Questions About Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life

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Answered Questions (4)

How do you see the two halves of life with Erik Eriksons eight stages of life?

Matthew Green In some ways, I don't feel like Rohr's two halves really match up with Erikson's stages at all. Erikson's system is descriptive of the existential que…moreIn some ways, I don't feel like Rohr's two halves really match up with Erikson's stages at all. Erikson's system is descriptive of the existential questions that arise during periods of life regardless of our willingness to wrestle with them or successfully navigate the previous stages. Rohr is, in my perspective, building off the Jungian idea of first and second halves of life (more recently adapted by transpersonal psychology). This type of schema requires that one successfully work through the first in order to begin the second. They're two different styles of developmental progression, and they don't necessarily talk to each other well.

Given the disparity, I'd suggest that the transition between Rohr's first and second half of life could occur anywhere between stages 6 and 8 in Erikson's model, though there's no definitive place for it to happen, and it may not happen at all. The only thing that does seem to fit between the two schemas would be Erikson's stage 5, which I believe must be worked through successfully or repaired later before completing Rohr's first half.

I hope this made sense and proves helpful. (less)

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Is there any study guide or lesson plans associated with Falling Upward?

Kim Yes, there is a companion journal: Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life: A Companion Journal. ISBN:9781118428566 (pbk)(2013). It …moreYes, there is a companion journal: Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life: A Companion Journal. ISBN:9781118428566 (pbk)(2013). It is also available as an e-book.

The journal contains quotations for reflection, journaling questions, and experiential exercises, all of which could be used by individuals or groups wishing to dig deeper into the concepts presented in the book. (less)

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Does anyone know what the difference is between the two ISBN13s of this book? (9780281068913 vs 9781118428566)

Linda Hyndman Looks like the first is the book, and the second is the companion journal.

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Is it a Christian book ?

Andrea Quigley Yes. Richard Rohr is a Franciscan priest https://cac.org/richard-rohr/richard-...

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