This paper explores the process of pattern recognition reflected in Newman's praxis methodology by three Korean elderly people with chronic illnesses. Four core themes demonstrated from the life pattern of participants that discouragement/frustration, regret, deep grudge/pent up feeling and renunciation/resignation were prevalent. None of the participants had experienced the turning point central to the process of expanding consciousness. It was concluded that it requires longer a research period with repeated in-depth interviews to explore the transformation in the process of recognizing a pattern of life.