“This groundbreaking book is a comprehensive manual on the joys and sorrows of aging. In this sense, Aging for Beginners does double duty. For those who fear the sorrows that inevitably accompany aging—from the loss of loved ones to the loss of physical and perhaps mental stamina—the book offers practices for accepting and even embracing these sorrows as part of the human journey. And for those who fear that getting older necessarily brings with it a lessening of life’s joys, the book illustrates that this need not be the case, offering many tools and practices for finding and nourishing that joy. Aging for Beginners has been a great help to me personally. I highly recommend it for people of all ages.”

– Toni Bernhard, author of How to Be Sick

“In Aging for Beginners, Ezra Bayda provides wise, caring guidance in turning toward the realities of aging, sickness and death, showing us how to find meaning and authenticity—and even thrive—in their presence. Bayda balances honoring their inevitable pains and complexities with providing powerful, concrete practices that can help immediately. We are all fortunate to have such a ‘beginner’ to guide us on this important journey. If you find yourself growing older, this book is for you.”

– Lizabeth Roemer, Ph.D., co-author of Worry Less, Live More and The Mindful Way Through Anxiety

“Ezra Bayda shares his personal experience of aging, offering glimpses into a kaleidoscope of challenges such as helplessness, grief, depression and physical pain. Written on a foundation of psychological insight and raw personal honesty, Aging for Beginners is a roadmap for those who wish to embrace aging as an essential path for their own spiritual journey. Drawing on decades of spiritual practice, Bayda offers practical exercises and meditations for the trials and tribulations that many of us will face as we move through the final chapters of our lives. In order to fully explore the profound issues of birth and death and the journey in between, we need the type of guidance this book offers.”

– Gregg Krech, author of The Art of Taking Action