Coming Back to Life: The Updated Guide to the Work That Reconnects

Description

Inspiration, practices, and meditations to empower us in the face of planetary suffering: “True wisdom for tough times.” ―John Robbins, author of Diet for a New America Deepening global crises surround us, causing many to fall prey to denial and despair. Coming Back to Life shows how grief, anger, and fear are healthy responses to the harsh realities of our time, and that when honored through the revolutionary practice of the Work That Reconnects, they can free us from paralysis and move us toward creative action. This new, completely updated edition of the classic text illuminates the extraordinary Work that has inspired hundreds of thousands to make strides towards the creation of a life-sustaining human culture. Buddhist scholar and environmental activist Joanna Macy and Molly Young Brown introduce the Work’s theoretical foundations, revealing the angst of our era with remarkable insight. Pointing the way forward out of apathy, they offer personal counsel as well as easy-to-use methods for group process that profoundly affect people’s outlook and ability to act in the world. “If you want to connect with your joy even in the midst of sadness, if you want to see new life arise out of despair, Coming Back to Life has my highest possible recommendation.” ―John Robbins, author of Diet for a New America and co-founder and president, The Food Revolution Network “A must for all who want to mobilize humanity in service of all beings. These concepts, exercises, and meditations have proven to work across generations, religions, ethnicities and races.” ―Rabbi Mordechai Liebling, Director of Social Justice Organizing, Reconstructionist Rabbinical College Review: It is a space where we can dance with our grief and celebrate our joy. It is the space in which we create ... - Coming Back to Life is one of the important books of our time. The view of the world and these times that Joanna and Molly offer is clear and compelling. And for me it is spot on. The exercises and processes they share are powerful. They offer us guidance for working with groups of people to stand awake in this world and to step forward to make a difference. Lately I've been using this framework as a core part of my work in Japan -- both in the 3.11.11 disaster area as well as in other parts of the country. The space it opens up for people is incredible. It is a space where we can dance with our grief and celebrate our joy. It is the space in which we create the future we want. Review: It is not only a clear introduction to Joanna Macy's approach but a wonderful guide for teaching it - I have used this book in numerous workshops and trainings. It is not only a clear introduction to Joanna Macy's approach but a wonderful guide for teaching it. She is a brilliant transformational activist and teacher wth a powerful message and method for restoring our deep connection with all life. Her Buddhist foundation does not create "bad guys" and "good guys" but recognizes that we are all living beings who share this world and must learn how to make the shift from an industrial growth society to a life-sustaining world. Just read it; you will be heartened, inspired and moved into constructive action, out of despair and overwhelm.