I appreciate having met and worked with Joanna Macy several times, starting in the mid 1980’s. For decades, she has offered wisdom to help humanity reflect on and be present with ourselves, others, and the issues amongst us.

Active Hope is not wishful thinking.

Active Hope is not waiting to be rescued . . . 

by some savior.

Active Hope is waking up to the beauty of life

on whose behalf we can act.

We belong to this world.

The web of life is calling us forth at this time.

We’ve come a long way and are here to play our part.

With Active Hope we realize that there are adventures in store,

strengths to discover, and comrades to link arms with.

Active Hope is a readiness to discover the strengths

in ourselves and in others;

a readiness to discover the reasons for hope

and the occasions for love.

A readiness to discover the size and strength of our hearts,

our quickness of mind, our steadiness of purpose,

our own authority, our love for life, the liveliness of our curiosity,

the unsuspected deep well of patience and diligence,

the keenness of our senses, and our capacity to lead.

None of these can be discovered in an armchair or without risk.

― Joanna Macy & Chris Johnstone, Active Hope:How to Face the Mess We’re in without Going Crazy