Summer Reading Circle
Welcome to our Summer Reading Circle. We are diving into the wisdom and invitations in Parker Palmer’s timely book, Healing the Heart of Democracy.
You’ll find prompts here for each chapter and some video links to companion your reading. You’re invited to share reflections, questions and stirrings arising within you in the comment spaces. It’s a way for us to build connections with one another as we share this circle space. Your perspective, views and life experiences are welcomed and valued here. We need one another!
When I was beginning the Spiritual Formation program at Columbia Theological Seminary, the art and practice of reading for formation was presented as a key piece in our learning and transformation journey. When we read this way, we read with the ear of our heart; listening for the particular places where something stirs within us. Then pausing to breathe and consider what the Spirit desires for us to hear and learn. It’s a stance of openness and dialogue with the Spirit; one that allows us to be formed in the image of the Loving One. As you read Healing the Heart of Democracy, I invite you to weave this formational reading approach into your practice. Certainly there is important knowledge for us to learn and we will read with that intention as well. But this is also about our continuing on the path of personal transformation. I hope you’ll find this approach to be deeply nourishing for you.
Welcome to our Reading Circle, friends!
Monica
As we begin this journey together, here are a couple of prompts for you to engage with.
What experiences of connection or community have you had —whether or not they involved singing —that have helped give you hope?
How do you respond to the book’s dedication and to what Parker says about the standard by which a nation should be judged?
