The Freedom of Consciously Aging

In this 2024 conversation with Justine Willis Toms, Orsborn shares the concept of embracing old age as a transformative process. She emphasizes the importance of accepting reality, embracing mortality, and recognizing one's belovedness. Orsborn differentiates between hope and expectation, advocating for hope as a vision without attachment to outcomes. She highlights the spiritual journey as a practice of humility, surrender, and curiosity. Orsborn also touches on the evolutionary purpose of old age and the role of spiritual practices in navigating life's challenges, including illness and loss. Her insights focus on the expansion of consciousness and the acceptance of life's mysteries. (hosted by Justine Willis Toms)

Carol Orsborn, Ph.D. received her Masters of Theological Studies and Doctorate in History and Critical Theory of Religion from Vanderbilt University, with post-graduate work in Spiritual Counseling at the New Seminary in Manhattan, where she specialized in adult development and ritual studies. She has served on the faculties of Pepperdine, Loyola Marymount, and Georgetown Universities.  She is the author of:

• Older, Wiser, Fiercer: The Wisdom Collection (self-published 2019) 

• The Making of an Old Soul: Aging as the Fulfillment of Life's Promise (White River Press 2021)

• Spiritual Aging: Weekly Reflections for Embracing Life (Park Street Press 2024)

Interview Date: 1/10/2025       Tags: Carol Orsborn, Joan Chittister, fear, denial, God, grace, Tolstoy, Death of Ivan Illich, Ram Dass, hope, expectation, curiosity, Personal Transformation, Spirituality, Aging