Pat Taub
One of the positives of aging is living an unhurried life with ample down time, offering opportunities for reflection. These moments have led me to conceive of aging in a spiritual context, giving my life new meaning.
What do I mean by spiritual aging?
It’s reframing ordinary moments as sacred, casting a gratitude perspective on relationships with family and friends; taking a moral stand for peace and justice; cherishing everyday acts and practicing kindness, like playful exchanges with my charming 3-year-old neighbor, or giving a ride to a friend for a grocery run or doctor’s appointment.
A photo of my adult children and grands , June, 2018, London. Youngest son is the photo bomber.
A central challenge in my spiritual aging practice is not to let the world’s horrors undo me, keeping hope alive.
Daily I experience anguish over the genocide in Gaza, ICE’s treatment of migrants, and Trump’s attacks on higher education and free speech. When I move into helpless mode, I remind myself I am not alone. Every day global citizens are rising in larger and larger numbers to stand for Gaza.
Marching in Amsterdam for Palestine
Among my evolving spiritual aging practices:
A morning gratitude practice, where I express gratitude for the ordinary moments, like fresh flowers on my dining room table or a spirited text from my granddaughter. In addition to daily gifts, I’m grateful for my privileged life with a comfortable home, close friends and a caring partner.
I follow my gratitude practice with a morning meditation to quiet my racing mind.
Engaging with issues that address human rights violations by joining in protests for Gaza, blogging about human rights violations and writing letters to the editor.
Finding inspiration in favorite authors with a spiritual bent: Mary Oliver’s poetry, the wisdom of Pema Chodron, Rebecca Solnit, and Joan Chittister. For balance I read entertaining writers like Abigail Thomas, whose humorous take on aging brings laughter—laughter releases endorphins.
Giving thanks to tireless peace activists and writers, like Medea Benjamin and Chris Hedges. Their willingness to keep on marching and writing even when the future looks dark, fuels my hope.
Gratitude for those all over the world, standing for peace and justice, like the elderly British men and women arrested in London this past weekend simply for peacefully protesting Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
One of the elderly peace protesters arrested last weekend in London
Finding and sticking to a spiritual path becomes more meaningful and a little easier when I can share my struggles with like-minded friends where we bolster one another. For nearly 20 months, I have participated in a local women’s peace group that meets regularly to discuss our initiatives and concerns regarding the genocide in Gaza. We recognize we may not be able to turn the tide, but joining together to cry, laugh, and share actions over pizza generates hope. These women are part of my spiritual practice.
My women’s peace group at a birthday dinner for one of our members
Working to overcome conflicts in close relationships means forgiving myself and others for past hurts and moving on. I want to lead a life not marred by old wounds and regrets.
Practicing kindness whenever I can, remembering the words of the Dali Lama, who preaches “kindness is always possible.”
While I recognize the importance of preparing for death, I have to push myself to set aside time for this. Writing helps to flesh out the many layered accompanying emotions.
While I am erratic in my spiritual aging practices, the more I can commit to them, the more I’m able to live in the present, appreciating the goodness and beauty in the world, and finding hope when it seems elusive.
I’m endeavoring to have my old age defined by joy and new openings rather than fear and negativity.
