Parker Palmer offers us five habits of the heart to heal democracy
We are living in a time where fear and anger are driving our political discussions. But in our communities, we can choose to approach our neighbors with more grace, care and understanding. We need not get swept away with the tide of anger sweeping the country. We can make a different choice.
One of this country’s most profound social thinkers is Parker Palmer, who has devoted his life to fostering a sense of community. Much of his work has been focused on education (he wrote the Courage to Teach) to inspire educators to meet students with their hearts and minds open. His most recent book is Healing the Heart of Democracy, in which he encourages us to follow five habits of the heart.
An understanding that we are all in this together, an appreciation of the value of “otherness,” an ability to hold tension in life-giving ways, a sense of personal voice and agency, and a capacity to create community.
- An understanding that we are all in this together.
- An appreciation of the value of “otherness.”
- An ability to hold tension in life-giving ways.
- A sense of personal voice and agency.
- A capacity to create community.
His perspective is well worth reading and reflecting on. Palmer encourages us to live with chutzpah and humility. Think what would be possible if more of us did just that.
Check out Palmer’s short videos and his essay below.
His perspective is well worth reading and reflecting on.
Five habits to heal the heart of democracy
Video 2: An appreciation of otherness
Video 3: The capacity to hold tension creatively
Video 4: A sense of voice and agency
Video 5: The capacity to create community
