Subtle Activism: The Inner Dimension of Social and Planetary Transformation

by David Nicol

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.

Genres: Spirituality, Psychology, Activism

249 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 26, 2015

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not my "cup of tea." My book group will be discussing it soon, so I gave it a good try, reading about 2/3 of it. Because this is not a readily available book, my excuse for stopping was that I had to pass the copy along to another reader. To be truthful, I didn't care much about finishing it. The focus of the book is that when many people, at the same time, meditate/be thoughtful about a concern of wide importance, change can be brought about. This is too simplistic a summary, of course. The author presents scientific evidence that this can and does happen. It is rather fuzzy science. I am too much of a skeptic about this to be persuaded. The writing style is not easy to read, for me anyway. Long, complicated sentences make the reading dense for me. Subtle activism is too subtle for me.

[Elizabeth Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the good fortune to write a positive review of this book for David as it was just coming out, that was published in both Kosmos journal online and Archai journal in print. The book is well-researched and full of fascinating facts that will give pause to hard-posed materialists about cause and effect. Its shortcoming is its "New Age" focus, i.e. he writes extensively about the positive effects of meditation, but not traditional prayer. However, the gap gives room for other researchers interested in the same topic of supra-material cause and effect.

My original review: https://www.kosmosjournal.org/news/bo...