On the Brink of Everything

"This impassioned book invites readers to the deep end of life where authentic soul work and human transformation become pressing concerns." -Publishers Weekly
2019 Independent Publisher Book Awards Gold Medalist in the Aging/Death & Dying Category
From bestselling author Parker J. Palmer comes a brave and beautiful book for all who want to age reflectively, seeking new insights and life-giving ways to engage in the world. "Age itself," he says, "is no excuse to wade in the shallows. It's a reason to dive deep and take creative risks."
Looking back on eight decades of life-and on his work as a writer, teacher, and activist-Palmer explores what he's learning about self and world, inviting readers to explore their own experience. In prose and poetry-and three downloadable songs written for the book by the gifted Carrie Newcomer-he meditates on the meanings of life, past, present, and future.
With compassion and chutzpah, gravitas and levity, Palmer writes about cultivating a vital inner and outer life, finding meaning in suffering and joy, and forming friendships across the generations that bring new life to young and old alike.
"This book is a companion for not merely surviving a fractured world, but embodying-like Parker-the fiercely honest and gracious wholeness that is ours to claim at every stage of life." -Krista Tippett, New York Times-bestselling author of Becoming Wise
"A wondrously rich mix of reality and possibility, comfort and story, helpful counsel and poetry, in the voice of a friend... This is a book of immense gratitude, consolation, and praise." -Naomi Shihab Nye, National Book Award finalist

Parker J. Palmer is a writer, speaker, and activist who focuses on issues in education, community, leadership, spirituality and social change. He is founder and Senior Partner of the Center for Courage & Renewal, which offers long-term retreat programs for people in the serving professions, including teachers, administrators, physicians, philanthropists, non-profit leaders and clergy. He is the author of nine books--including several award-winning titles-- that have sold over 1.4 million copies and been translated into ten languages.

With Gratitude p. 6 Prelude p. 9 I. The View from the Brink: What I Can See from Here p. 17 Introduction On the Brink of Everything Does My Life Have Meaning? Withering into the Truth Grand Canyon II. Young & Old: The Dance of the Generations p. 34 Introduction The Music of Mentoring Welcome to the Human Race Living from the Inside Out November 22nd III. Getting Real: From Illusion to Reality p. 54 Introduction Contemplative by Catastrophe A Friendship, a Love, a Rescue Down Is the Way to Well-being Notes from a Week in the Winter Woods Welcome Home IV. Work & Vocation: A Life in Writing p. 82 Introduction The Accidental Author Born Baffled The Poem I Would Have Writ Begin Again The World Once Green Again V. Keep Reaching Out: Staying Engaged with the World p. 109 Introduction What's an Angry Quaker to Do? The Soul of a Patriot In Praise of Diversity Seeking Sanctuary The Winter Woods VI. Keep Reaching In: Staying Engaged with Your Soul p. 134 Introduction Embracing the Human Frailty Confessing My Complicity Heartbreak and Hope for New Life A Season of Paradox Appalachian Autumn VII. Over the Edge: Where We Go When We Die p. 156 Introduction Fierce with Reality A Wilderness Pilgrimage Waving Goodbye from Afar Postlude p. 166 Why Should I Ever Be Sad? Two Toasts About the Author p. 168 Endnotes p. 169