The Moon at the Window
The seed for this book was first planted in 1994 in Calcutta, India. It reaches its conclusion in 2022 on a desert trail outside Tucson, Arizona where the now 80-year-old author takes frequent morning walks. The book’s “senior reflections” take the reader to a Bulgarian dance floor, the holiest city in India, majestic Idaho mountains, the serenity of the Arizona dessert, and to the reader’s own thoughts and emotions. The author sips scotch with a friend, is thrilled by whitewater rafting, and writes with the moon at the window and the faithful dog, Yoda, at his feet. Intertwined through each chapter is Spirit. The book provides a unique look at aging through the eyes of mythology, spirituality, classic writers, and the author’s life experiences.
The Japanese hermit, Ryokan’s (1758-1831) haiku is responsible for the title of the book:
The thief
Left it behind
The moon at the window.
The moon at the window, where quiet resides, offers a space to relax and absorb the beauty in the sky above and the spirit within, find wisdom in the thoughts of old, and reflect on one’s life journey. The thief left the treasure behind.
As part of an initial collection of senior reflections published on Smart Strategies for Successful Living, this is a gem of a book to be treasured. It encapsulates the heart and soul of aging and is a must read for anyone who seeks to age with grace.