The most recent episode of NetVUE’s podcast Callings features hosts Erin VanLaningham and John Barton speaking with Parker Palmer. Well before vocation and calling developed their current popularity, Parker was recognized as one of the foremost scholars, authors, and speakers on the topic. The author of ten books, including Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation, he is also the founder of the Center for Courage & Renewal.
As he considers human flourishing, Parker shares profound and honest answers about paying attention to our mistakes as well as our achievements. With humor and grace, he discusses “muddling through” as a spiritual practice, which includes both quiet reflection and the embrace of community. Listeners will be encouraged by hearing him talk about his commitments to open and honest listening, to reflection with others, and to the resistance of easy answers.
This conversation emphasizes the importance of acknowledging both the shadow and light as we affirm our connectedness to each other. In Parker’s words, “we are all walking each other home.”
Click here to listen to the episode featuring Parker Palmer titled “Shadow and Light.”
Stephanie L. Johnson is the editor of Vocation Matters.