On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity, and Getting Old

By: Parker J. Palmer

Narrated by: Steve Carlson

From beloved and best-selling author Parker J. Palmer (Let Your Life Speak, The Courage to Teach, Healing the Heart of Democracy) comes a brave and beautiful book of reflections on eight decades of life and work. Reframing aging as "a passage of discovery and engagement", Palmer says, "Old is just another word for nothing left to lose, a time to take bigger risks on behalf of the common good." On the Brink of Everything is not a "guide to" or "handbook for" getting old. Instead, it's Palmer turning the prism of insight on his experience as a way of encouraging listeners to do the same with theirs. In elegant prose and lyrical poetry, he offers a set of meditations on the meanings of one's life - past, present, and future.

“The laws of nature that dictate the sunset dictate our demise," Palmer writes. "But how we travel the arc between our own sunrise and sundown is ours to choose: will it be denial, defiance, or collaboration?" With gravity and levity, compassion and chutzpah, Palmer writes about cultivating a robust inner and outer life, a sense of meaning and purpose amid pain as well as joy, and the intergenerational relations that enhance the lives of young and old alike. Here's a book not only for elders but also for those younger folks we call "old souls". And this book sings! It includes three songs by Palmer's longtime friend and colleague, singer-songwriter Carrie Newcomer, written in response to themes in the book.

Palmer and Newcomer hope to engage listeners in an ongoing conversation about what Howard Thurman called "the growing edge" of our personal and public lives. Ultimately, Palmer sees age as a precious gift: "The fact that I've come this far makes me one of the lucky ones." Surprised by the fact that he likes being old, he writes, "Welcome to the brink of everything. It takes a lifetime to get here, but the stunning view and the wake-up breeze in your face make it worth the trip."

©2018 Parker J. Palmer (P)2018 Parker J. Palmer

Full of wisdom.

A friend suggested hus book and I enjoyed his writing style and the wisdom in it. Moving on to his next books.

Old guy wisdom and reflection

I enjoyed the author reading his book. It is the looking back on a life. I loved both the humor and honesty.

Continue

Extremely interesting.
This is the first time I’ve read a book by this author.
Think he’s great!

Worth a listen

Parker Palmer is a favorite of mine. He always comes across as wise and gentle. I am not sure this is his best book but it's worth a listen. At first, I thought the narrator sounded very much like Palmer but as the book went on he sounded a little tired. I wish the author had narrated the book. Now that I am finished I will buy a print version for my library.

Parker J Parker’s On the Brink

Thus book was both poetic at times and quite inspirational for someone as mature as the author. But I think would be that for most people.

How to die well

It is a topic we should address and Parker presented it in an engaging manner.

Timely

As I turn 53 the words of Parker Palmer are like a guide. A beautiful invitation to be present, embrace mortality and discover one’s true self. A timely read indeed. Thanks Parker!

A New Way of Seeing Life

Seeing Life through the rearview mirror of life, remember "Things are closer than they appear"

Really Good Book

Loved it! Great for those getting older. It makes you think about your life past, present and future.

Excellent!

A very insightful and inspiring book by an aging person who loves life but who faces its end with tenderness, honesty, courage and hope. His essays are not stuffed with platitudes but rather deliver a message of inner and outer acceptance of both the light and the darkness in ourselves and others.