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From beloved and bestselling author Parker J. Palmer (Let Your Life Speak, The Courage to Teach, Healing the Heart of Democracy), comes a beautiful book of reflections on what we can learn as we move closer to “the brink of everything.”
Drawing on eight decades of life — and his career as a writer, teacher, and activist — Palmer explores the questions age raises and the promises it holds. “Old,” he writes, “is just another word for nothing left to lose, a time to dive deep into life, not withdraw to the shallows.”
But this book is not for elders only. It was written to encourage adults of all ages to explore the way their lives are unfolding. It’s not a how-to-do-it book on aging, but a set of meditations in prose and poetry that turn the prism on the meaning(s) of one’s life, refracting new light at every turn.
From beginning to end, the book is laced with humor as well as gravitas — beautifully enhanced by three free downloadable songs from the gifted singer-songwriter Carrie Newcomer, written in response to themes in the book.
Table of Contents
Prelude
I. The View from the Brink: What I Can See from Here
II. Young & Old: The Dance of the Generations
III. Getting Real: From Illusion to Reality
IV. Work & Vocation: Writing a Life
V. Keep Reaching Out: Staying Engaged with the World
VI. Keep Reaching In: Staying Engaged with Your Soul
VII. Over the Edge: Where We Go When We Die
Postlude
From the Publisher
Parker J. Palmer
Parker J. Palmer is a writer, speaker, and activist on issues in education, community, leadership, spirituality, and social change. Founder and Senior Partner Emeritus of the Center for Courage & Renewal, he holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of California at Berkeley, thirteen honorary doctorates, two Distinguished Achievement Awards from the National Educational Press Association, and an Award of Excellence from the Associated Church Press.
Palmer is the author of ten books—including several award-winning titles—that have sold over 1.5 million copies and been translated into ten languages: On the Brink of Everything, Healing the Heart of Democracy, The Heart of Higher Education (with Arthur Zajonc), The Courage to Teach, and more.
In 1998, a national survey of 10,000 educators named Palmer one of the thirty “most influential senior leaders” in higher education and one of the ten key “agenda-setters” of the decade. Palmer and his wife Sharon live in Madison, Wisconsin.
Publisher : Berrett-Koehler Publishers (June 26, 2018)
Language : English
Hardcover : 216 pages
ISBN-10 : 1523095431
ISBN-13 : 978-1523095438
Item Weight : 10.4 ounces
Dimensions : 5.31 x 0.75 x 7.31 inches
Customers say
Customers find the book insightful, challenging, and hopeful. They also describe the writing style as soulful, with Parker’s usual mix of wisdom and practicality. Readers find the character traits honest and full of wisdom. They find the humor lovely and full with good advice. Customers describe the atmosphere as soul soothing, gentle, and wide ranging. They say the content is wonderful for all ages to living fully engaged. Customers also mention the book offers stunning reflections.
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