From Age-ing to Sage-ing

A Revolutionary Approach to Growing Older

De: Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, Ronald S. Miller

Narrado por: Sean Runnette

Over two decades ago, beloved and respected rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi felt an uneasiness. He was growing older, and fears about death and infirmity were haunting him. So he decided to embark on mission to get to the bottom of his fears. Through a series of events that included a vision quest in a secluded cabin and studying with Sufi masters, Buddhist teachers and Native-American shamans, Reb Zalman found a way to turn aging into the most meangful and joyous time in his life.

In this inspiring and informative guide, Reb Zalman shares his wisdom and experience with listeners. He tells listeners how to create an aging process for themselves that is full of adventure, passion, mystery, and fulfillment, rather than anxiety. Using scientific research - both neurological and psychological - Reb Zalman offers techniques that will expand horizons beyond the narrow view of "the present" into a grand and enduring eternity.

By harnessing the power of the spirit, as well as explaining exactly how to become a sage in their own community, he gives listeners a helpful and moving way to use their own experiences to nurture, heal, and perhaps even save a younger generation from the prison of how we typically regard aging.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©1995 Zalman Schachter-Shalomi and Ronald S. Miller; Preface and Afterword copyright 2014 by Zalman Schachter-Shalomi and Ronald S. Miller (P)2018 Tantor

A must read!

I can't help but wish Reb Zalman was the narrator, AND I'm so glad this book is here for everyone.

Excellent theory

I love this in the theoretical. But it got a little too new age for me.
It has inspired me to think a little bit more about my aging and the quality of it. So it serves a great purpose for me.

A Needed Revolution

This book had many great ideas. All ages could benefit and gain from a more connected life. All ages have so much to offer yet society has labeled and segmented life. Having listened to this book on audible I did not like the voice for this book. I would have enjoyed a kinder and less business voice.

An elder. Not elderly.

The author informs us of why and how to live a meaningful in the elder years.

Things we already knew

But still useful, however, would have been even more helpful had we not gone after spiritual development since in our 20s.

Hard pass and refund please

Authors self inflated opinions are tedious at best. This 63 year old wants a refund for this nonsense

Had I known, I wouldn’t have purchased this book

If you have never done any self-reflection, this book will give you a good start. Otherwise, this book will seem far too elementary.

If you are considering attending one of his seminars, this book is a good introduction. Many “Here is what you will learn (experience) when you come to my seminar” type statements.

If environmental activism is your thing, you will love this book. Becoming an “environmental caretaker” in old age is suggested — often. The word “environment” is used 56 times in this 380 page book, often in this context. Not that I am for trashing the planet, but this seemed excessive and (more importantly) off topic.

For example:

“Because elders have “graduated” from the concerns of family and career, they are eminently qualified to serve as caretakers of the environment.”

“How good is it for the environment to produce cars that fall apart in several years?”

“As both older and younger people learn to find fulfillment in nonmaterial ways and consume less of the Earth’s resources, they reduce the damage inflicted on the environment and become willing collaborators in healing the planet.”

The word “earth,” often in this context, is used 142 times, nearly every 2 pages.

For example:

“Once elders are restored to positions of leadership, they will function as wisdomkeepers, inspiring us to live by higher values that will help convert our throwaway lifestyle into a more sustainable, Earth-cherishing one. They also will serve as evolutionary pathfinders offering hope and guidance to all those searching for models of a fulfilled human potential.”

If a belief in evolution is your thing, you will love this book. The word “evolution” is used 86 times, nearly every 4 pages.

For example:

“...[experience] elderhood as evolution’s crowning achievement.”

“Evolution is giving us the opportunity to ripen new areas of the brain.”

“Understand how evolution has prepared elders to awaken intuition.”

As a result, the book seemed to keep making the same points again, and again and again.

For the right person, this book may be great. I bailed out halfway. For me, there was too little to be gleaned to justify the time spent. Had I known, I wouldn’t have purchased this book.