Joanna Macy's book represents a major lifework contribution in the effort to catalyse a revolutionary shift in perception and action towards the environment. It is a pioneering model for liberative environmental education.

She invites people to contact their own authentic and experienced based responses to the deteriorating environment and then to choose effective actions based on personal motivation.

The exercises draw out feelings of concern for the state of the world, fostering compassionate action as an antidote to numbness and paralysis.

The accompanying DVD, The Work That Reconnects, features Joanna Macy herself leading groups of people in workshop situations through the various exercises featured in the book. It is an ideal companion.