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Life, Part Two
A guide to seven essential elements that will illuminate your path to spiritual realization and wise elderhood.
What Carl Jung called “the second half of life” has the potential to be a remarkable curriculum for insight and awakening. When wisely understood, the changes inherent in the aging process become stepping-stones to the actualization of our best human qualities: wisdom, lovingkindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity.
Author David Chernikoff has spent decades pursuing spiritual study and practice with remarkable teachers, including Ram Dass, Jack Kornfield, Sharon Salzberg, Father Thomas Keating, and Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi. In Life, Part Two, he distills lessons from across contemplative traditions to invite readers to embrace seven essential elements of conscious living: embracing the mystery, choosing a vision, cultivating intuitive wisdom, committing to inner work, suffering effectively, serving from the heart, and celebrating the journey. These elements culminate in wise elderhood--a state celebrated by indigenous cultures around the world, yet largely unacknowledged in contemporary Western society. For those of us who aspire to live fully and to love well as we age, Life, Part Two is a lucid guidebook that empowers us to personally thrive and to contribute with ever greater clarity and purpose.
What Carl Jung called “the second half of life” has the potential to be a remarkable curriculum for insight and awakening. When wisely understood, the changes inherent in the aging process become stepping-stones to the actualization of our best human qualities: wisdom, lovingkindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity.
Author David Chernikoff has spent decades pursuing spiritual study and practice with remarkable teachers, including Ram Dass, Jack Kornfield, Sharon Salzberg, Father Thomas Keating, and Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi. In Life, Part Two, he distills lessons from across contemplative traditions to invite readers to embrace seven essential elements of conscious living: embracing the mystery, choosing a vision, cultivating intuitive wisdom, committing to inner work, suffering effectively, serving from the heart, and celebrating the journey. These elements culminate in wise elderhood--a state celebrated by indigenous cultures around the world, yet largely unacknowledged in contemporary Western society. For those of us who aspire to live fully and to love well as we age, Life, Part Two is a lucid guidebook that empowers us to personally thrive and to contribute with ever greater clarity and purpose.
- GenresNonfictionSelf Help
192 pages, Paperback
Published December 21, 2021
31 people are currently reading
1192 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 2, 2022
I initially ordered this book for myself through a friend's recommendation. Halfway through the book, I bought another four copies of it for all my best friends. If you are someone like me who is asking yourself a question, particularly at mid-life "is that all there is?" this book is for you. The other questions I have asked myself recently: "How should I live the second half of my life? How should I spend the rest of my working years? Now that I made some money, achieved career success, bought a house, saved for retirement (some), proved I'm worthy, what is the best use of my remaining years?" I've been pondering those questions since the pandemic hit and my life got halted and then turned upside down, like many of yours probably too. I was sitting home alone, with nothing to do, during lockdowns, and I finally had time to think. REALLY think. And I feel like this book came as a Divine intervention, almost as if I materialized it somehow. And when I read its first chapter with the poem Our Real Work by Wendel Berry saying "It may be that when we no longer know what to do, we have come to our real work; and that when we no longer know which way to go, we have come to our real journey" I was on my knees. Here it was a book JUST FOR ME, exactly what I needed, and it was answering my quest while suggesting that instead of defining and structuring my path for the rest of my life (like I did with my career projects), I need to live it, instead. I need to let it live through me. I just need to be receptive enough to tap into it. I’m not the doer anymore. I'm not in charge. Life is! I need to let Life show me the way and guide me in the process. My only job is to pay attention. And listen, really listen. I'm learning and it's not easy as I worked my whole life setting goals and achieving them. I'm re-learning how to really live and David Chernikoff's book is my guide in this entirely new approach to living. I read it, re-read it, and am reading it continuously while finding new insights every time I open it. It'll be my lifelong companion, almost as if a good friend on my journey toward the Great Finale. Thank you David Chernikoff. Your book is a true gift!
July 9, 2022
Recommended by Mindful Magazine article. Learning to be present in the moment and find spiritual wonder in it.
Book Notes:
7 key categories (core principles) that unite conscious living and dying:
1.) Embracing the Mystery - Birth and death are excellent gateways to mystery, but we need not wait for such singularly powerful experiences to embrace the mystery of our lives. Embracing mystery or waking up in this life, is made easily accessible by the fact that the most ordinary of our experiences can also become a gateway to the ineffable. We have a deeply conditioned tendency to live as if we're on autopilot, sleepwalking through our day with no recognition of how precious it is to be alive in the first place. Opening to things as they are on a moment-to-moment basis, we gradually learn to trust our unfolding lives and to relax into the not-knowing that is ever present and ultimately unavoidable. From a spiritual perspective, a central task in the second half of life is to recognize our dual nature, fully befriending our ego-self while at the same time realizing our ultimate identity. We often have some kind of experience in which our very identity is called into question (either good or bad experience). Although we try convincing ourselves otherwise, much of the time we have a very limited amount of control over the external events in our lives. When events out of our control occur, they can teach us that there is much more to who and what we are. Wise spiritual teachers often advise us to view our life experiences as a curriculum for awakening to our true nature. This is the sacred task in any consciously lived life. Whether or not we reach the theoretical endpoint of the journey is not the issue. What matters is the aspiration, the purity of heart that inspires us to continually open into the great unknown and become living instruments of its inherent goodness.
2.) Choosing a Vision - For most of us most of the time, maintaining an ongoing awareness of mystery requires a long-term commitment. It requires openness, effort, and attention, not to mention humility and a willingness to learn and adjust. We need a clear sense of direction and a strong sense of purpose. We often ask ourselves, "Toward what end?" in relation to the time we have on this earth or what is our vision for the life we are living at this stage in our journey? You might rephrase this to "What matters to me most, and to what extent is that a part of my life right now?" or you might reflect on which upcoming activities cause you to start a new day with feelings of excitement and aliveness. When we're out of touch with our hearts' deepest desires, we stumble haphazardly from one experience to another in search of some kind of lasting satisfaction. When we're in clear contact with our vision for living, we tap into the remarkable power of intention, and we take the necessary steps to bring our lives into alignment with our core values. Although our vision is never set in stone and may change, sometimes in surprising ways, it continually functions like the North Star guiding a ship at sea. It enables us to make decisions in present time that will shape the way our future unfolds. We sense the possibility of living with true intregrity, and that inspires us to continue on the path of spiritual realization in a wholehearted way. We can lose our way which gradually deflates our enthusiasm and hopefulness if we do not have a vision. If we understand the role of aspiration and its function in spiritual development, we aim our hearts in the direction of our highest vision and recognize that its purpose is to give us a sense of direction. Just as the ship on the ocean never physically touches the North Star, we will not reach the theoretical endpoint of our transformational journey. Our vision guides us onward and inspires us to continue our inner and outer training as impeccably as we're able. When we're involved in a church, or like-minded people, this effect is amplified by the commonality of vision as we support each other. We can be a "force for good" in whatever way is appropriate for us. Love everyone, "Serve everyone, and remember God always." "Pay attention; don't cling; be kind."
3.) Awakening Intuition - Intuition is a way of knowing. It includes the intellect yet goes beyond it. It includes the body, the emotions, and a "felt sense". It's an innate part of our being that functions like an inner guide, or "an impulse toward wholeness". A second way to know our awakened heart-mind is through reflection on the teachings we've received. A third way is through formal training in meditation or prayer. What contribution can I give that would light up my life while in this stage of life? Our understanding will continually evolve as we increasingly recognize the present moment as the heartbeat of reality. The ability to distinguish authentic intuitive wisdom from self-deception that is rooted in the needs of the ego is something we can develop. Pay close attention to our motivation. Authentic inner guidance often brings feelings of calmness, certainty, and resolution. Sometimes our intuitions give impressions in symbolic form. We can learn to become aware of the way the unconscious and conscious aspects of the mind communicate with each other. Pausiing decision making strengthens our tolerance for uncertainty and gives our intuition time to develop. Another means is checking out your intuitions with people you trust and know well. In the end, return to where we started - purifying our motivation so we can align ourselves with our highest intentions.
4.) Committing to Inner Work - While it's true that there's more to who we are than our physical selves, a necessary step in understanding that "more" is fully inhabiting our bodies. To do so, we must remain attuned to our physicality and not excessively desensitize ourselves to avoid the inevitable sensations and feeling that are part of being human. This aspect of awakening becomes increasingly poignant as we grow older and are forced to acknowledge our physical limitations. Instead of looking at aging as bad news, we can learn to distinguish healthy self-compassion from victim oriented self-pity. Bodity changes in the aging process become stepping-stones on the road to liberation. They remind us of the aspect of our being that is a part of nature, and they motivate us to look more deeply at the ultimate dimension of who and what we are. Be aware of physical sensations and sense impressions. Also emotions, moods, and thoughts.
5.) Suffering Effectively - We fear our own death the most. Start by opening to what life presents, however mysterious or unexpected. Train yourself to turn toward whatever arises, be it pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral. Cultivate loving curiosity, a blend of self-compassion and a spirit of investigation. Explore creative ways to open your heart, quiet your mind, and become instruments of love and wisdom in the world. Pause periodically to reflect on your unfolding journey and to remember yet again that we already have what we seek and we already are what we yearn to become.
6.) Serving from the Heart - The quality of presence, involves being grounded in the here and now, and understanding that the present moment is always our fundamental reference point for reality. Realizing that we're each part of the same timeless mystery, separate yet one, "out there and in here," naturally gives rise to a feeling of compassion. We feel moved to serve from the heart. Self-compassion is a skill. We've looked deeply at our own suffering and see it clearly, we've come to fully accept that some suffering is unavoidable. Rather than blame ourselves for our struggles and reinforce deep-seated feelings of unworthiness, we recognize that there's a personal and an impersonal dimension. Wise self-care is balance. We simply do what we can to optimize our quality of life for our own benefit and for the benefit of others. Rather than obsess about every seemly imperfect situation that arises, we understand that such moments are inherent in the human condition, we allow them to be as they are, and we stop doing battle with reality. This allows us to rest in peace - while we're still alive. Humor is also needed in suffering. We recognize the value of playfulness and lightheartedness, which provide temporary relief from the intensity of the pain and sorrow. These times strengthen our resilience and remind us that we can still appreciate life even in the midst of hurt, loss, anger, and disappointment.
7.) Celebrating the Journey - Conventional happiness depends on specific circumstances, it is temporary and fragile by nature.Abiding happiness is "happiness for no reason". This is what allows us to celebrate our journey regardless of the circumstance we're experiencing. There's a strong tendency in the first half of our lives to emphasize the process of becoming. We're often so deeply conditioned by modern society that striving becomes our dominant mode of living. We feel we don't have enough. When we ripen our spiritual We can however appreciate the paradoxes and contradictions of life and make the present moment our reference point for what's true. Because each of our lives is unique, we all fulfill our ultimate purpose in our own way and in our own time.
Book Notes:
7 key categories (core principles) that unite conscious living and dying:
1.) Embracing the Mystery - Birth and death are excellent gateways to mystery, but we need not wait for such singularly powerful experiences to embrace the mystery of our lives. Embracing mystery or waking up in this life, is made easily accessible by the fact that the most ordinary of our experiences can also become a gateway to the ineffable. We have a deeply conditioned tendency to live as if we're on autopilot, sleepwalking through our day with no recognition of how precious it is to be alive in the first place. Opening to things as they are on a moment-to-moment basis, we gradually learn to trust our unfolding lives and to relax into the not-knowing that is ever present and ultimately unavoidable. From a spiritual perspective, a central task in the second half of life is to recognize our dual nature, fully befriending our ego-self while at the same time realizing our ultimate identity. We often have some kind of experience in which our very identity is called into question (either good or bad experience). Although we try convincing ourselves otherwise, much of the time we have a very limited amount of control over the external events in our lives. When events out of our control occur, they can teach us that there is much more to who and what we are. Wise spiritual teachers often advise us to view our life experiences as a curriculum for awakening to our true nature. This is the sacred task in any consciously lived life. Whether or not we reach the theoretical endpoint of the journey is not the issue. What matters is the aspiration, the purity of heart that inspires us to continually open into the great unknown and become living instruments of its inherent goodness.
2.) Choosing a Vision - For most of us most of the time, maintaining an ongoing awareness of mystery requires a long-term commitment. It requires openness, effort, and attention, not to mention humility and a willingness to learn and adjust. We need a clear sense of direction and a strong sense of purpose. We often ask ourselves, "Toward what end?" in relation to the time we have on this earth or what is our vision for the life we are living at this stage in our journey? You might rephrase this to "What matters to me most, and to what extent is that a part of my life right now?" or you might reflect on which upcoming activities cause you to start a new day with feelings of excitement and aliveness. When we're out of touch with our hearts' deepest desires, we stumble haphazardly from one experience to another in search of some kind of lasting satisfaction. When we're in clear contact with our vision for living, we tap into the remarkable power of intention, and we take the necessary steps to bring our lives into alignment with our core values. Although our vision is never set in stone and may change, sometimes in surprising ways, it continually functions like the North Star guiding a ship at sea. It enables us to make decisions in present time that will shape the way our future unfolds. We sense the possibility of living with true intregrity, and that inspires us to continue on the path of spiritual realization in a wholehearted way. We can lose our way which gradually deflates our enthusiasm and hopefulness if we do not have a vision. If we understand the role of aspiration and its function in spiritual development, we aim our hearts in the direction of our highest vision and recognize that its purpose is to give us a sense of direction. Just as the ship on the ocean never physically touches the North Star, we will not reach the theoretical endpoint of our transformational journey. Our vision guides us onward and inspires us to continue our inner and outer training as impeccably as we're able. When we're involved in a church, or like-minded people, this effect is amplified by the commonality of vision as we support each other. We can be a "force for good" in whatever way is appropriate for us. Love everyone, "Serve everyone, and remember God always." "Pay attention; don't cling; be kind."
3.) Awakening Intuition - Intuition is a way of knowing. It includes the intellect yet goes beyond it. It includes the body, the emotions, and a "felt sense". It's an innate part of our being that functions like an inner guide, or "an impulse toward wholeness". A second way to know our awakened heart-mind is through reflection on the teachings we've received. A third way is through formal training in meditation or prayer. What contribution can I give that would light up my life while in this stage of life? Our understanding will continually evolve as we increasingly recognize the present moment as the heartbeat of reality. The ability to distinguish authentic intuitive wisdom from self-deception that is rooted in the needs of the ego is something we can develop. Pay close attention to our motivation. Authentic inner guidance often brings feelings of calmness, certainty, and resolution. Sometimes our intuitions give impressions in symbolic form. We can learn to become aware of the way the unconscious and conscious aspects of the mind communicate with each other. Pausiing decision making strengthens our tolerance for uncertainty and gives our intuition time to develop. Another means is checking out your intuitions with people you trust and know well. In the end, return to where we started - purifying our motivation so we can align ourselves with our highest intentions.
4.) Committing to Inner Work - While it's true that there's more to who we are than our physical selves, a necessary step in understanding that "more" is fully inhabiting our bodies. To do so, we must remain attuned to our physicality and not excessively desensitize ourselves to avoid the inevitable sensations and feeling that are part of being human. This aspect of awakening becomes increasingly poignant as we grow older and are forced to acknowledge our physical limitations. Instead of looking at aging as bad news, we can learn to distinguish healthy self-compassion from victim oriented self-pity. Bodity changes in the aging process become stepping-stones on the road to liberation. They remind us of the aspect of our being that is a part of nature, and they motivate us to look more deeply at the ultimate dimension of who and what we are. Be aware of physical sensations and sense impressions. Also emotions, moods, and thoughts.
5.) Suffering Effectively - We fear our own death the most. Start by opening to what life presents, however mysterious or unexpected. Train yourself to turn toward whatever arises, be it pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral. Cultivate loving curiosity, a blend of self-compassion and a spirit of investigation. Explore creative ways to open your heart, quiet your mind, and become instruments of love and wisdom in the world. Pause periodically to reflect on your unfolding journey and to remember yet again that we already have what we seek and we already are what we yearn to become.
6.) Serving from the Heart - The quality of presence, involves being grounded in the here and now, and understanding that the present moment is always our fundamental reference point for reality. Realizing that we're each part of the same timeless mystery, separate yet one, "out there and in here," naturally gives rise to a feeling of compassion. We feel moved to serve from the heart. Self-compassion is a skill. We've looked deeply at our own suffering and see it clearly, we've come to fully accept that some suffering is unavoidable. Rather than blame ourselves for our struggles and reinforce deep-seated feelings of unworthiness, we recognize that there's a personal and an impersonal dimension. Wise self-care is balance. We simply do what we can to optimize our quality of life for our own benefit and for the benefit of others. Rather than obsess about every seemly imperfect situation that arises, we understand that such moments are inherent in the human condition, we allow them to be as they are, and we stop doing battle with reality. This allows us to rest in peace - while we're still alive. Humor is also needed in suffering. We recognize the value of playfulness and lightheartedness, which provide temporary relief from the intensity of the pain and sorrow. These times strengthen our resilience and remind us that we can still appreciate life even in the midst of hurt, loss, anger, and disappointment.
7.) Celebrating the Journey - Conventional happiness depends on specific circumstances, it is temporary and fragile by nature.Abiding happiness is "happiness for no reason". This is what allows us to celebrate our journey regardless of the circumstance we're experiencing. There's a strong tendency in the first half of our lives to emphasize the process of becoming. We're often so deeply conditioned by modern society that striving becomes our dominant mode of living. We feel we don't have enough. When we ripen our spiritual We can however appreciate the paradoxes and contradictions of life and make the present moment our reference point for what's true. Because each of our lives is unique, we all fulfill our ultimate purpose in our own way and in our own time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2024
life part 2 wisely reframes the journey of getting older
Reading Part 2 helps open a door to glimpse potential rather than peril in our later years. David seems to suggest that our lived experiences, viewed as positive or negative, and the particular challenges that often accompany older age may actually be of particular benefit for walking the path. A nice framing of this phase of living. He also suggests 7 qualities to practice to help us realize our potential for awakening. These are well known and practiced across many traditions. His writing is very accessible, inviting and reassuring. thank you.
Reading Part 2 helps open a door to glimpse potential rather than peril in our later years. David seems to suggest that our lived experiences, viewed as positive or negative, and the particular challenges that often accompany older age may actually be of particular benefit for walking the path. A nice framing of this phase of living. He also suggests 7 qualities to practice to help us realize our potential for awakening. These are well known and practiced across many traditions. His writing is very accessible, inviting and reassuring. thank you.
January 6, 2022
I was disappointed in Life, Part Two. I was hoping for inspiration and new knowledge focused on the second half of life. Instead, I found too many stories of Chernikoff's students and friends. Also, it revealed itself to be more autobiographical, highlighting the many successes of the author's life. It read like a resume. A repeated resume. I found it tedious and over-prideful.
January 24, 2022
Good self help and a really nice guy. It just seemed a bit too simplistic.
June 1, 2022
Awakening purpose and joy as you age
September 25, 2022
GREAT!
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