For over twenty-five years, C. A. Parker has studied both the shakuhachi (an end-blown Japanese flute) and the martial art of Aikido, both in the United States and Japan. Prior to life as an author, Dr. Parker spent his career at the intersection of spirituality and social justice, and he has spent many years exploring the commonalities between Christian and Buddhist contemplative traditions. He lives in Washington DC with his two amazing and creative children, and two rescued pets (a grumpy old dog named Chewbacca and a neurotic cat named Luna).