Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life

By Richard Rohr, Franciscan Priest and Founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation

In his book, Falling Upward, Rohr offers a way of looking at true maturity, spiritual maturity, and how it can be embraced or resisted. He divides the span of human life into two halves. The first half is the realm of young men and women who are attempting to make a mark in the world. The second half of life is a journey of increasing contentment brought about, ironically, through weakness and failure. Hence ‘falling upward,” where the only way up is down.

This fall please join the Rector’s Discussion Group for a study of this compelling book. Gatherings occur via zoom at 12pm on Wednesdays. Please contact Stefanie Nelson in the office if you need assistance obtaining the book. 

The schedule is as follows:

September 25th, Session 1

Chapters 1 & 2: The Two Halves of Life, The Hero and the Heroine’s Journey

October 2nd, Session 2

Chapters 3 & 4: The First Half of Life, The Tragic Sense of Life

October 9th, Session 3

Chapters 5 & 6: Stumbling over the Stumbling Stone, Necessary Suffering

October 16th, Session 4

Chapters 7 & 8-: Home and Homesickness, Amnesia and the Big Picture

October 23rd, Session 5

Chapters 9&10: A Second Simplicity, A Bright Sadness

October 30th, Session 6

Chapters 11: The Shadowlands

November 6th, Session 7

Chapter 12: New Problems and New Directions

November 13th, Session 8

Chapter 13: Falling Upward