Preface by Parker J. Palmer
An Invitation
1. Listening to Life
2. Now I Become Myself
3. When Way Closes
4. All the Way Down
5. Leading from Within
6. There Is a Season
Gratitudes
Sherrill Knezel is a graphic recorder, an illustrator, and an art educator who works, teaches, and lives in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. She has been an educator for twenty-nine years, specializing in visual literacy. She is the founder of Meaningful Marks LLC, a graphic recording/illustration firm that focuses on using the power of visuals to support nonprofits, educators, and corporate sector clients. She is a contributing author to two books: Stories in EDU and Social Action Stories. She is the 2018 and 2019 Excellence in Visual Journalism Award Winner for her work in the Milwaukee Independent.
"There's a reason the 'in case of emergency' instructions on
airplanes are illustrations, not simply words—in crisis, the brain
grasps images more readily than text. Parker Palmer's wisdom and
practical philosophy have guided countless readers through
challenges toward a more meaningful life. Sherrill Knezel gives
additional depth and visual access to the power of Palmer's
inspiring teachings. The paired wisdom of Parker Palmer and the
clear, clean, whimsical instructions that Knezel provides for
readers, even in the case of an emergency, offer a way to learn
twice—by reading and seeing."
*Mary Anne Em Radmacher, author of Courage Doesn't Always Roar*
"There's a reason the 'in case of emergency' instructions on
airplanes are illustrations, not simply words—in crisis, the brain
grasps images more readily than text. Parker Palmer's wisdom and
practical philosophy have guided countless readers through
challenges toward a more meaningful life. Sherrill Knezel gives
additional depth and visual access to the power of Palmer's
inspiring teachings. The paired wisdom of Parker Palmer and the
clear, clean, whimsical instructions that Knezel provides for
readers, even in the case of an emergency, offer a way to learn
twice—by reading and seeing."
*Mary Anne Em Radmacher, author of Courage Doesn't Always Roar*
"Heart Speak is a beautiful participatory journey into the depth of
self and the soul of society. Palmer's words combined with Knezel's
illustrations carefully explore unconscious behaviors, patterns,
relationships, and thoughts of everyday existence. This book
provides a real road map for clinicians, help groups, parents,
families, and friends to contemplate and engage in conversations
that lead to movement, growth, and healing. But experience this
book for yourself first. It's a true gift!"
*Pardeep Singh Kaleka, author and trauma clinician*
"Heart Speak is a beautiful participatory journey into the depth of
self and the soul of society. Palmer's words combined with Knezel's
illustrations carefully explore unconscious behaviors, patterns,
relationships, and thoughts of everyday existence. This book
provides a real road map for clinicians, help groups, parents,
families, and friends to contemplate and engage in conversations
that lead to movement, growth, and healing. But experience this
book for yourself first. It's a true gift!"
*Pardeep Singh Kaleka, author and trauma clinician*
"Let this book be a gentle light in your day. Savor not only
Palmer's magical words and Knezel's beautiful art, but use Knezel's
useful prompts to immediately apply the thoughts to your own
life."
*Julie Causton, CEO of Inclusive Schooling*
"Let this book be a gentle light in your day. Savor not only
Palmer's magical words and Knezel's beautiful art, but use Knezel's
useful prompts to immediately apply the thoughts to your own
life."
*Julie Causton, CEO of Inclusive Schooling*
"Sherrill Knezel is an artist in every sense of the word: Her
illustrations winsomely, effectively draw readers into the text.
Her personal meditations are wise, vulnerable, and artfully
expressed. Her incisive questions beg for deep reflection,
contemplation, and response. Heart Speak is borne out of the
fertile soil of Sherrill's spiritual life and her profound
understanding of Parker J. Palmer's classic work Let Your Life
Speak. She has spoken deeply to my own heart, and I believe she
will do the same for you."
*Jeff Crosby, author of The Language of the Soul*
"Sherrill Knezel is an artist in every sense of the word: Her
illustrations winsomely, effectively draw readers into the text.
Her personal meditations are wise, vulnerable, and artfully
expressed. Her incisive questions beg for deep reflection,
contemplation, and response. Heart Speak is borne out of the
fertile soil of Sherrill's spiritual life and her profound
understanding of Parker J. Palmer's classic work Let Your Life
Speak. She has spoken deeply to my own heart, and I believe she
will do the same for you."
*Jeff Crosby, author of The Language of the Soul*
"Heart Speak is a stunning journey and invitation, full of
compelling words, illustrations, and prompts by both Parker J.
Palmer and Sherrill Knezel. Heart Speak is full of beauty and
truth, and it will no doubt reassure and encourage readers to trust
the wisdom that rests within their own hearts. This book is a
steady presence on my nightstand, one whose pages I return to over
and over again when I need a reminder or reassurance that, most
likely, I am on the right path. I can open up to any page and find
exactly what I need in the words and images I discover."
*Monisha Vasa, psychiatrist and author of Salve: Words for the
Journey*
"Heart Speak is a stunning journey and invitation, full of
compelling words, illustrations, and prompts by both Parker J.
Palmer and Sherrill Knezel. Heart Speak is full of beauty and
truth, and it will no doubt reassure and encourage readers to trust
the wisdom that rests within their own hearts. This book is a
steady presence on my nightstand, one whose pages I return to over
and over again when I need a reminder or reassurance that, most
likely, I am on the right path. I can open up to any page and find
exactly what I need in the words and images I discover."
*Monisha Vasa, psychiatrist and author of Salve: Words for the
Journey*
"I am charmed, delighted, and deeply touched by Sherrill Knezel's
Heart Speak. The illustrations offer a new and creative dimension
to quotes I've treasured for many years. Sherrill's commentary and
reflective questions are wonderfully human, tender, thought
provoking, and wise. I recommend this book to those who love the
work of Parker J. Palmer, but also to anyone who is on the
important and curious journey of becoming more fully themself."
*Carrie Newcomer, songwriter and author of The Beautiful Not
Yet*
"I am charmed, delighted, and deeply touched by Sherrill Knezel's
Heart Speak. The illustrations offer a new and creative dimension
to quotes I've treasured for many years. Sherrill's commentary and
reflective questions are wonderfully human, tender, thought
provoking, and wise. I recommend this book to those who love the
work of Parker J. Palmer, but also to anyone who is on the
important and curious journey of becoming more fully themself."
*Carrie Newcomer, songwriter and author of The Beautiful Not
Yet*
"Sherrill Knezel's new book is visual and verbal encouragement
delivered straight to the heart. This collection of thoughts is
necessary for our souls at just the right time."
*Mike Rohde, author of The Sketchnote Handbook*
"Sherrill Knezel's new book is visual and verbal encouragement
delivered straight to the heart. This collection of thoughts is
necessary for our souls at just the right time."
*Mike Rohde, author of The Sketchnote Handbook*
"Sherrill Knezel can transform complicated and complex ideas into
deceptively simple–appearing diagrams. But do not be fooled;
neither the ideas nor the drawings are simple. This new volume
combines her artistic and discerning ability with powerful quotes
from Parker J. Palmer. This remarkable blend of talents will reach
the heart of verbal and nonverbal learners alike, making these
quotes and inspirations accessible to all, so that everyone has an
opportunity to understand Palmer's important concepts and apply
them. I highly recommend Heart Speak as an important tool for
self-exploration, self-awareness, and self-care."
*Martina Green McGowan, MD, author of i am the rage*
"Sherrill Knezel can transform complicated and complex ideas into
deceptively simple–appearing diagrams. But do not be fooled;
neither the ideas nor the drawings are simple. This new volume
combines her artistic and discerning ability with powerful quotes
from Parker J. Palmer. This remarkable blend of talents will reach
the heart of verbal and nonverbal learners alike, making these
quotes and inspirations accessible to all, so that everyone has an
opportunity to understand Palmer's important concepts and apply
them. I highly recommend Heart Speak as an important tool for
self-exploration, self-awareness, and self-care."
*Martina Green McGowan, MD, author of i am the rage*
"When we founded Fall Creek Abbey in 2012, we expectantly placed a
copy of Let Your Life Speak in each guest room. Without fail, those
on retreat would flip through a few pages and be drawn into this
small volume, which gently led them into the depths of their own
souls. Now we are excited to add this companion resource, Heart
Speak, as a wise and whimsical guide into the rich invitations
found in Palmer's original book. As spiritual directors, we know
the value of well-designed, curious questions as well as the gift
of visual imagery. Sherrill Knezel's book is a creative doorway
into deeper nourishment in fresh, original ways."
*David and Beth Booram, directors of Fall Creek Abbey and authors
of When Faith Becomes Sight*
"When we founded Fall Creek Abbey in 2012, we expectantly placed a
copy of Let Your Life Speak in each guest room. Without fail, those
on retreat would flip through a few pages and be drawn into this
small volume, which gently led them into the depths of their own
souls. Now we are excited to add this companion resource, Heart
Speak, as a wise and whimsical guide into the rich invitations
found in Palmer's original book. As spiritual directors, we know
the value of well-designed, curious questions as well as the gift
of visual imagery. Sherrill Knezel's book is a creative doorway
into deeper nourishment in fresh, original ways."
*David and Beth Booram, directors of Fall Creek Abbey and authors
of When Faith Becomes Sight*
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