In 'Invisible Man,' Ralph Ellison tells the story of a nameless black protagonist who navigates the surreal and often hostile world of 20th-century America. The novel begins with the narrator living in an underground room, reflecting on his life and the various ways he has experienced social invisibility. He recounts his journey from a small Southern town to Harlem, involving experiences with racism, a brutal 'battle royal,' and his involvement with the Brotherhood, a civil rights group. The narrative delves into themes of identity, power, and the struggle for self-definition in a society that refuses to see him. Through his experiences, the narrator grapples with the complexities of being a black man in America, ultimately leading to a profound exploration of invisibility and the search for one's true self[1][4][5].
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 'See No Stranger,' Valarie Kaur takes readers through her riveting journey—from growing up as a brown girl in California farmland to becoming a young adult galvanized by the murders of Sikhs after 9/11, a law student fighting injustices, and an activist working with communities recovering from xenophobic attacks. Kaur reclaims love as an active, public, and revolutionary force that creates new possibilities for ourselves, our communities, and our world. The book draws from the wisdom of sages, scientists, and activists to offer a practical guide to changing the world through revolutionary love, which extends to others, opponents, and oneself[1][2][4].
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 'Reboot,' Jerry Colonna shares his approach to leadership development through radical self-inquiry. The book helps leaders identify and address the emotional baggage and psychological habits that have both driven their success and hindered their relationships and well-being. Colonna draws on his experiences as a venture capitalist and executive coach, blending Buddhism, Jungian therapy, and entrepreneurial insights to guide leaders in finding meaning, building healthy interpersonal bonds, and becoming more compassionate and bold leaders. The book emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, mindfulness, honesty, and self-critique in transforming both personal and professional lives[2][4][5].
Things are changing all the time.
From the seasons,
To the weather, our emotions, and our relationships.
We are born, we grow old, and ultimately we die.
To walk through life means to walk hand-in-hand with impermanence.
It is simply part of what it means to be human.
And this season on the podcast we wanted to make these shared experiences of change and uncertainty a focal point of our larger conversation.
So for 3 episodes we are bringing together some of the great teachers, physicians, writers, and leaders of our time.
To reflect on how we might embrace impermanence rather than push it away.
From learning to relax into uncertainty,
To loosening the grip of control as we aspire toward what matters to us with less attachment to the outcome,
To opening up the possibility of appreciating the preciousness and beauty of being alive.
Last week we kicked off this series with world renowned meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg and palliative care physician and author, Dr. Sunita Puri.
Today, we are continuing with a deeply moving conversation between -
Legendary teacher, activist, and best selling author Parker Palmer
And
CEO Coach, and co-founder of leading executive coaching firm Reboot, Jerry Colonna.
Both Parker and Jerry have taught, written, and coached extensively on the topic of work - so today that’s where much of our conversation will go.
Some of the questions we'll explore include:
- How might we lean into the dynamic ebb and flow of our work experience with greater levity, wisdom, and compassion?
- What are the ways in which we can work in greater alignment with the imperatives of our soul?
- And for those on the unconventional path how can we find the courage to keep going in the face of doubt and fear?
For more on Jerry please check out reboot.io
And for more on Parker please visit: newcomerpalmer.com
Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:
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