On the brink of everything : grace, gravity, and getting old

On the brink of everything Grace, gravity, and getting old

Parker J. Palmer

Book - 2018

"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 medi...tations 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"--

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Subjects
Palmer, Parker J.
Conduct of life.
Aging.
Life.
Published
Oakland, CA : Berrett-Koehler Publishers [2018]
Language
English
Main Author
Parker J. Palmer (author)
Edition
First edition
Physical Description
xii, 198 pages ; 18 cm
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 185-196).
ISBN
9781523095438
  • With Gratitude
  • Prelude
  • I. The View from the Brink: What I Can See from Here
  • II. Young and Old: The Dance of the Generations
  • III. Getting Real: From Illusion to Reality
  • IV. Work and 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
  • Notes
  • About the Author
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

Palmer (Healing the Heart of Democracy), an author and poet now in his 80s, telegraphs insights from "the brink of everything" in this collection of lessons gleaned from contemplating one's life while nearing death. "There's no antidote for the gravity that takes us to the grave," he writes. "But there is also a countervailing force called 'levity.'" Palmer includes quotes from spiritual guides such as Thomas Merton and William Sloane Coffin next to personal memoir, diary entries, excerpts from speeches, and quotes from poets such as Mary Oliver, Rumi, May Sarton, Dylan Thomas, and W.B. Yeats. Insights into his own aging as an "angry Quaker" are filled out by a diagnosis of America's spiritual maladies and broken body politic: "When we lack the moral imagination to do something else with our suffering, we do violence." Palmer encourages readers to regain their ability to convert suffering into resurrection; instead of fear, the path to recovery is an embrace of the good, bad, and ugly in each person. For Palmer, radical acceptance eschews perfection in favor of integrity. Warm, generous, and funny, this impassioned book invites readers to the deep end of life where authentic soul work and human transformation become pressing concerns. (July) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

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