We need to learn about the world's inherent vitality

Last month Thomas Moore accepted the invitation to be first scholar-in-residence at Horizon House in Seattle, Washington.  According to "Horizon House Inspires Community to Rethink Aging", "The idea for the program was conceived by Horizon House resident George Nickelsburg, who organized the event along with the Rev. Linda Purdy, director of spiritual care."

"Moore presented four days of talks on topics ranging from aging to art, music, religion and spirituality...

Nickelsburg first met Moore while working at the University of Iowa as a religious studies professor. When he learned that Moore was working on a new book titled Aging With Soul, he knew the prominent author would be a perfect fit for the inaugural program.

Residents were invited to meet with Moore to discuss unfinished chapters of the book, which they studied during a four-week period before Moore arrived.

'There were a number of aha moments that were wonderful to watch,' Purdy says. 'They loved his authenticity, his strength of character. He respected what they had to teach him, but they also loved some of the new ideas he introduced.'"

"More than 500 guests attended the scholar-in-residence events. Purdy hopes that the program’s success will lead to similar events in the future."