Description
Book SynopsisA different kind of hope for living in these turbulent times
Climate disruption. Growing social inequality. Pollution. We are living in an era of unprecedented crises, resulting in widespread feelings of fear, despair, and grief. Now, more than ever, maintaining hope for the future is a monumental task.
Intrinsic Hope offers a powerful antidote to these feelings. It shows how conventional ideas of hope are rooted in the belief that life will conform to our wishes and how this leads to disappointment, despair, and a dismal view of the future. As an alternative, it offers intrinsic hope, a powerful, liberating, and positive approach to life based on having a deep trust in whatever happens. The author, a hopeful survivor, shows how to cultivate intrinsic hope through practical tips and six mindful habits for living a positive, courageous life in these troubled times.
Whether working directly on ecological or social issues or worried about chi
Table of Contents
Foreword by Vicki Robbin
Introduction: Where On Earth Are We Going?
The Global Eco-social Crisis and Its Impacts
Psychological Impacts
The Psychological Context
Where On Earth Are We Going?
Uncovering and Nurturing Hope
Part I: Uncovering Intrinsic Hope
1. Naming Our Feelings about the Global Eco-social Crisis
Fear
Disappointment
Self-Righteous Anger and Frustration
Shame and Guilt
Sadness and Despair
Grief
Denial and Apathy
Concluding Thoughts
2. Reasons for Hope
Life Is Inherently Hopeful
We Know More Than Ever Before
The Future Is Uncertain
We May Be Able to Resolve This Crisis Because We Caused It
Humankind Is Beginning to Think Globally
History Tells Us Positive Social Change Is Possible
The Growing Global Citizens' Movement
Hope Can Be Learned
It Is Our Responsibility To Be Hopeful
Just Because. . .What Else Would We Do?
3. Intrinsic and Extrinsic Hope
Extrinsic Hope
Intrinsic Hope
Extrinsic and Intrinsic Hope Compared
The Relationship Between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Hope
Part II: Habits of Hope
4. Being Present
Mindfulness
Distraction
Selective Attention
Meditation
Using Our Senses
Wonder
Bearing Witness
Being Present to the Universe
5. Expressing Gratitude
Choosing to Feel Grateful
Things To Be Grateful For
Expressing Gratitude
Appreciation and Problems
Joy
Gratitude and Consumerism
6. Loving the World
Love and Compassion
Community
Loving Places
Loving the Earth
Loving Future Generations
7. Accepting What Is
Opening Up to Painful Emotions
Forgiveness
Reframing
Expressing Feelings
8. Taking Action
Scientific Information
Results, Responsibility, and Virtue
Purpose and Commitment
Do No Harm
Small Steps
9. Persevering for the Long Haul
Self-Discipline
Resilience
Long-Term Thinking
Curiosity
Looking After Ourselves
Celebrating Good News
Conclusion: Pandora's Gift
Invitation
Acknowledgments
Endnotes
About the Author
About New Society Publishers
