Embracing Aging, Change and Dying (Ram Dass) – Part 2

Thinking Allowed with Jeffrey Mishlove

What do you do when aging decreases your mental and physical capacity and punctures your sense of life? Host Jeffrey Mishlove and Ram Dass continue their conversation about the effects of Ram Dass's recent stroke, and Ram Dass explains that the stroke has changed his sense of identity.

Ram Dass explains that it was easy to identify himself as superficial aspects of his character, for example as a golfer, but since his stroke, he can no longer see himself that way. He can no longer golf, no longer speak as fluently. He must find a deeper meaning of life and definition of himself.

Mishlove and Ram Dass discuss the lack of respect for elders in this culture, noting that there are very few interviews with people who experience aphasia. Ram Dass offers comforting wisdom and insight.

See also: Part 1