As we move unceasingly into old age questions concerning our own mortality work themselves into our thinking and emotions. Where can we find meaning in a world that often seems to have passed us by? What is spirituality and how does it play into the last stage of life?
Definition of Spirituality
The word “breath” comes from the Latin spiritus which means, “that which gives life or vitality to a system.” Central to the world’s major religions is the word “spiritual” that is used in the following ways:
Hinduism: Prana is the Sanskrit word for breath and it means “life force.”
Buddhism: Breath (Anapanasati) is mindfulness, the medium between mind and body.
Judaism/Christianity/Islam: God breathes life into the man and the man becomes a living creature. (Genesis 2:7) Breath of God is defined as Holy Spirit. (ruach in Hebrew; pneuma in Greek)
The word “spirituality” is not limited to religious use. Webster’s dictionary defines “spirit” as “breath, wind, or related to.” These few words speak to both the internal and external experience of spirituality. Breath (spirit) invisibly taken into a person gives life to the visible body. Some of the unseen breath remains within the individual while the rest is exhaled. Breath (spirit) is part of a person but transcends the person as well. When we exhale, we share the same breath making us “related to.” The spirit or breath is part of us both internally and externally.
Whether secular or religious, breath can bring peace. Deep conscious breathing may guide us to peace such as freedom from disturbance, tranquility, calmness, harmony in the absence of hostility, internal stillness and quiet. Many forms of meditation or breathing quietly lead to peace with oneself and the world. Religiously, Spirit leads to peace as recognized in the statement of Jesus, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you.” (John 14:27)
Spirituality and Life’s Last Stage
When an old person experiences life from a spiritual perspective, insights come from sources such as:
- A lifetime of experience.
- Looking inward and reflecting on the past.
- Bringing together all of one’s life into a completed picture.
- Recognizing the importance of quiet time alone and shared time with others.
- Freedom from the need to prove anything or hold dogmatic positions.
- Release from prejudice or narrow mindedness.
- Recognizing oneness with all that is.
Expressing the Spirit in Old Age
Is my eyesight fading or am I
Just imagining it,
am I going to get rheumatism,
lockjaw, dementia?
Finally, I saw that worrying had
come to nothing.
And gave it up. And took my old
Body
and went out into the morning
and sang.
By Mary Oliver
Throughout history people have known if a person reaches old age there is no way to remain physically healthy indefinitely. An old person knows, whether it is overtly acknowledged or not, that there is no way to escape death.
For old folks, according to the early film comedian, Charlie Chaplin, there are six great doctors when facing life’s end: sunshine, rest, exercise, diet, self-esteem, friends.
Regardless of our personal beliefs, we can all experience meaning in our lives when in the words of Bertrand Russell (1872-1970) we can “find value in the act of living itself.” Ah, breathe deeply.
Final Reflections
Often the spiritual is experienced in ways that are beyond verbalization. The 16-year-old Dutch singer, Emma Kok, provided me with such a moment when she performed Barbara Pravi’s song Voila live on the Vrijthof Square in Masstricht, The Netherlands. Emma took in deep breaths that mingled with her vocal cords, exhaled and shared with the listeners the angelic sounds that came forth. In listening I was in-tune not only with my own feelings but with the oneness of all life.
The young Emma has gastroparesis (a condition that paralyzes the stomach muscles and prevents proper stomach emptying) and has been dependent on a feeding tube since she was nine months old. She has formed and helps fund a foundation to study the disease and hopefully one day find a cure. Through it all she brings a gift to the world that for me is best defined by the word “spiritual.” Her performance has amazed over 50 million views on YouTube.
As we face the trials that accompany the last stage of life, we can take a deep breath, hold it, let it out and recognize the power of the spiritual becoming part of us as we exhale and share common breath with others. What a positive comfort this is as our lives move towards a final curtain.
Written by: Hartzell Cobbs
About the Author: With a sprinkling of exuberance and vitality, Dr. Cobbs is an accomplished author of three books and numerous articles published in different venues throughout his life. Dr. Cobbs’ first book, Thanatos and the Sage: A spiritual approach to aging (2008), offers a thought-provoking interpretation of the interplay between how to live life with meaningful intentions and the eventuality of coming to terms with death. His second book, RavenWind (2019) delves into the raven’s role as it relates to Native American myths, legends, and folktales and global history. His reflections on the spirituality of living and dying depicted in his books are threaded throughout the short essays posted on the website for “Smart Strategies for Successful Living” and in his latest book, The Moon at the Window: Senior Reflections.
Discover More…
- Watch the amazing song “Voila” song by Emma Kok at: CLICK HERE.
- For your inspiration, read our companion article on how to approach dying well at: CLICK HERE.
- Unlock the secret to a happier, healthier lifestyle by delving into additional captivating articles on our website at: Smart Strategies for Successful Living.
- Enjoy our uplifting and inspiring videos on our YouTube channel at: CLICK HERE.
Check out these heartfelt and inspirational books…
The Moon at the Window: Senior Reflections: CLICK HERE.
RavenWind: CLICK HERE.
Thanatos and the Sage: A spiritual approach to aging: CLICK HERE.