What if aging isn’t about decline—but about becoming more fully alive?

In this session, beloved teacher Parker Palmer invites us to reimagine aging as a season of depth, resilience, and possibility. Drawing from his lived experience and signature gift for storytelling, Parker explores how to stand in “the gap” between the world as it is and the world as it could be—without turning away from the sorrow or joy of being human.

Together, we’ll reflect on what it means to live openheartedly in the face of grief, paradox, and uncertainty. With wisdom that bridges the inner life and outer action, Parker shares how tending the soul not only renews us individually but also strengthens our collective capacity for compassion, justice, and community.

This is an invitation to age with courage, to live truthfully, and to discover the vitality that comes from holding life’s beauty and brokenness together.

Speaker bio: 

Parker J. Palmer is an American author, educator, and activist who focuses on issues in education, community, leadership, spirituality and social change. He has published ten books and numerous essays and poems, and is founder and Senior Partner Emeritus of the Center for Courage and Renewal.