Learning to Fall: The Blessings of an Imperfect Life

By Philip Simmons

Book Overview

A "reflective, eloquent and] inspiringly written" (The New York Times) collection of essays about learning to live richly in the face of loss

"Astonishing . . . sometimes heartbreaking . . . sometimes hilarious."--The Boston Globe

WINNER OF THE BOOKS FOR A BETTER LIFE AWARD'S BEST SPIRITUAL BOOK

Philip Simmons was just thirty-five years old in 1993 when he learned that he had ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, and was told he had less than five years to live. As a young husband and father, and at the start of a promising literary career, he suddenly had to learn the art of dying. Nine years later, he succeeded, against the odds, in learning the art of living. In this surprisingly joyous and spirit-renewing book, he chronicles his search for peace and his deepening relationship with the mystery of everyday life.

From our first faltering steps, Simmons says, we may fall into disappointment or grief, fall into or out of love, fall from youth or health. And though we have little choice as to the timing or means of our descent, we may, as he affirms, "fall with grace, to grace."

With humor, hard-earned wisdom, and a keen eye for life's lessons--whether drawn from great poetry or visits to the town dump--Simmons shares his discovery that even at times of great sorrow we may find profound freedom. And by sharing the wonder of his daily life, he offers us the gift of connecting more deeply and joyously with our own.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 055338158X
• ISBN13: 9780553381580
• Release Date: April 2003
• Publisher: Bantam
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.36 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

A Timeless Legacy & Oasis

During a very dark time in my life, I happened to pick up this book, sarcastically thinking that it was going to be a positive thinking fluff ball of well-intentioned writing, but I thought I could use it anyway. Thank heavens my temporary cynicism did not deter me from one of the greatest gifts ever to be in print! This book is a spiritual power tool for anyone coping with loss, a candle lit by a stranger in our stormiest nights. This book looks death in the face with the quiet rage of a human being and the grace of a sage- and offers a bridge over the roughest waters of our lives. God bless you, Mr. Simmons for your hard-earned wisdom and generosity of spirit. May your journey lead to all of the riches you've given us in this book and this life. Just knowing someone has been there has meant meant everything. You have given us a legacy that will last a long, long time. I pity those indifferent souls who find no other better thing to do with their idle lives and self-righteous overblown intellects than to criticize this literary jewel. For the "urban fella" below, you have a long way to go, buddy... and a very hard fall. Only then will you know the value of this book and this man's experience. Marlene' M. Druhan- Author (Naked Soul, Llewellyn 1998)

Falling up

For anyone facing grief or loss or extreme challenge, Simmon's perspective of the journey his disease has led him through is profoundly instructive and inspiring. Earlier self-published (with apparent success), the book richly deserves the broader audience a major publisher can now bring it. It is a wonderfully written series of essays, each uplifting in its own way. It can be compared to Tuesdays with Morrie...if Morrie had written it. While deeply spiritual, it is not a book about any specific religion. It is a universal message of hope in the face of hopelessness. Of the peace and freedom which come through accepting, even embracing, the inevitability of life's journey.

A Spiritual Gift

Phil's book is best read without anticiptation or preparation. Like life itself, like the disease which is slowly claiming Phil's abilities, it is the imperfection of our vulnerabity that opens us to the ephiphanies that surround us. If you are seeking to open yourself to a wider reality, if you are able to be blessed by the path others have trod, Phil's book has much to offer. You might come to the book to learn how Phil has dealt with his disability, but you will come away from it with deeper insights into how to deal with your own. This is not so much a book to be enjoyed as it is to savored and keep close at hand.

Learning to Fall

A humorous, profound, wonderful guide to living whether it's with Lew Gehrig's disease or, thankfully, something far less. Simmons uses New England's towns, weather and general life style to remind us all that we need to do what we need to do and to get on with it. One of the best reads I've had in years!

Learning to Fall -- Spiritual Handbook for Mortals

This book is what every post-modern spiritual seeker is after -- a humane, down-to-earth exploration of the essence of soul, as seen from inside a full, thoughtful, suffering and joyful life. There are lots of references to spiritual "authorities," from Buddha to Emerson, but these just serve to ground the stories and insights. The author himself speaks with such gentle and frank authority that really nothing from outside is needed.What is special about this book is Simmons' own experience of illness -- he has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease -- and how he has found his way through despair to redemption. Without resorting to any religious "teaching," Simmons still manages to achieve what he calls the chief function of religion: to explore "the harrowing business of rescuing joy from heartbreak."