Falling Upward, Revised and Updated: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life - Hardcover

by Richard Rohr (Author), Brene Brown (Foreword by)

An update to the bestselling Falling Upward from Franciscan Father Richard Rohr

In the revised and updated edition of Falling Upward, Richard Rohr seeks to help readers come to terms with the two halves of life. In this book, Rohr teaches us that we can't understand the meaning of "up" until we have fallen "down." More importantly, Rohr describes what "up" can look like in the second half of life.

Most of us tend to think of the second half of life in chronological terms, but this book proposes a different paradigm. Spiritual maturity is found "when we begin to pay attention and seek integrity" through a shift from our "outer task" to the "inner task." What looks like falling down can be experienced as falling upward--and is not necessarily connected with aging. This new edition focuses on practical guidance that you can use to live a life of love and meaning in a world of suffering and challenge. Falling Upward is an invitation to living the gospel and a call to ongoing transformation.

• Gain a spiritual perspective on the "the common sequencing, staging, and direction of life's arc" and learn how to bring forth your gifts in the second half of life
• Grapple with difficult feelings, fears, and emotions associated with "great love and great suffering"
• Learn how we "grow spiritually much more by doing it wrong than by doing it right" Understand why so many of us resist falling into the second half of life

Readers of Rohrs previous works and those new to the remarkable teachings of this Franciscan priest will find comfort and inspiration in this guide to lifelong spiritual growth.

Front Jacket

As we journey through the first half of life, we often think that it will end when we have achieved our goals or climbed as high as we can. With this cultural assumption in our heads, we arrive at life's second half and believe there is nowhere to go but down. Falling Upward challenges us to rethink this perspective, shining light on the idea that the end of our first path is not an ending, but a new beginning.

As we transition into the second half of life, we are confronted by our challenges, mistakes, losses, and other forms of suffering. Little do most of us realize that these sufferings are in fact enormous gifts, opportunities to step outside our comfort zones and broaden our spiritual horizons. In this book, author Richard Rohr offers a paradigm for understanding one of life's most profound mysteries: how our failings can become the foundation for our ongoing spiritual growth.

Drawing on the wisdom from time-honored myths, heroic poems, great thinkers, and sacred religious texts, Rohr explores the two halves of life to show that the heartbreaks and disappointments of life's first half are actually stepping-stones to the spiritual joys that the second half of life has in store for us.

This revised edition of the beloved book includes many updates that make the content more relevant to today's readers. Among these updates is a focus, in practical terms, on how we can live meaningful lives in a world of suffering and conflict. Rohr emphasizes how "getting it wrong" can lead us directly to the spiritual answers we seek.

Back Jacket

Hope and direction for life's further journey

True spiritual growth comes when we rise from the ashes of our mistakes, following our unique paths in the growing knowledge of what it means to embrace them. Falling Upward is a timeless and inspiring exploration of how the two halves of life work together to lead us to deep meaning and spiritual joy.

Most of us use the first half of life--with all its projects, goals, and striving--to discover who we were meant to be. But what do we do with this discovery? We work toward becoming our True Selves in God. Our task in life's second half is to discover the most authentic expression of our souls, to shine forth the unique existence that God has given us, and to do so in gratitude. In this book, Franciscan Father Richard Rohr offers wisdom, practical guidance, and a few gentle warnings as we learn to view the second half of life not as a tragedy and a loss, but as a brand new journey.

People at any age need to understand the arc and trajectory of their lives. Whatever stage you are in today, this book will help you more deeply understand your life's journey.

Author Biography

Fr. Richard Rohr, Franciscan friar and ecumenical teacher, is Founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation. Fr. Richard teaches how God's grace guides us to our birthright as beings made of Divine Love. He is the author of numerous books, including Immortal Diamond.