The human heart is the first home of democracy. It is where we embrace our questions. Can we be equitable? Can we be generous? Can we listen with our whole beings, not just our minds, and offer our attention rather than our opinions? And do we have enough resolve in our hearts to act courageously, relentlessly, without giving up–ever–trusting our fellow citizens to join with us in our determined pursuit of a living democracy?
–Terry Tempest Williams
Habits of the Heart that Encourage Democracy, from Parker J. Palmer’s book, Healing the Heart of Democracy
1. An understanding that we are all in this together.
2. An appreciation of the value of “otherness”
3. An ability to hold tension in life-giving ways.
4. A sense of personal voice and agency.
5. A capacity to create community.
Parker J. Palmer discusses Alex de Tocqueveille’s suggestion that democracy in America would be successful depending on the habits of the heart Americans nourished. Global Oneness Project discussion of these habits.
Video introduction to the habits by Parker J. Palmer.
Anna Citrino---Poetry, Place, Pilgrimage 