The Further Journey: The Two Halves of Life with Fr. Henry Beck, OFM

Description:

The task of the first half of life is all about creating a “container” for our life.  It involves the development of a core identity and self-image for ourselves.  The basic questions and steps in our lives about education, occupation, and social skills are developed and settled here.  Also, a person will answer the basic questions about their core relationships, companionship, and affiliation during this time of their lives.  Answering these questions and meeting these tasks within the first half of life help us to create a proper container for our lives.

In the second half of life “we move toward the goal, the very purpose of human life,” as Richard Rohr, OFM, explains.  We have integrated, or are in the process of integrating, our “shadow selves” (things we have not approved of about ourselves or which have been judged by others).  Often we find some “golden shadow” gifts as we welcome these forgotten parts of ourselves.  We have begun to forgive ourselves for not being perfect, and we are freer to be our true selves.  This greater acceptance and understanding of our whole selves allows us to accept and welcome others.

A person in the second half of life is eager and able “to generate life from his or her own abundance and for the benefit of following generations.” (Richard Rohr, OFM)  Persons here are moving “from doing to being to an utterly new kind of doing that flows almost organically, quietly, and by osmosis.” (Richard Rohr, OFM)  In this part of our lives we are invited to “fall into the good, the true, and the beautiful, by falling into God.”  (Richard Rohr, OFM)

In the second half of life, we are invited to trust ourselves and God and learn to give ourselves more fully for the good of the human family and the world.  These will be the themes we will explore together on this weekend retreat.  Click here to see the brochure for The further journey.