Active Hope

In this remarkable and inspiring book, the authors provide a means of getting to grips with the challenges that face us collectively through the important concept of active hope. Whatever situation we face, we can choose our response. Active hope does not require optimism, but rather intention, choosing what we aim to bring about and acting in that direction. True to his approach is the Work That Reconnects consisting of a cycle of honouring our pain for the world, seeing with new eyes, going forth, and coming from gratitude. The framework sets out three stories of our time: business as usual, the great unravelling and the great turning; the first leads to the second while third is already underway in some quarters, consisting of holding actions, life-sustaining systems and practices, and a shift in consciousness. The authors analyse various forms of resistance to engaging in change, defining a wider sense of self in circles of identity and community. They also present two models of power, the second a form of empowerment in acting together with courage and compassion. Throughout the book are boxes inviting the reader to try a practical experiment. Uncertainty will remain, but we can choose to embody active hope and become instruments of transformation.