Real Change

March 23, 2020
Salzberg (Real Happiness), cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society, explores the intersection of social activism, mindfulness, and meditation in this discerning work. She argues that human beings have a basic desire for happiness and to serve others, but “reactions of fight, flight, or freeze... rule our patterns of communication... and the limits of imagination,” creating a cycle of self-defense, rejection, and fatigue. Practicing “mindfulness and lovingkindness,” Salzberg writes, should induce calmness and be a reminder of one’s agency and ethical values: “the point of developing these qualities is not to judge ourselves harshly when we are less than mindful or kind but to learn how to not be stuck in an automatic reaction.” Through interviews with activists, lawyers, community organizers, artists, and philanthropists, along with meditation practice instructions, Salzberg teaches readers how to transform feelings of stress or anxiety into catalysts for change and encourages reclaiming one’s agency and connecting with others who are engaged in social activism. Though no new ground is trod, Salzberg’s earnest call to put compassion into one’s social and political life will appeal to any Buddhist.

July 1, 2020

Salzberg (Real Happiness) addresses society's ever-present need for mindfulness as a tool to mitigate human suffering on a global scale. One of the first to bring Eastern meditation teachings to the West, the author offers personal wisdom as well as poignant interviews with pivotal thinkers such as bell hooks, Mallika Dutt, and Ellen Agler, providing insight into navigating the intersection between compassion and activism. Chapters touch on Buddhist philosophy; however, meditative practices remain simple and clear, focusing on loving-kindness meditation. The stories gathered from those who have dealt with extreme suffering yet creatively cultivate space for compassionate change are both inspiring and transformative. Salzberg continually refocuses the lens, reminding us that one person can foster change with skillful action while maintaining personal awareness and equanimity. VERDICT Fans of Salzberg's Real Love podcast series and anyone seeking loving-kindness meditative guidance will appreciate these words on compassionate activism.--Angela Forret, State Lib. of Iowa, Des Moines

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.