The Journey Toward an Undivided Life - A Hidden Wholeness

An Undivided Life is one of the most interesting and challenging books I've read in a long time. Already I have read it three times cover to cover. I realize there is more under the covers for me each time I read.

What a great and simple read to start the process which I believe we as humans are all seeking for - in our eternal quest of being whole people. I have seen amazing results in practicing what is outlined in the book. Getting in touch with ourselves is of greatest value in this work.

The book delivered as promised. Lots of good stuff on being yourself and not trying to be somebody you're not. Goes through the steps of building a circle of trust and running it from a leadership standpoint.

I normally love books like this, and this one came recommended by a friend, but I personally was disappointed by it. It just isn't written that clearly, and starts to sound like "spiritual gobbledygook" after a while. Still, I appreciate his intentions and don't mean to dis it because I'm sure it's valuable to many people; it just didn't do much for me.

I normally love books like this, and this one came recommended by a friend, but I personally was disappointed by it. It just isn't written that clearly, and starts to sound like "spiritual gobbledygook" after a while. Still, I appreciate his intentions and don't mean to dis it because I'm sure it's valuable to many people; it just didn't do much for me.

This book contains valuable information that all grown-up people should care about. Therefore, it breaks my heart to see the book marred by an underlying agenda that is delivered in huge, sweeping statements. For example: "Two streams in our culture contribute to our inattention [to the soul or true self]. One is secularism, which regards the human self as a social construct with no created core; the other is moralism, which regards all concern for self as 'selfish.' Secularism and moralism may sound contradictory, but they take us to the same place: a denial of true self." Many secularists will find the book valuable if they can overlook the biased mischaracterization of a secularist's perspective, and moralists may have to overlook the self-serving take on moralism (moralists certainly don't consider ALL concern for self as "selfish"). The author suggests that someone is to blame for the prevalent "denial of true self." Secularists? Moralists? Liberals? Oddly, in a book that encourages trust and safe places for communication, the author might make members of these three groups uncomfortable. I'm sure this wasn't intended.

Parker J. Palmer. A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life (Kindle Locations 379-381). Kindle Edition.

Interesting perspective on how to support and nurture one's soul. Did not appreciate the sanctimonious tone, nor the bleeding heart idolization of people who are darlings of the Left. Enough redeeming material that I did learn some new things, but I wasn't particularly engaged or inspired.

The book had a small moisture stain at the bottom of the pages....I am used to purchasing used books, but I also make certain that what I purchase says it is in good condition. This was not in the condition that I expected.

Parker Palmer is a wise and gentle teacher, and his books -- such as "The Active Life" and "The Promise of Paradox" -- are hailed as important works of contemporary spirituality. Ostensibly a Quaker yet clearly transcending any kind of sectarian narrowness, Palmer brings the deep contemplative ethos of the Society of Friends to his own work.
Although I've enjoyed reading Palmer's writing, I've found this audio series from Sounds True to be singularly rewarding as a glimpse into the mind and heart of this living spiritual guide. Like Ken Wilber's "Kosmic Konsciousness" before it, "An Undivided Life" presents Parker Palmer in the context of an interview with Sounds True's CEO, Tami Simon. For this reason, this audiobook has an unusually intimate quality about it, and functions not so much as a teaching program but rather as an unstructured, almost rambling conversation in which Palmer comes across like nothing so much as an old, trusted friend, who is willing to take the time to share his wisdom in a relaxed and unhurried way. As an added bonus, Palmer's voice is rich, deep, and resonant with a sense of earthy insight. The result is a listening experience that is as delightful as it is enlightening.

The key concept here, the undivided life, lines up nicely with what Ken Wilber calls the integral vision or what Richard Rohr calls non-dual consciousness. A lifelong educator, Palmer speaks of the importance of personal integrity and the willingness to orient our lives toward the deepest truths we can find within ourselves -- even when such an orientation might call us to walk a path with others may not understand or appreciate. By honestly and vulnerably sharing his own repeated experience struggling with depression, Palmer ably speaks of the many forces in our lives that can serve to "divide" ourselves, such as the tendency to pursue a career that is at odds with our deepest values and desires, merely because of social or familial expectations. True spiritual health is found in our efforts to knit all the disparate elements of our lives together in a single whole, even though sometimes this might mean moving deeply into the reality of paradox, or learning to live with the soul as a wild, untamed and even "shy" part of ourselves.

Palmer is a natural storyteller, and whether he is recounting the tale of John Woolman's struggle to lead the Quakers to take a stand against slavery, or the darkness he experienced in his own nights of depression, he knows how to make a story effortless to listen to, even as he wrings meaning out of each narrative. After five hours of hearing him speak, I felt that, without promoting a particular religious perspective or philosophical agenda, his words had truly nourished my soul.

This work is as relevant and important today as when it was first published. I found compelling Palmer's notion that it is time to let the 'soul' show up in our human engagement and interaction, rather than just the 'ego'. How would recent conflicts around public policy be different, if we started with speaking form our soul instead of speaking from our divided positions and sense of our own 'right-ness'? Parker Palmer's work has inspired both my personal and professional life and supported me to live congruently from my deepest-held values in both. This work was formative for me as I wrote my just-published book: Relational Presence: Decision Making Beyond Consensus. I thank Parker Palmer for a deeply inspiring work. Read this book in the evening or in a place of quiet reflection and allow it to change your life.

I must confess that I was unfamiliar with Parker Palmer. The title "Undivided Life" was intriguing, suggesting a holistic balance in our endeavors which often eludes modern man (and woman). I was genuinely pleased with the 5-CD set and the presentation of the material in a low-key, yet thoroughly engaging manner.

The format of the program is an extended interview in which Mr. Palmer alternates personal anecdote and reflection in a voice not unlike the wise uncle who has lived well and seen much. He comes across as completely genuine and human, completely lacking the arrogance that often accompanies the offerings of those with a notable string of accomplishments.

The author/narrator emphasizes the importance of integrity, balance, consistency and balance. Yet, far from being simple "new age" diatribe, Mr. Palmer draws in a rich tapestry of spiritual depth and meaning.

I have listened to the 5-CDs on several occasions; each time, I discover additional wisdom. I recommend this highly.

Who doesn't want to "live their life", as opposed to leading one life and living another? This audiobook on 5 CDs gives educator, activist, and Quaker Parker Palmer a stage to expand on his life and philosophy. In it, he discusses his multiple bouts of clinical depression, his problems with academia and higher education, and his suggestions for living an undivided life.

I've read one other Palmer book (Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation), so it was interesting hearing his voice do the "reading" for me.

Look, Parker Palmer seems to be a likable guy. He's 70 years old, and considering his own mortality and legacy.

I can't really tell you whether I agree or disagree with much of what he says. In fact, I don't understand a large part of it.

Don't get me wrong... he's a very good speaker, and he speaks English! But he puts words together, powerful words, in ways that sound good until... you try to understand what he really means. Unfortunately, because this is a CD I listened to while driving, I couldn't make notes in the margin like I usually do. Here's an example from the CD box: "My experience - from the depths of depression to the heights of joy - has taught me that the path toward wholeness takes patience and passion."

Of course, the path anywhere takes time (patience). But the path takes passion? Depression is a good training tool for wholeness? I kept noticing sounds without meaning... like a version of speaking in tongues. If I get through this CD set again, I'll keep track of more examples. In the meantime, just be aware that higher education is problematic (but Palmer survived the experience, as do hundreds of thousands of others), and you need a community of friends to help you find yourself.

I'm still waiting for the Parker Palmer Diet and Exercise Book for Simple and Healthy, Undivided Living.

By everyman I mean, of course, men and women, young and old, retired and working, republicans and democrats, believers and non-believers. This is a book I wish I'd found years ago (before it was written)!

Almost everyone lives the divided life. (I suspect the Dalai Lama does not). As Palmer notes, sometimes we have to -- this is a choice we sometimes must choose to make. One of the reasons I love this book so is that Palmer does not have rigid judgmental expectations of us (we probably are harsh enough on ourselves). He offers guidelines and explanations for the human condition, and some help on getting through.

Parker Palmer takes a long time Quaker practice -- the Clearness Committee - and uses it to provide for everyone a Circle of Trust. This mutual support network is unusual -- it isn't an advisory committee but more support for listening to that inner voice which we may joke about, but which exists (you know, the one you should have listened to, that nagging feeling, that annoying little warning sign).

One thing that makes us crazy is the denial of that inner voice, our true self, the divided side of self that knows the questionable aspects of our work life, the one we hush up so we can get by and make a living. This isn't just a teacher's issue or a spiritual issue. For some it may be a spiritual divide; for others, a more humanistic one. In any case, we become emotionally, mentally and otherwise unbalanced if our day to day movements and choices feel separate from -- or in conflict with -- our beliefs and values, and yet we deny that they are so.

We do not allow ourselves to hear that inner voice, afraid of the changes we might have to make. We smush it down, despite knowing intellectually that anything you smush down in one area pops up in another. This book offers recognition of this conflict we are in, and gives us ways we can listen without, necessarily, having to make changes that will make us walk out from or get fired from our daily bread earning jobs.

This is one to have, to give, to read and reread, to keep by the bedside or take on business trips.

A hidden Wholeness the first half is devoted to how finding your truth will help you live a undivided, that by living in a fragmented way, one face for work one for home life and one for friends, can ultimately lead to a soulless existence. this part feels to me that the argument is that if we but only live our lives true to our inner truth than all will be right in the world. Taking this position is fine if you have the time and resources to reflect on what really drives you, however it answers little for a person that is struggling to cover basic needs. It is like expecting someone fleeing a burning building to take the time to ask themselves why the building is on fire in the first place. its fine to do when your safe, but not when your trying not to burn. Another issue I have is that he basically calls out Secularism and Moral-ism as wrong minded, but then later warns against insulating yourself against ideas that you find challenging not to separate people in to "good guys and bad guys".
The last half of the book is about how to conduct a Circle of Truth, it is a major part of Quaker communities. In fact many cultures have takes on these and they are very useful and do build stronger communities, at home, around town, and even at the office.
and to the point of the book yeah if we live our lives in a way that is whole we will be happier, we should not stay in jobs or relationships that make us feel sick with anxiety and by being true to our inner selves we can move out of these situations, and that if we really listen to each other instead of just trying to solve problems we may gain a better understanding of ourselves and each other. so yeah the book has some good points, But in the end it falls short.

"This book," writes Parker Palmer, "brings together four themes I have been musing on since my mid-twenties: the shape of an integral life, the meaning of community, teaching and learning for transformation, and nonviolent social change." Writing from his Quaker tradition (think "inner light"), most of this book explores the first of these four themes. How do we join our inner and outer lives into an undivided whole? How do we bring together "soul and role?" Instead of impersonating ourselves, wearing masks, living on the surface of social images, accepting how other people define us, etc., how do we discover our true selves? We do it through forming what Palmer calls "circles of trust" where others can help us to hear the voice of our individual and unique "inner teacher." These circles of trust function much like church small groups, only they are much more intentional about their narrow purpose, and have very strict guidlines (eg, "no fixing, no saving, no advising, and no setting each other straight"). In these groups we hold each other safe, and neither invade or evade. I love the notion of integration and wholeness. I am less convinced of the wisdom of listening to my own inner voices, and sense a need for an "outside" voice from God and Scripture to help me understand my true identity in Christ. The Lutheran tradition provides a balance. Palmer's book does not help here because even though he is a Christian, this book is written for the broadest possible audience (school teachers, business people, health care workers, etc.). It is a good half loaf; I'd love to hear his specifically Christian version.

In A HIDDEN WHOLENESS, the highly respected writer, lecturer, teacher and activist, Parker J. Palmer describes the creation of a "circle of trust," a specific kind of community that welcomes the soul and helps those involved to hear its voice. Over the last several years, Palmer and his colleagues at the Center for Courage and Renewal [[...] have forged, tested, and re-worked the practices and principles of creating such circles. This book reflects both Palmer's own transformation from living a divided life to finding the courage to live divided no more. He reflects on his own and others experience as they have moved into circles of trust to live lives of deep integrity.

"Circles of Trust" are not easy things to create. Individuals, communities, or congregations looking for ways to work with long-standing problems of isolation, fear, and soul-forgetfulness will find reason for optimism in this writing, but readers looking for "seven easy steps" will not find them here. Parker Palmer is a sharp and witty writer who invites the rest of us into a practice that is messy, countercultural, and deceptively complex. For those willing to take the journey, this book, like the circles of trust it speaks of, offers lessons on the power of trust and acceptance as "soul and role" are reunited.

[...]

Gradually there are more people recognizing the need for spirituality and spiritual practice -- either in conjunction with religion or, for many, outside of the context of religion. Quakers, of whom Parker Palmer is one, have a long history of engaged spiritual practice. In this day and age, when many people in countries like the US still see morality and religion as inextricable, it will be increasingly important for us to develop a spirituality that can be applicable to our lives and our society and that does not necessarily depend upon accepting one religion and rejection others. That is the kind of spirituality that is compatible with modern society and modern education; whereas religion, because it is not universal, cannot be implemented in public institutions. This is an exciting new era for us to explore these issues in a way that moves humanity forward. Parker Palmer's work is very encouraging in this regard, and it is great to see his messages resonating with many, many people. Hopefully it will lead to a more holistic approach to human life in education and society in general.

I had actually never heard of Parker Palmer, so I was not only enlightened by his words, but delighted by discovering someone who speaks my language.
Whether he's talking about becoming your true self (a very yogic notion that goes back millennia) or sharing stories of his bouts with depression, he is perennially interesting.
His appealing views, coupled with that mellifluous voice, lure you into an open, receptive state.
I didn't agree with all his opinions, but it didn't matter as he isn't particularly dogmatic, nor is he preachy. He's simply sharing 70 years' worth of incisive perceptions and experience.
The interviewer, I think it's Tami Simon who founded Sounds True, asks insightful, probing questions in a very appealing, and gentle way.
The five CD set would also make a great gift for that introspective friend, or someone on the shoals of transition or illness.

I was unfamiliar with Parker Palmer. However, I own many Sounds True recordings, so I expected it would be a worthwhile "listen". The cover of the CD set is appealing...it would be a suitable object for meditation all by itself. I did have a little difficulty focusing at first, as the author's voice and delivery are on the dry side. One of the best sections, from my perspective, was his explanation of the Quaker approach to spirituality. This was new information for me. Many of his stories and illustrations will linger. His description of the experience of depression was personally helpful. I gained understanding of a relative who had been clinically depressed. I found it surprising that Mr. Palmer was not raised as an intellectual, based on where his life's path has led. I know I will re-listen to this program in the future.

I had actually never heard of Parker Palmer, so I was not only enlightened by his words, but delighted by discovering someone who speaks my language.
Whether he's talking about becoming your true self (a very yogic notion that goes back millennia) or sharing stories of his bouts with depression, he is perennially interesting.
His appealing views, coupled with that mellifluous voice, lure you into an open, receptive state.
I didn't agree with all his opinions, but it didn't matter as he isn't particularly dogmatic, nor is he preachy. He's simply sharing 70 years' worth of incisive perceptions and experience.
The interviewer, I think it's Tami Simon who founded Sounds True, asks insightful, probing questions in a very appealing, and gentle way.
The five CD set would also make a great gift for that introspective friend, or someone on the shoals of transition or illness.

I was unfamiliar with Parker Palmer. However, I own many Sounds True recordings, so I expected it would be a worthwhile "listen". The cover of the CD set is appealing...it would be a suitable object for meditation all by itself. I did have a little difficulty focusing at first, as the author's voice and delivery are on the dry side. One of the best sections, from my perspective, was his explanation of the Quaker approach to spirituality. This was new information for me. Many of his stories and illustrations will linger. His description of the experience of depression was personally helpful. I gained understanding of a relative who had been clinically depressed. I found it surprising that Mr. Palmer was not raised as an intellectual, based on where his life's path has led. I know I will re-listen to this program in the future.

I was not familiar with Parker J. Palmer before listening to this audio CD of 'An Undivided Life'...I must admit that the format threw me for loop: I was expecting a read-aloud of the author's book, but instead got a Q&A session with the author: that was a bit, um, unique. If you are a fan of this author & his viewpoint, this Q&A session will no doubt inspire you & answer some questions and feelings that you have on these issues: for me, I was just kind of like, 'yeah, ok.'

The author answers questions and speaks to his own experiences of 3 'clinical' depressions, and his own vocational & other choices that led him to discover the phrase, living an undivided life. He believes in living close to your authentic self, not living crosswise to your true self, and using the inner guidance to get past and not build a wall of seperation between your inside self and your outside self.

Personally, I thought it was very random and rambling: lacking any points that touched my spirit or soul, or even intellectual points that touched my brain, I just felt this was the author at his best on a soapbox, sharing his personal views and beliefs, and droning on and on in a way that reminded me of the great Ben Stein with 'Bueller, Bueller'...I didn't even get all the way through the 1st CD, I only got to almost the end before I was too bored and uninspired to continue any farther. For myself, there is no way I would ever listen to all 5 CDs and 5 1/2 hours of this program.

All my personal opinion aside, I can see how this audio CD could be inspiring or helpful to people who have found solace, hope or inspiration from his book and viewpoint of living an undivided life. And I agree with the author that we need to be authentic selfs, that is, we need to present to the world on the outside, what we are on the inside, and that in order to do this safely, we should be true to ourselves, but also just plain be a good person! I gave this 3 stars overall, as it may be truly helpful to some!

I've been familiar with Palmer's work on education for some years, so I was very interested to listen to this extended conversation with Tami Simon. Like all Sounds True recordings, the production quality is high and it is attractively packaged. The interview takes many autobiographical turns, as Palmer reflects on his life (especially his episodes of clinical depression) as he nears his 70th birthday. Palmer expresses a lot of poetic, communitarian, liberal sentiments. He's well spoken and this recording could serve as a useful introduction to his work. Nonetheless, I am giving this only three stars. I found myself lost in soft abstraction, wondering how or if his vision could be incarnated, especially among people who are not academics or retreat leaderes, and who have less space in their lives for reflective pondering, consensus process, and intentional spiritual companioning.

I have enjoyed this Parker Palmer "book" like none other (and I have read and re-read several of his earlier books). Hearing his voice for the first time, and the personal anecdotes and references sprinkled throughout this CD set, has got me listening again and again. There is, to borrow a phrase from Merton, and Palmer's appreciation of his work, a "hidden wholeness" in all things. An Undivided Life is a beautiful witness to that truth.

Parker Palmer has gifted us all with his revealing reflections and insights about living an undivided life. He writes about the conflict that we experience when our professional life and our inner beliefs are not aligned.

"A Hidden Wholeness" addressed many questions for me including:

What happens when the person that I have become, shaped by my work experiences, faces decisions that have to be made... decisions that I know will feel 'bad' or 'wrong' because they threaten my integrity?

What happens when I find myself part of an organization or profession that has evolved and changed in ways that are troubling?

What happens when I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place and can't see clearly where to go?

What happens when advice from others and self-help books are of little or no value?

Palmer shows how we can support one another in today's busy and often impersonal world by creating a unique and very special kind of community. The ideas presented in this book are well grounded and applicable to all.

This is an important book for all individuals who are concerned about or troubled by the divisions that exist in the lives we lead. Spending a few quiet hours with Parker Palmer's new book, "A Hidden Wholeness", may just change your mind about what is possible... and this book is one that you will want to pass on and share!

Wow, this was a life-changing book. I was expecting more of a self-help type book, but this was more about the way communities should function in helping individuals find the wisdom within themselves to deal with life. More of a community-help than a self-help approach. From now on I will work on coming alongside people, being available, and asking thoughtful, caring questions, and avoid giving advice. I also hope to start several circles of trust as outlined in the book, since nothing of the sort is currently available in my area. You will find this book very enlightening if you have been having trouble figuring out what you want, and/or have been frustrated by an inability to get others to follow your advice.

Parker Palmer describes a way of going more deeply into knowing who you are and who you can become by listening deeply to your soul/your deepest self as a guide within a respectful gathering of companions on that way. The title and subtitles tell the essence of that journey. I recommend this book without reservation and have created a Circle of Trust with people I know. Everyone rejoices in the format Parker offers, having glimpsed the possibility of finding the way to deep peace and authentic action in their lives within a supportive gathering of companions.

I first admired Parker Palmer's distilled and articulate writing. For me, he writes with simplicity and meaning about important things in ways that blend the conceptual (without being stuck in the head) with the experiential (without being lost in the personal). Then I experienced his speaking and found how richly he added humor and a warmth of connection to his carefully refined thought. This 5 CD set of recorded conversation with Tami Simons An Undivided Life, is a collection I will come back to again and again. It feels like having Parker sit with me by the fire for a long evening of important conversation about his core lifelong learnings. I consider Parker an important chronicler of the human experience and The Undivided Life will be an archive resource for all who seek to live the examined life.

This was my first exposure to this brilliant and authentic man. His honesty is refreshing and I can honestly say that listening to this has changed my perception of many things. He is the wisdom and life experience the younger generation needs to hear.

Presented in a Q&A dialogue, he speaks from the heart on everything from depression to education to spiritual life. I am in the process of listening to it again because I am certain there is more to learn the second time around. It is so powerful that I have recommended it to all of my friends, including my pastor.

For most of our lives we have talked about, experimented with, and attempted many forms of spiritual community, often with disappointing results. Not until we met Parker Palmer did we find and learn reliable ways to not only explore our inner lives, but to witness and discover the 'hidden wholeness,' not only in ourselves, but in others, in cirlces of trust. We have been priviiledged to learn this way of living and being in community through working with Parker and other facilitators through the Center for Teacher Formation over the last ten years. Now Parker, in HIDDEN WHOLENESS, shares his legacy, the 'live encounter' thousands of people have experienced through a retreat process he began. Now, the reader can find, in clear, simple language, a description of these practices, and begin to consider a way of being with others that honors the soul and supports us in living the undivided life we all deeply yearn for.

Caryl & Jay Casbon

Bend, Oregon

Not only is the book horribly formatted on Kindle, lacking page numbers and chapter segments, but Palmer presents material that is well beyond the bounds of orthodox Christianity. The whole idea is to bring your life back into alignment with your soul, which he bases on a positive view of the soul as being the perfect way we are supposed to be. I am not sure where he gets this definition, as it is not contained within the Bible.

He keeps taking about being "Quaker," but spends more time talking about a Taoist story of a wood carver than about anything from the Bible. In chapter 4, Palmer states that he doesn't believe in original sin. He thinks people are really born good and just need molding back through his form of group therapy. Problem is, this not only contradicts the Bible he claims to believe, but also every orthodox Christian teacher in the history of the Church. Instead of actually dealing with the problem of sin, he goes off on bouts about how individualism isn't the problem, capitalism is and pushes his views throughout the book without any real sources or reasoning. That is essentially a confused liberation theologian.

Half way through the book he openly states he isn't a relativist, but goes on to redefine what truth is, making it out to be something that sounds wonderful but has no philosophical or theological backing, making it nothing more than straw. He seasons it all with little spiritual quotes by a variety of famous authors of the past, many of which I am sure would not have appreciated the way their words were taken out of context to support a hyper spiritualized message.

It lacks all the goodness and hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and has every bit of the overly spiritualized and falsely optimistic individualism. He has confused Marxism for the Gospel, and his truth for absolute truth. At best, it is pseudo-christian, at worst it is outright heretical. Don't be misguided.

An Undivided Life by Parker J. Palmer, just was not my cup of tea. I listened to five hours and I could ownly choose a few good things to say about this book. 1. Mr Palmer is interesting and has lived a full life. 2. His life I suppose is undivided.

I possibly would have gotten more from actualy reading this book in the written form. I'm sorry I could not recommed this book.