Subtle Activism: The Inner Dimension Of Social And Planetary Transformation (SUNY Series In Transpersonal And Humanistic Psychology)
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Explores whether consciousness-based practices like meditation and prayer can contribute to social change. Can awakened consciousness contribute to social change and, if so, how? David Nicol introduces the concept of “subtle activism” to describe the use of consciousness-based practices like meditation and prayer to support collective transformation, such as global meditation directed toward peaceful resolution of a conflict. Subtle activism represents a bridge between the consciousness movement and the movements for peace, environmental sustainability, and social justice. It is not a substitute for physical action but rather a potentially crucial component of a more integrated approach to social change. Although ancient lore is rife with tales of shamans and adepts intervening on spiritual levels for the benefit of humanity, this book is the first comprehensive treatment of this topic. Nicol grounds his consideration in the available scientific research and in dialogue with a broad range of thinkers in the fields of consciousness studies, transpersonal theory, and New Paradigm thought. “Many good books are published each year but important books are harder to come by. One of the marks of a truly important book is that it challenges our deeply held convictions about what is real and what is possible in the world. It opens new intellectual horizons by showing us previously hidden connections. David Nicol’s Subtle Activism is an important book, a very important book.” — from the Foreword by Christopher M. Bache “In the tradition of James’s Varieties of Religious Experience, David Nicol, a practitioner and researcher of subtle activism, has gathered extensive, convincing evidence for the effectiveness of meditation and other consciousness disciplines in service of ecological and social justice.” — Robert McDermott, PhD, former president of California Institute of Integral Studies and author of Steiner and Kindred Spirits “Finally, a well-researched exploration of the multi-dimensional nature of real spiritual practice. David Nicol reminds us that spiritual work encompasses both individual and global transformation and has a vital role to play in an emerging planetary consciousness. Subtle Activism is both radical and also grounded in traditional spirituality, whose real potential has been sadly overlooked in our Western focus on the individual self. This is an important contribution to the emerging field of engaged spirituality, which looks beyond the individual to the real need of the present time—a shift in our collective consciousness and the birth of a new story for humanity and the Earth.” — Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, PhD, Sufi teacher and author of Spiritual Ecology“This is a wise and indispensable book that should be in the backpack of everyone who wants to help change the world.” — Andrew Harvey, author of The Hope: A Guide to Sacred Activism “Subtle Activism melds both spirit and passion in a work that is scholarly, wise, and profoundly relevant. It is a clarion call to a world careening out of balance—exhorting us to skillfully mine the vast resources of our inner lives and the collective field of higher consciousness to mobilize the transformation our world badly needs.” — James O’Dea, author of The Conscious Activist and former President of the Institute of Noetic Sciences and Washington Office Director of Amnesty International“David Nicol has brought all the fragmented pieces together to bring us to a full understanding of the subtle planes … His most important gift is to bring our understanding from individual consciousness to collective well-being. He has catalyzed a movement for world benefit through subtle activism. This is transformation at its best.” — Nancy Roof, PhD, founder and editor, Kosmos Journal

Series: SUNY series in Transpersonal and Humanistic Psychology

Paperback: 246 pages

Publisher: State University of New York Press; Reprint edition (July 2, 2016)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1438457502

ISBN-13: 978-1438457505

Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches

Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #122,379 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #6 in Books > Medical Books > Psychology > Movements > Transpersonal #30 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > New Age & Spirituality > Gaia

A first and really well researched book about the power of group energy. It's shows we really can make a positive and power impact on world affairs when we come together as an open, caring, heart cohesive field.

The emerging "field" of Subtle Activism joins our modern-day understanding of the science of energetics and the quantum reality with the historic Wisdom Traditions' knowledge of the "contemplative dimensions" of contemplative intention, shamanism, the lesser and greater "siddhi's" ("spiritual gifts" to those in the West) and much more. We have not only been ripe for an emergence of this discussion in the public realm but a pioneer book that links the science and cosmology of subtle activism to what comes to us from the ancients. Dr. David Nicol has been a leader in the organization of the emergent movements around subtle activism and now, from his academic prowess in cosmology and the world's Wisdom Traditions, provides us with a panoramic treatment of the landscape of subtle activism and its profound implications. I know that people who have been endeavoring in both the secular or sacred realms of this enterprise will welcome this integrative, pioneer book.

This is a ground-breaking, well-researched, comprehensive and one-of-a kind book.This is essential reading for spiritual warriors and sacred activists. I give the author five stars and the publisher negative four stars and average to one star. The publisher has created a book with very small and thin type font. Section headings are not even in bold font and so don't stand out. To make matters worse the ink is very faint and the cream paper color, while soothing and attractive, provides a background that lets the type font stand stand out less and thus makes the book even less readable visually. Unfortunately, I will only be able to spot read this book for key points as too much eye strain would be involved in a prolonged or thorough reading. By the way, my eyesight is fairly good and I would like to keep it that way. The book was only 244 pages long, a soft cover and priced at nearly thirty dollars. Apparently the publisher was thinking more about maximizing profit than on readability. Hopefully, the author will find another publisher in the future that is more considerate of the reader. It would also probably be better to find a publisher that is actually interested in and sympathetic to the subject matter and specializes in books on spirituality, new science and metaphysics. A more visually readable book, appropriately priced and with the right publisher would probably be even more profitable. There is much in this book that should be read and acted upon at this crucial time in planetary evolution and it will be unfortunate if other readers who also buy the book don't really read much of it either for the same reasons that I have stated in this review.

In Subtle Activism, David Nicol provides a thorough and compelling understanding of how our collective inner work in the subtle dimensions can support the shift in consciousness that is necessary for a peaceful, just, and resilient society. Subtle activism is nothing new - people have been praying and meditating together for the benefit of others for many centuries. What’s new and groundbreaking is the recognition of subtle activism as a global peace force across traditions and cultures.Nicol skillfully explains subtle activism as a transformative evolutionary practice by integrating the latest spiritual and scientific knowledge grounded with real-life stories and research. This book is an essential guide for anyone who cares about making a difference in the world. Change starts from within, and Nicol shows us how effectively we can “be the change” together through subtle activism.

Nicol's research resuscitates the way of being in a dynamic, respectful relationship with planetary intelligence that informs group life and outcomes in the human dimension. Within these pages are a treasure-trove of intel that seem to have been plucked from wisdom skillfully honed by shamans, adepts, and all manner of seers and sensitives throughout the annals of time. While relevant to our current times, the longevity and value of these writings will accrue, as it applied in our individual and collective lives.

Fascinating, informative and inspiring, David Nicol establishes a rich and thorough foundation for the theory and practice of Subtle Activism. Drawing from research, theories and teaching from some of the greatest philosophers, scientists, sages and wisdom keepers known, Nicol illustrates how Subtle Activism can be a powerful practice (along with traditional activism) to help heal and transform our current social, economic and environmental crises.This is great pioneering work and Nicol is leading the way.

David Nicol’s heartfelt book is an intelligently written, thorough exploration bringing together all the relevant research in an exciting synthesis of worldwide perspectives to illuminate the emerging field of subtle activism. The book is a significant contribution towards the much needed awakening of a planetary consciousness among humanity in this times — and it is an inspiring map for us to follow in getting there.

Strong, groundbreaking and inspiring on theory and research; needed more on practice and implementation. I'm sure David will provide that time.

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