"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.

Aging as a passage of discovery and engagement

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. "The laws of nature that dictate sundown dictate our demise. But how we travel the arc toward the sunset of our lives is ours to choose: will it be denial, defiance, or collaboration?"

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.

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