I know we’re all still doing summer, and I don’t want to interrupt your summer groove. But, I do want to pop in here quickly to ask you to help me nail down the start date for our next session of Forward. We’ll be reading Healing the Heart of Democracy: the Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit. I read this book as part of my research when I was writing my new book, One: Unity in a Divided World. I wasn’t sure I was going to like it. I thought it would be dry and dense. I honestly thought it would be boring. But, I trust the author, so I gave it a try. I’m extremely glad that I did.
If you’re like me, and you’re not sure whether this book is for you, consider these words by Parker J. Palmer, from the prelude of the book:
For those of us who want to see democracy survive and thrive—and we are legion—the heart is where everything begins: that grounded place in each of us where we can overcome fear, rediscover that we are members of one another, and embrace the conflicts that threaten democracy as openings to new life for us and for our nation.
I’m not really a student of democracy, or the republic, or empires or anything. But, I am interested in the human soul. I’m intrigued by the many ways we grow over time and the multiple lessons we learn. I’m curious about what makes us tick and what it takes to find (and thrive on) common ground.
Here’s what I think you’ll discover while reading this book together:
- How to engage the heart and soul as you think about politics in your everyday life.
- How to talk about politics with other people (even on Facebook), without getting into a fight, without getting angry about it, and without making people mad.
- How to determine who gets your vote in an election.
- How to leverage your unique personality to do the best good in your community, right now.
- How to raise the level of discourse in an environment that has gotten a little bit testy.
- Why all of this matters.
We are not all going to agree as we read this. Nor will we all come to the same conclusions. But, I think we’ll be surprised by what we do accomplish as we bring our hearts and souls to this work.
As promised, I’ve built a short survey. Please take a minute to choose the start date that works best for you to begin our discussion of this next book. Simply click the link below, complete the survey, and head back outside to the pool. I’ll report back next week, with the results. Thank you!
Deidra….I thought the same thing you did about this book when I received it. Deep subject, not sure it is for me. But I began reading anyway. I have finished chapters 1 and 2 and have already done an experiment with my daughter who has opposite views on politics than me and can try to shout me down if I try to express my point of view. So the next time we chatted on the phone I asked her to tell me why she likes her candidate and to please use a quiet voice and that I would listen and not comment until she was done. Amazing ! I discovered we are not that far off on what we want and do not want from our next President. We are just aiming in two different directions. She felt heard and I was able then to express my views. It was a lovely discussion and not a shouting fest. I am looking forward now to reading more of this book and the discussions that will follow. Have a wonderful day !
Oh, man, Susan. This is a great story. Thank you so much for sharing it. I do believe we are all closer to one another than we think. I’m so glad, whenever I hear stories of people getting together to talk through their differences; what they discover is always pretty amazing. I’m glad you’ll be part of the conversation.
Deidra,
Filled out your survey. Love your blog’s new look and of course, your heart 🙂
Thanks, Dolly!