The Second Half of Life with Tracie Giesbrecht

Richard Rohr has written the most fastening book about the second half of life called, Falling Upward.  In this episode, we have a great conversation about SO MANY THINGS!!

We are the clumsy stewards of our own souls.  Life is indeed momentous - created by accumulated moments in which the deeper “I” is slowly revealed if we are ready to see it.  We are here to give back fully and freely what we were first given - ourselves - the most courageous and free act we will ever perform - it takes both halves of our life to do it. 

• Richard Rohr, Falling Upward

 

Talking about the Second Half of Life….
What is the difference between the two halves of life?  

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What about the statement that no wise person ever wanted to be younger? 
What is a normal goal to a young person becomes a neurotic hindrance in old age. 

 

What are the tools we need in our tool kit for the second half of life?
One cannot live the afternoon of life according to the program of life’s morning; for what was great in the morning will bo of little importance in the evening, and what in the morning was true will be at evening a lie. - Carl Jung

 

What about grace?  Grace it at the foundation of everything. 

 

How do we see each other with truth and compassion and live a life of integrity?  

 

Our mature years are characterized by a kind of bright sadness and sober happiness.  We understand “luminous darkness”   - the simultaneous coexistence of deep suffering and intense joy - less need or interest in eliminating the negative or fearful, making rash judgements or holding on to old hurst or feelings.  We understand the discernment of every day life.  

 

Wholeness comes from meditation, self-doubt, study and conversation.  Creative doubt ( curiosity) keeps us with a perpetual “beginner’s mind” - growing, humble, enduring the mystery of life.