AGING FOR BEGINNERS

We all grow old. This book teaches us how to take advantage of a new phase of life: a phase of renewal and inner exploration.

We're all beginners when it comes to aging. And although the fact that we are in new territory can certainly contribute to the difficulties in dealing with getting older, it can also have a very positive side. Aging can be seen as a new phase of our life: a phase of renewal. Nowhere is this more evident than in our opportunity to devote more time to reflection and inner exploration. The result, regardless of whatever physical limitations we may be experiencing, is the possibility of cultivating and living increasingly from kindness and gratitude—two of the essential qualities of a life of satisfaction and equanimity.

Ezra Bayda and Elizabeth Hamilton have each been practicing meditation for over forty years and teaching since 1995, including leading retreats in the United States and abroad. They currently co-teach at Zen Center San Diego.

Ezra is the author of seven books, including Being Zen, The Authentic Life, and Saying Yes to Life (Even the Hard Parts). Elizabeth is the author of Untrain Your Parrot and has led numerous workshops at hospice.