Claudia Horwitz is the founder of Stone Circles, an organization that helps individuals and organizations integrate spiritual and reflective practice into the work of social justice. She has conducted workshops and retreats throughout the United States and around the world. Horwitz spent more than 15 years developing youth leadership, supporting struggles for economic justice, and strengthening nonprofit organizations. In her introduction to this well-done and accessible paperback, the author states:
"Spiritual activists move more freely between the inner quest for peace and the outer quest for justice, and we feel some comfort knowing it is a permeable membrane that joins our struggles, our commitments, and our transformations."
The Spiritual Activist is divided into three parts: Refuge (turning inward and finding strength); Union (reaching out at home and at work); and Embrace (turning outward toward the world and building connections). Like the Franciscan monk Richard Rohr, Horwitz has grasped the magnitude of seeing that contemplation and social action are of one piece and belong together. As seekers turn inward they encounter the importance of practice, mindfulness, words, and healing. Horwitz amplifies these segments with lively quotations, brief essays by other seekers and individuals from all religions, exercises, and bibliographies. Howard Zinn is quoted as saying: "Finally it all boils down to human relationship . . . whether I shall go on living in isolation or whether there shall be a we . . . love alone is radical." Along with this facet of life, the author covers other dimensions of "Union" including ritual, stories, and images.
In "Embrace," Horwitz explores the far reaches of vital service and connection with the world and its problems. She looks at circles for renewal, community celebrations, and the challenge of living fully and gratefully in a place.
