and cognitive therapy into Western medical practices. She was also caregiver to both her mother and husband, after each was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. THAT both explains her interest in this topic and gives her great credibility in my book.
As Hoblitzelle bemoans, ours is not a society that generally honors the process of aging and considers it socially awkward to discuss death. But this book takes on both head-on. She reclaims and reframes the wisdom of older people and validates their hard-won knowledge and comprehension. They are, she believes, living the most courageous part of their lives.
She also shares her own collection of stories and interactions with wise elders for us all to contemplate. She presents inspiring anecdotes about the dying that offer hope and comfort. And she includes the wisdom offered by six "wayshowers" who have helped her gain a better understanding of and comfort with the final years of life.
If you are a senior now, this book will expand your outlook in a positive way. If not, when your own time comes, remember this book.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews