Falling Upward

A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life

By: Richard Rohr

Narrated by: Richard Rohr

Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

In the first half of life, we are naturally preoccupied with establishing ourselves; climbing, achieving, and performing. But as we grow older and encounter challenges and mistakes, we need to see ourselves in a different and more life-giving way. This message of falling down - that is in fact moving upward - is the most resisted and counterintuitive of messages in the world's religions.

Falling Upward offers a new paradigm for understanding one of the most profound of life's mysteries: how those who have fallen down are the only ones who understand "up". We grow spiritually more by doing it wrong than by doing it right, and the disappointments of life are actually stepping stones to the spiritual joys in the second half of life.

©2011 Richard Rohr (P)2011 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Critic reviews

"[P]rovocative." ( Publishers Weekly)

"[A] trustworthy guide to the spiritual life." (BlogCritics.org)

"Understanding the spiritual aspects of aging is as important as appreciating the systems and biological processes that age us. Richard Rohr has given us a perfect guide to what he calls the 'further journey,' a voyage into the mystery mystery and beauty of healthy spiritual maturity." (Mehmet Oz, M.D., host of the Dr. Oz Show)

Absolutely full of wonderful insight and optimism

This is one of those books that has been written on my heart. “Before the truth sets you free, it tends to make you miserable.” Throughout the book the author sheds beautiful insight into how our “shadow work” is necessary to move into a deeper and more mature faith.

Confirmation

This book I can confirm describes my reality thus far. As Father Rohr also state in the book, you can only fully appreciate the second halve one you in it. For those in the first half or in transition this is a great indicator to the second half. I am thankful for every bit of suffering that humbled me and continue to humble me. I am blessed and thankful to have reached the second half earlier than most in time. It is my prayer and wish that others transform earlier without to much suffering yet I do understand now that for each it is different. Be blessed, be loved you the reader and Father Rohr as "the unique faces of God, you are...

"with all thy getting get understanding"

Provides deep clarity while confirming some existing thoughts and opening up so many new ones. Life changing!

A meditation

This book is a meditation & affirmation that speaks directly to the unconscious & unconditionally loving part of our souls.

Listen at 1.25x

This book was so right for this time in my life. If you are on a spiritual journey of any kind, this should be one book you read. Well worth whatever you have to pay.

Read by the author (which I always prefer) he speaks much slower than his usual speaking habit, so speed it up.

One who seeks wisdom...should ask for it.

What did you love best about Falling Upward?

The New Testament Book of James encourages readers to seek wisdom by asking God for it and God will grant the seeker what s/he is longing for. Richard Rohr's book provides insights into just how God goes about this process and how the seeker can join in to the inner work required. There is no required age for this kind of work; nor is there a time when the work is over. Richard Rohr brings his own hard work to the text and shows us the possibilities of the 'second half' of life, that is, the life beyond struggles with identity, ego, and angst. I am convinced that he has provided his readers with a more than adequate guide to this life, particularly because he addresses the difficult questions of suffering, meaninglessness, and loss of hope that first half of life leaves with many of us. This text joins some other well-worn books and scriptures that are 'go-to' texts for my journey.

A more than "one time" read.

Be prepared to shelve your ego and recognize the dark side of yourself. - we all got 'em. But also accept that dark side as a part of your true self. Don't try to deny it or control it through willpower - a further piling on of stumbles & failures. It is OKAY because now you can breathe. "You are who you are, " "it is what it is." Your fault is also a gift and will lead you ever closer to God. Father Rohr's book takes us on a journey while letting us know - and admittedly himself to - that we will always be a work in progress. After all, it's "progress not perfection." And who of us can claim to be perfect.

Avid reader New Favorite Author!

loved loved loved this book! highly recommend for you especially if you are 35 or older!! going to read everything from this author now!

falling upward, looking forward

I am 36 years old, and this book gave me a sense of peeking forward in the book of life. I'm not there yet. But I've been inspired to work at maturing into the second half of life through introspection and reevaluation. I plan on reading it again every 5 years or so. Wonderful wisdom!

Thought Provoking

Falling Upward is a beautiful perspective for any Pilgrim of Faith! I enjoyed it very much! Richard Rohr has so much insight into current culture- it's definitely worth a read.