Consciousness in Action: The Power of Beauty, Love, and Courage in a Violent Time [Paperback]

Andrew Beath (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2005

Consciousness in Action features the thoughts of Julia Butterfly Hill, Deena Metzger, Joanna Macy, Ralph Metzner, John Mack, and many others in an inspiring dialogue between environmental and spiritual activists. Their subject is 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

This is a vital contribution to ongoing efforts toward a peaceful, habitable Earth.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The only way to end destructive human tendencies like ecological degradation and economic imbalance is for individuals to undergo spiritual self-examination and recognize their responsibility to nature, argues Beath, a passionate environmental activist and the driving force behind the EarthWays Foundation. This inspirational book aims to guide people from "well-meaning but self-centered naiveté to... 'conscious activism.'" To that end, Beath presents his views as well as the stories and advice of 15 "social change leaders," including Julia Butterfly Hill, who spent more than two years living in an ancient Redwood tree to keep it from being cut down; Peter Levitt, who works with inner city youths; and the late psychiatrist and activist John Mack (2004). All of the above stress the humanitarian ideals of compassion, tolerance, non-violent activism and an appreciation and respect for living creatures. Though Beath declares somewhat dramatically in the first chapter that "the Earth bleeds on the cross of human industry," he and his fellow activists remain confident that public concern over the environment and the culture is increasing. With its rose-tinted and somewhat nebulous open-mind, open-heart approach to spirituality and societal change, however, this book isn't likely to convert many people to the cause; rather, it preaches to the choir.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Andrew Beath is the founder of the EarthWays Foundation in Malibu, California, as well as several other nonprofit social justice and environmental organizations. His foundation has initiated projects to protect wilderness and assist threatened communities in South, Central and North America.

Product Details

• Paperback: 293 pages
• Publisher: Lantern Books (March 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590560795
• ISBN-13: 978-1590560792
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #817,261 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiration for the Long Haul, October 16, 2005

By 

Laura Sewall (Phippsburg, ME) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Consciousness in Action: The Power of Beauty, Love, and Courage in a Violent Time (Paperback)

Reading Andrew Beath's book is like listening to good music on a dark day--it soothes and assures me in the midst of an onslaught of daily news announcing a world gone seriously beserk. I am comforted by Beath's calm and reasoned tone (and by the many other wise voices woven throughout the text), suggesting that my own aspirations--my spiritual development--are consistent with, and even necessary for, the social change and environmental protection that is so sorely needed at this time. And--as if in a sane and loving conversation with the author himself--I am assured that any one of us who believe in the power of consciousness can in fact take the personal, developmental steps neccesary for restoring social and environmental integrity. Beath offers clear guidance in the form of the seven critical "attributes of consciousness," and then nudges us down the path, or more accurately, down "the liberation pathways." Ultimatley, I suppose, my assurance comes from knowing that the path he points to is based in perennial wisdom, and trusting that we would all be better off if we simply do what our human spirits most want us to do. Beath has certainly offered a clear and accessible description of a spiritual path, and very good, practical reason for taking it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars inspirational and informative! Timely encouragement when needed most!, October 5, 2005

By 

Daniel C. Susott (Honolulu, Hi USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Consciousness in Action: The Power of Beauty, Love, and Courage in a Violent Time (Paperback)

Andrew Beath has collected some of the leading thinkers and activists at the growing edge of the environmental movement. He clearly demonstrates how consciousness and spirituality translate into action and right livelihood, moving the world forward toward a desirable future, at a time when such action and clarity is most critically needed. The chapters of the book are beautifully laced together with his reflections and caring. thank you, Andrew!

[...]

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a powerfully alive read, July 18, 2005

By 

Joana Johnston (hawaii) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Consciousness in Action: The Power of Beauty, Love, and Courage in a Violent Time (Paperback)

This environmentalist's brilliant book is alive. Mr. Beath has put into perspective what it means to be environmentally aware, at this moment in time. The book offers inspiration and a deeper understanding of issues.Through the voices of some of the most aware people on the planet. It's a powerful primer for anyone interested in the world we live in.