Falling Upward

Book by Richard Rohr (2011)

A wise Franciscan friar examines how the “second half of life” (which can begin at any age, often after 40 or following a crisis) presents an opportunity to shift from striving for success and ego rewards to seeking more profound meaning, service, and wholeness. Rohr uses examples from religion, literature, and psychology to show that often it is our failures or wounds that “crack open” our understanding and let us grow into our true purpose (hence “falling upward”). He reassures that the feeling of loss or confusion in midlife is not a dead end; it’s an invitation to a richer, more soulful phase of life, where we are less defined by what we do and more by who we are. The tone is gentle, humorous, and deeply reassuring. For anyone who might feel “Is this all there is?” or whose kids have left or whose career has stalled, Rohr provides a roadmap to meaning as elders-in-training. He speaks to the culturally diverse (drawing on Zen, poetry, mythology) yet also taps into ancestral Christian wisdom on seasons of life, all in a very inclusive way. This aligns with our warm, embodied approach by encouraging reflection, embracing emotions, and highlighting the importance of rest and contemplation in the second half of life. It’s not evidence-based in a scientific sense, but it’s a time-tested perspective many find healing. Reading it can instill peace and a new sense of direction, free from societal “shoulds.” More about the book and Rohr’s work here.