Aging to Saging:
A Spiritual Journey for Elder Unitarian Universalists
Aging to Saging invites older adults to reimagine aging as a sacred and creative stage of life. Through story, reflection, creative expression, and spiritual practice, participants deepen their sense of purpose, harvest wisdom, and connect with the spiritual gifts of elderhood.
Format: Seven 90–120 minute sessions • Circle-based discussion, experiential exercises, journaling, and ritual.
Materials Needed: Journal, art supplies (for SoulCollage®), comfortable space for conversation and meditation.
Module 1: Embracing the Journey of Aging
Focus: Opening to the gifts and challenges of later life. Participants reflect on personal meanings of aging, explore hopes and fears, and begin forming a covenant for the group. Together, they reframe aging as a spiritual opportunity for growth and deepening.
Module 2: The Inner Landscape — SoulCollage®
Focus: Exploring inner wisdom through image and intuition. Using SoulCollage®, participants engage with archetypes, inner voices, and symbols that speak to their experience of elderhood.
Module 3: Harvesting a Life of Meaning
Focus: Life review as a sacred practice. Through reflection and guided exercises, participants trace significant life events and recognize themes of resilience and purpose.
Module 4: From Role to Soul
Focus: Identity beyond doing. Participants explore the shift from outer roles to inner essence through journaling and guided meditation.
Module 5: Legacy and Blessing
Focus: Sharing wisdom and love with future generations. Participants articulate the spiritual, emotional, and ethical legacies they wish to leave behind and practice offering blessings.
Module 6: Deepening Compassion and Service
Focus: Turning inner transformation into outer compassion. Participants explore compassion as a spiritual practice and consider how their elder wisdom can serve others.
Module 7: Celebration and Commitment
Focus: Integration and renewal. Participants celebrate their journey, share insights, and commit to continued spiritual growth and community service.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this program, participants will: Reframe aging as a sacred and creative life stage. Recognize personal and collective sources of wisdom. Articulate life meaning and legacy. Strengthen compassion and community connection. Commit to continued spiritual growth and service.
Bibliography of the books & passages guiding this group.
Ram Dass: Still Here
Ecclesiastes, 3:1-8
John O’Donahue: To Bless The Space Between
Mary Oliver: When I am Amongst Trees
Portia Nelson: Autobiography in Five Short Chapters
Dorothy Welty: My Life Journey to Self-Awareness: A Spiritual Memoir in Five Chapters
Parker Palmer: On The Brink Of Everything
Schacter Shalmi, Reb Zalman: From Age-ing to Sage-ing
Kenji Sora: The Art of Letting Go: 30 Short Zen Stories to Release Attachment, Heal Emotional Wounds, Overcome Anxiety, and Find Calm in the Present Moment
Tao Te Ching
Thich Nhat Hanh