Consciousness in Action: Reviews

REVIEWS

Consciousness in Action, by Andrew Beath

BRANCHES OF LIGHT

Consciousness in Action presents insights about the evolution of consciousness that Andrew Beath has distilled from decades of social and environmental activism, weaving a tapestry of wisdom that features inspiring stories from numerous progressive leaders. Julia Butterfly Hill, Deena Metzger, Joanna Macy, Ralph Metzner, John Mack, Shiva Rea, Mark Dubois, Barbara Marx Hubbard, John Seed, and others offer commentary that elaborates Beath’s themes and provides pathways to personal and global transformation.

Our actions reveal our depth of connection. I define conscious activism as engagement in the world that expresses our most profound understanding of the nature of reality. It is imbued with appreciation and reverence and encourages compassionate connection—the basis for lasting social change.
This inspiring dialogue between environmental and spiritual activists focuses on the seven attributes of consciousness that they have employed in their activism and that have demonstrated their viability across time and cultures to bring about change.

The seven attributes discussed are:
nonviolence amid passion
introspection and self-discovery
not knowing and spontaneity in the moment
eros, the way of loving-kindness
no enemies and co-creating a healthier world
vision free of reaction to others
joy in opening of the heart
By practicing the seven attributes we find the strength to prevail over material addictions that could ultimately consume us all… Deepening awareness eventually integrates us with natural harmony. This, in turn, reduces anxiety-related compulsions and extends our interconnections. We are all partners in life.

Sharing remarkable insights and techniques that enable us to turn the wheel of human destiny from destruction to reverence, Consciousness in Action is a vital contribution to ongoing efforts toward a peaceful, habitable earth.