Mindfully Green: A Personal and Spiritual Guide to Whole Earth Thinking

Description

With all the attention on living sustainably, the one thing missing from the conversation is how to find a personal connection with green living that will sustain us on our green path. While practical approaches to an eco-responsible lifestyle offer important first steps, it is critical that we ground these actions in broader understanding so that we can effect real change in the world. In this book, Stephanie Kaza describes what she calls the green practice path. She offers a simple, Buddhist-inspired philosophy for taking up environmental action in real, practical, and effective ways. Discover new ways to think more deeply about your impact on the natural world, engage in environmental change, and make green living a personal practice based in compassion and true conviction.

The author is Professor of Environmental Studies at the University of Vermont where she teaches Religion and Ecology, Ecofeminism, Unlearning Consumerism, and Introduction to Environmental Studies

"In a time when imperatives to save the earth rain down upon us, Stephanie Kaza offers a votive of wisdom-a path to self where we can hold the impossible dilemmas of our day in the heart of generosity, not fear; compassionate service, not guilt. Mindfully Green is a balm to the spirit, food for the long road ahead to a restored and honored planet."-Paul Hawken, author of Blessed Unrest "Stephanie Kaza is one of the wisest, kindest, and most sensible people I know, and this book is a perfect distillation of all those qualities. It will be of immense value to anyone looking for ways to live less in opposition to the forces of nature and community (which is the way of our consumer society) and more in their embrace. I can't recommend this book highly enough."-Bill McKibben, author of Deep Economy "Kaza, a biologist and professor of Environmental Studies at University of Vermont, combines Zen Buddhist practices and teachings with her forty years as an environmentalist for this guide to enlightened environmentalism, proposing a belief in the interdependence of people and nature as the genuine way to "go green": "When we come to see ourselves as part of the green web of life... we are naturally drawn to respond with compassion." In three parts, she guides readers through the principles of Buddhism as they apply to taking responsible action toward the earth: reducing harm, understanding suffering, seeing the big picture, letting go of desire and being in the moment. In parts two and three, she advises practical steps for joining in and taking action in everyday life and community. Kaza's measured, focused text and clear command of Buddhism and ecology should shore up convictions and commitment in the newly green, and help secular environmentalists connect with their spiritual side."-Publishers Weekly