The best books on aging wisdom, loss, and spiritual rebirthing

Lucille Ann Meltz Author Of The Elder Widow's Walk: A Personal Inner Journey and Guide for Bereaved Widows 65 and Beyond
By Lucille Ann Meltz

Who am I?

I have been a spiritual seeker my entire life, drawn to the mysteries of life, the nature of the soul, the afterlife, intuitive knowing, higher consciousness, and psycho-spiritual transformation. Besides the numerous personal teachers who have enriched my path, personal/ spiritual growth books have been a powerful guide and inspiration. In my coaching practice “Touch The Soul”, I continually draw on my own 70 plus years of acquired elder wisdom as well as the wisdom of so many who have come before me, writers and wayshowers of expansive spirituality.I am grateful to share a few books which may enlighten and deepen your own spiritual journey.

I wrote...

The Elder Widow's Walk: A Personal Inner Journey and Guide for Bereaved Widows 65 and Beyond

By Lucille Ann Meltz,

Book cover of The Elder Widow's Walk: A Personal Inner Journey and Guide for Bereaved Widows 65 and Beyond

What is my book about?

When my husband and life partner of 49 years died, I became an isolated, invisible widow living on a remote peninsula in unimaginable solitude. I grieved deeply while trying to re-create my life at age 70. I faced the unique losses, fears, and endless daily struggles of an elder widow, none ever addressed in any grief and loss literature. My enduring pathway to survival and soul renewal led me to delve deeply into decades of my own life experience, inner wisdom, and belief in the eternal nature of love. What emerged is this guidebook, my personal inner journey balanced with useful emotional and spiritual healing practices for the bereaved elder widow and for those who wish to support her on her new life pathway.

The books I picked & why

Shepherd is readers supported. When you buy through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission. This is how we fund this project for readers and authors (learn more).

Life Lessons: Two Experts on Death & Dying Teach Us about the Mysteries of Life & Living

By Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, David Kessler,

Book cover of Life Lessons: Two Experts on Death & Dying Teach Us about the Mysteries of Life & Living

Why this book?

I savor books that bring the spiritual into everyday life. This mastery description of fourteen Life Lessons gained through facing the realities of death and dying will touch your heart and revitalize your courage. Universal wisdom, all-encompassing love, and the unraveling of the mysteries of life are all here in these true, relatable life stories.

Goddesses in Older Women: Archetypes in Women Over Fifty

By Jean Shinoda Bolen,

Book cover of Goddesses in Older Women: Archetypes in Women Over Fifty

Why this book?

What does it mean to become “a juicy crone”? Expanded mystical, intellectual, intuitive, and meditative wisdom as well as healing laughter, outrage, and compassion are all available to the elder woman in the goddess archetypes present in her psyche. I love the comprehensive and empowering recognition of the beautiful, priceless inner gifts possible in a woman's rebirthing after the age of 50.

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom

By Don Miguel Ruiz,

Book cover of The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom

Why this book?

This transformational wisdom guide by a Toltec shaman teaches that all your beliefs, perceptions, and judgments are based on old agreements made with yourself, others, and your God. These agreements can dissipate your energy and keep you from your joy. Living the new Four Agreements returns to you all the power you lost in the drama, suffering, and pain of your old agreements. I consider this book a spiritual primer, the one I most recommend to my clients, and frequently re-read myself for its gems on how to live “the dream of heaven on earth.”

Never Say Goodbye: A Medium's Stories of Connecting with Your Loved Ones

By Patrick Matthews,

Book cover of Never Say Goodbye: A Medium's Stories of Connecting with Your Loved Ones

Why this book?

I have had many “visitations” from passed-on loved ones, including cherished pets, so am always interested in a professional's take on connecting with those on the other side. This detailed guide by a nationally recognized medium covers effective strategies and fascinating stories of relating across the divide. It is also a well-explained basic orientation to the concept of meditation and an intriguing portrait of what the afterlife may be like for us all.

Still Here: Embracing Aging, Changing, and Dying

By Ram Dass,

Book cover of Still Here: Embracing Aging, Changing, and Dying

Why this book?

An icon of the 60's spiritual revolution, Ram Dass, 30 plus years later, reveals the wisdom of his elder years following his stroke as he faced radical self-birthing. With sharp insight, humor, and humility he shares his fears of living and dying and the spiritual beliefs that sustain him. His chapter on “Learning to Die” is exceptionally poignant as he addresses three major questions: How do I deal with the process of dying, what happens at the moment of death and what will happen after death? As an elder woman myself, I treasure this as a truly comforting beacon for elders and for anyone who knows and loves them.

5 book lists we think you will like!

The best books on endings and beginnings
The best cookbooks written by storytellers
The best middle-grade books about the power of words
The best YA novels on bullying and depression
The best books for kids about making friends and friendship issues

Interested in life satisfaction, seniors, and goddess?

5,309 authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about life satisfaction, seniors, and goddess.

Life Satisfaction Explore 110 books about life satisfaction
Seniors Explore 14 books about seniors
Goddess Explore 10 books about goddess

And, 3 books we think you will enjoy!

We think you will like 30 Lessons for Living, An Ordinary Age, and Bravey if you like this list.

Book cover of 30 Lessons for Living: Tried and True Advice from the Wisest Americans Book cover of An Ordinary Age: Finding Your Way in a World That Expects Exceptional Book cover of Bravey: Chasing Dreams, Befriending Pain, and Other Big Ideas