Description
“Susan Stewart guides her readers through the thorny thicket of aging in America to a quiet clearing where misconceptions of old age are peeled away and our fears are not denied but embraced. We’re lead with gentle hands through solid cross-cultural, age-old traditions—with short excursions into psychology, contemporary science, poetry, and the wisdom of older women—that help to re-awaken our own forgotten memories and understandings of what it is to grow old. With the skill of an alchemist, Stewart invites us to explore eleven qualities that ripen in later life and can transform the leaden fear of aging into a grateful recognition that the ‘golden years’ are indeed gold. This book is to be read and then reread, one chapter at a time, whenever an infusion of audacity, contentment, agelessness, or courage is needed.”
—Jackie Cato, retired bilingual teacher
“In this wise volume, Susan Stewart offers a compelling vision of what aging can be, not only for women but for us all. In particular, the eleven qualities she dubs as ‘the Graces of Winter’ articulate a profound depth-psychological model, rooted both in contemporary, cutting-edge research, and ancient wisdom.”
—David Van Nuys, PhD, Emeritus Professor of Psychology and creator/host of the Shrink Rap Radio podcast
“Dr. Susan Stewart’s book is a gift to all of us who are making the transition to late adulthood. Written in a beautiful, moving, personal, and descriptive style, her work draws on the truths of science and a myriad of traditions, cultures, and stories, and weaves these together into a seamless, rich tapestry. Dr. Stewart’s writing has reaffirmed that I am not alone with the challenges that I am facing in the second half of life, and has given me the courage and perspective to forge onward with a renewed optimism about life and all that it has to teach me. Her book has given me permission to be my own unique and authentic self as I attempt to master the art of living fully and joyfully. I look forward to rereading Dr. Stewart’s work many times as I hold it as a companion on my life’s journey.”
—David F. Sowerby, PhD, consultant, author, and Adjunct Faculty Member in the Psychology Departments at Sonoma State University, Sofia University, and Dominican University of California.
“Susan Stewart’s book, aptly named Winter’s Graces, is full of grace. For me, reading it was like opening a treasure box and discovering that a time of life I was anticipating with some dread is actually rich in beauty and other blessings. I envision groups of women coming together to receive its reassuring wisdom and to be awakened to the inviting possibilities that age has to offer.”
—Margaret Potts, retired teacher
“Winter’s Graces comes to us in an era that requires more grace than most us can muster. And yet the myths and stories included in this book, and the lessons drawn from them, nurture a sense of adventure and lay out a map of how we might create an old age worth living, in spite of moments of fear and despair and loss of faith. Though written for women in or approaching the winter of their lives, it speaks as truly for us codgers as well. Among the gifts this work has to offer is the experience of the author’s voice: at once gentle and wise, tentative and sure, and above all deeply human.”
— James A. Wiley, professor, Institute of Health Policy Research, UCSF School of Medicine
“A compelling, poignant, and necessary rebuttal to a culture that devalues people as they age. Dr. Stewart reveals the untapped resources of our human family through a framework rooted in science and ancient wisdom that helps us intentionally embrace the cycles of nature, and one another.”
—Dr. Kristen Lee, Lead Faculty, Behavioral Science, Northeastern University, Boston, and author of Mentalligence: A New Psychology of Thinking
“Dr. Susan Stewart has indeed followed her own instincts and inner wisdom in gathering stories that illustrate the meaning and value of our lives as we move toward adult maturation. She has thoughtfully organized this gentle book in approachable steps that encourage reflection, imagination, and acceptance.”
—Penelope Tarasuk, PhD, IAAP Jungian psychoanalyst and author of Polishing the Bones
