In *A Hidden Wholeness*, Parker J. Palmer explores the concept of living an undivided life, where individuals can align their inner truth with their daily activities. The book addresses themes such as the shape of an integral life, the meaning of community, and nonviolent social change. Palmer introduces the concept of 'circles of trust' as a means to foster wholeness and integrity in personal and public lives.
Pema Chödrön's "Comfortable with Uncertainty" offers practical guidance on embracing the unpredictable nature of life. She draws on Buddhist teachings to help readers cultivate inner peace and resilience in the face of change and uncertainty. The book emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, acceptance, and compassion. It's a guide to navigating life's challenges with greater ease and equanimity. Chödrön's approach is both insightful and compassionate, making the book a valuable resource for anyone seeking to cultivate inner peace.
In 'The Courage to Teach,' Parker J. Palmer argues that good teaching cannot be reduced to technique but is rooted in the identity and integrity of the teacher. The book emphasizes the need for teachers to be authentically present in the classroom, connected with their students and the subject matter. Palmer discusses the flaws of objectivism, the importance of community-centered learning, and the necessity of addressing the inner life of teachers in educational reform. He advocates for a relational understanding of knowledge and highlights the importance of vulnerability and connectedness in teaching and learning.
In 'Let Your Life Speak', Parker J. Palmer reflects on the journey of finding one's true vocation through a deeply personal and compassionate lens. The book encourages readers to listen to their inner selves rather than external expectations, and to embrace their true identities and integrity. Palmer shares his own experiences, including struggles with depression and unconventional career paths, to illustrate the importance of authenticity and self-awareness in discovering one's calling. The book emphasizes that vocation is not a goal to be achieved but a gift to be received, and that it involves aligning one's life with one's natural gifts and interests.
In this book, Pema Chödrön offers life-changing tools for transforming suffering and negative patterns into habitual ease and boundless joy. Drawing from traditional Buddhist wisdom, she advises moving toward painful situations with friendliness and curiosity, rather than trying to escape them. The book emphasizes the importance of embracing uncertainty, impermanence, and groundlessness, and provides practical advice for dealing with difficult emotions like fear, anger, and sadness. Chödrön encourages readers to stay present with their feelings and to cultivate nonaggression and compassion, leading to deeper healing and understanding[1][3][5].
In this book, Sharon Salzberg explores the concept of faith in a way that is distinct from traditional religious interpretations. She draws on Buddhist teachings and her own life experiences, including a tumultuous childhood, to explain that faith is about trusting one's deepest experience and maintaining the strength to move forward even in difficult times. Salzberg emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings and how faith can be a source of healing and peace, accessible to anyone regardless of their spiritual tradition.
What if the life you built is no longer the one that fulfills you? In this powerful episode, former venture capitalist turned CEO coach Jerry Colonna shares how his midlife crisis became a chrysalis—from collapsing under the weight of outward success to rebuilding a life rooted in meaning, connection, and emotional resilience.
He shares the moment he almost gave up, the books and mentors that helped him begin again, and why real leadership starts with healing yourself. If you're navigating uncertainty or chasing purpose after 40, this is your roadmap. Subscribe for more conversations that honour the complexity—and beauty—of becoming whole.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:51 Greeting and introduction
02:06 Jerry’s background & career journey
09:36 Fundamentally being broken
12:33 The crash of 2001 and Grand Canyon awakening
15:35 Post-9/11 breakdown and decision to change
18:41 The power of asking “How am I complicit?”
21:41 The pursuit of wealth and inner emptiness
25:57 Childhood trauma and the need to be seen
28:31 The transformation: from ego to true self
33:31 Becoming Buddhist business coach
37:57 Lessons from modern elders: Pema, Parker, Sharon
44:56 What gets better with age
47:10 Midlife wisdom and personal integration
51:34 The ability to enjoy bitter sweetness
52:50 Why do we need midlife wisdom schools
54:37 Collective healing and “you’re not alone”
56:10 Bumper sticker of wisdom
Learn more about MEA at https://www.meawisdom.com/
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The Midlife Chrysalis 
