Reflections on Living With an Open Heart | Parker Palmer Pt. 2

Welcome to Season 3 of the Courageous Life! We are kicking things off with the return of one of our most popular guests of all time, Parker J. Palmer. 

In today’s episode we explore Parker's reflections on: 

• Living with an open heart - the benefits, the drawbacks, and why this can be a lifelong practice
• How to have effective conversations across difference and why letting go ego is a big part of this
• The power of cultivating more humility and curiosity in one’s life and in relationships (particularly when that might not be the easiest thing to do)
• Why honesty can be a prerequisite for compassion
• Stories and practices related to how he has strengthened his ability to be open hearted over time
• Themes from his new book, On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity and Getting Old
• The beneficial effects of awe and "big nature"

Parker J. Palmer is a writer, speaker and activist who focuses on issues in education, community, leadership, spirituality and social change. He is founder of the Center for Courage & Renewal, holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of California at Berkeley, as well as thirteen honorary doctorates.

Parker is the author of ten books— which have sold nearly two million copies and been translated into ten languages. Some of his most popular include Let Your Life Speak, A Hidden Wholeness, The Courage to Teach, and Healing the Heart of Democracy. Parker’s work has touched the lives of millions of people around the world seeking to live more courageously and authentically while serving the human possibility. To learn more about Parker you can simply google his name, or you can check out couragerenewal.org or newcomerpalmer.com. 

Did you find this episode inspiring? If so, you might love these past episodes:

Jerry Colonna - Leadership and the Art of Growing Up

Mark Nepo - Finding Inner Courage Where it Lives

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Thanks for listening!