Healing the Heart of Democracy: The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit
About this book
* NEWS FLASH * Healing the Heart of Democracy called "one of the most important books of the early 21st Century" for those who care about democracy. ( Democracy & Education)* NEWS FLASH * Healing the Heart of Democrac y named one of the "Best Books of 2011" on contemplation and social activism. ( Spirituality & Practice ) * NEWS FLASH * Parker J. Palmer named one of "25 Visionaries Who Are Changing Your World" -- people who "don't just think out loud but who walk their talk on a daily basis." ( The Utne Reader)~ HOPE FOR AMERICAN DEMOCRACY IN AN ERA OF DEEP DIVISIONS ~ In Healing the Heart of Democracy , Parker J. Palmer quickens our instinct to seek the common good and gives us the tools to do it. This timely, courageous and practical work -- intensely personal as well as political -- is not about them , "those people" in Washington D.C., or in our state capitals, on whom we blame our political problems. It's about us , "We the People," and what we can do in everyday settings like families, neighborhoods, classrooms, congregations and workplaces to resist divide-and-conquer politics and restore a government "of the people, by the people, for the people."In the same compelling, inspiring prose that has made him a bestselling author , Palmer explores five "habits of the heart" that can help us restore democracy's foundations as we nurture them in ourselves and each other: (1) An understanding that we are all in this together. (2) An appreciation of the value of "otherness." (3) An ability to hold tensions in life-giving ways. (4) A sense of personal voice and agency. (5) A capacity to create community. Healing the Heart of Democracy is an eloquent and empowering call for "We the People" to reclaim our democracy. Publishers Weekly , in a *Starred Review*, said "This beautifully written book deserves a wide audience that will benefit from discussing it."