The premise of the book is great and the author really delivers. Great read. Highly recommended. .

This was a worthwhile read for me. One of the exercises explored in the book was both novel and immediately effective for me -- that's rare when I am reading about any type of exercise/recommended practice and trying it out for the first time. I was also impressed by the author's commitment to dismantling the negative effects of patriarchy through his spiritual practice. When he writes about aging however, he extrapolates from his own experience too much. It seemed at times like he expected all older adults to go through a transition entailing specific elements he mentions. Overall, the book is quite uplifting. Please be advised this review will be posted on Goodreads and LibraryThing although it hasn't yet as of the time of this submission.

I enjoyed this book and I think I have got and will get a lot from it but I can’t say I agree with everything Mr Robinson writes. But I don't think he would expect me to. I think the whole concept of the book is to get you thinking for yourself in these difficult times. And this was written way before Covid! The book covers steps or ideas to help you develop a spirituality.

“As theologian Howard Thurman elegantly advised, ’Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.’ My goal for the rest of this chapter is to help you answer Howard Thurman’s question for yourself. What makes you come alive?”

“...human beings became so fascinated with their concepts about the world that they began to mistake their concepts for the world itself. In other words, people increasingly saw only what they thought.”

“Mysticism is not about beliefs, its about perception - the direct and transformational perception of ultimate reality. Although it may lead to or confirm religious or spiritual beliefs, mystical experience itself requires neither and can occur in the absence of belief or to those with atheist convictions.”

Hopefully these few excerpts give you a flavour of this well written and challenging book. I am not religious and I think if you are then you may get more from it but you certainly don't have to be. There is a lot here that will make you think and make you consider your responses to the mess we currently find the world in... Mr Robinson gives steps and advice on how to become more aware and how to develop that awareness. There is much food for thought in this interesting work.

Recommended if you are feeling a bit “lost” and wondering if there might be more to life.

I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.

Here is a rare book which reminds us of the truth about our ancient origins as Divine beings. The Ageless Wisdom throughout the millennia has suggested this fact in ancient texts and in the sayings of world teachers such as Hermes, Buddha and Jesus - that we are so much more than our physical bodies - we are in fact, multi-dimensional.

In this new age of Aquarius and with much of humanity mistreating the planet for short term gain, now is the time to re-connect with our own innate divinity, so becoming our true soulful selves. In this book, John Robinson gives us a brief insight as to how we can re-connect to our innermost being such as through gentle breathing, meditation and contact with nature. He writes with passion about our new reality and there are exercises and points to think about which could help give access to the true soulful you.

Books such as this are needed more than ever before in order to encourage humanity to look within themselves for the truth - that we are divine and we are not powerless, we can change the world one by one as we re-connect and become who we truly are. Heaven is on earth if we know where to look and by co-creating with the wisdom of the fifth dimension to initiate humanity back to the love that they originally came from, we can begin to raise the consciousness on this precious planet. A book with much to ponder upon.

This book was not at all what I expected. As much as I kept reading I simply could not get into it. May be interesting to Christians who want to enlighten more people to the ways of Christianity, but it's not about activism in the way I understand it. It is, however, well organized and well written.

This is a interesting read about "end times" and why the author believes we are in end times. It is to be read with the understanding that this is his opinion , not based on fact. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity.

While I didn't agree with everything the author wrote, I get that he believes what he is writing about. We do have the power to change some things in the world now if we could all agree with each other. I understand that the world has problems that need to be fixed but it won't happen overnight. I, personally don't believe we are in the "end times", but that's my belief. To say that the left brain is causing everything that is happening is not something I agree with. Mystical Activism is a book that the author has taken a great deal of time to write. His beliefs are sincere and I respect them. It is well written. I received this book from Net Galley and John Hunt Publishing for a honest review.

We hold the power to change right where we are. We are in trouble and the signs are everywhere: extreme political divisions; xenophobic violence; enormous wealth; poverty and homelessness; racism; sexism and ageism; arms buildups and unending wars; and just critical of all, terrifying climate disruption associated with man made global warming. These are the parts that caught my interest when I read the blurb. The world is a mess and we have the power to fix it. Our problems are created y our obsession with left brain goals. The right side brain is the hemisphere where we might be open to divinity. You need to read this book with an open mind and a clear head. An interesting read.

I would like to thank NetGalkey, John Hunt Publishing and the author John C. Robinson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Here is my suggestion for everyone: Read the first chapter, in which author John Robinson describes our world in its current state. If you don’t even feel the smallest stirring within your consciousness, the book is still for you but you may not be ready for it.

Just so you know, this book is not about Mr. Robinson preaching his views to you. In fact, he encourages you to search for what is real and valid for you, telling us “It is your journey.” This is a teaching book that lays out the steps for those who are seeking further enlightenment. As the author says, “We can transform the world but we must start with our own transformation.” What is amazing is the author writes for everyone, no matter what your religious beliefs are or if you are lacking in this area. Your journey is your journey, and he seeks only to guide you along your own path.

These are easy concepts to assimilate, and the only cost is in time and effort, and much less than you imagine. The author informs us that they can easily be incorporated into our daily life, and especially into the things we love to do (play, take walks, participate in sports, hobbies) and the things we have to do (work, household chores, etc.).

What I liked best was that Mr. Robinson took his time, easing the reader into the information and not overwhelming me with everything at once. The book is building blocks of information, each one cemented down and made firm through knowledge. There are numerous exercises throughout the book which prepare each level, helping it support the weight of new ideas, thus allowing the author to move on to subsequent chapters.

It may have been easier for me to grasp some of the initial knowledge, based upon previous readings of the teachings of different religions. The concept of God being within all of us is revealed in many different religions, and is a cornerstone of this book. I recommend this book to everyone. Even if you don’t entirely embrace what Mr. Robinson has to say, there are still many nuggets of knowledge for you to gather. And after all, just because one doesn’t initially believe in something doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Five stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and John Hunt Publishing for a complimentary ebook of this title.

Get the author's introduction to spirituality in the first part. Then over the next two parts, more information is introduced to the reader that would relate to activism in some way. Some things include: what is the divine human? the great work, ancestors, discovering a calling and more.

This is a book which I will need to read several times in order to take in all the detail. It has the potential to open our eyes to a wonderful, peaceful world, which is always there, but which we fail to see as we are blinded by day to day problems, worries and fears.

The author explains that our problems are created by our obsession with left brain goals, achievements and ego-centric living. He argues that if we can connect to our right brain, we then connect to our soul, making it possible to release ourselves from self-imposed concerns and enjoy the bliss of heaven on earth.

There are many exercises throughout the book to assist the reader to become more present. These are not mindfulness exercises or methods of meditation. They are ways to become more alert and aware in order to connect to the wonderful world of the divine on earth.

I have recently listened to a talk by Wayne Dyer who said that the divine is within us all and we are all part of the one divine. This book seemed to entirely support those ideas and give some steps we can take to become more aware of our divinity. It also includes questions we can ask ourselves to find what part we are here to play in this life.

If you feel helpless in the face of all the current world issues you may find this book points you to a road where you feel you can take positive action. I would certainly recommend it.

My thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for a review copy.

Mystical Activism: Transforming A World in Crisis by John C. Robinso
Book Review by Dawn Thomas

224 Pages
Publisher: Changemaker Books
Release Date: February 28, 2020

I was intrigued by the title of the book. Unfortunately, that is where my excitement ended. I expected more information on activism, but the book mostly contained making a mystical connection to God. There were a few excellent statements made but not enough to make a connection with me.

This was a fascinating and apropos read for the times that we're in and the times that we're facing. I'm extremely grateful to have read this book as well as deeply appreciative of the knowledge and wisdom that John C Robinson is sharing.

I appreciated how Robinson, though a Christian pastor, wrote a piece that speaks to the deeper mysticism and spirituality that many of us seek without making it overtly about any religion or practice but rather a deeper spiritual narrative of self-inquiry and connection with our own spiritual compass oriented toward the divine.

So much of what Robinson writes about are mirrors of my own belief system like Heaven is a place on earth that we can cultivate if we allow ourselves to connect with the divine that is inherent is us all through our own awakening and embrace of mystical consciousness. I love the inclusion of the very real challenges that we face as a collective force of life and culture on this planet right now as it would be erroneous to write a book on mysticism and activism and ignore the pressing matters of the incarnate world.

His bold tackling of these subjects which many can consider "harsh" and even "controversial" through the lens of mysticism and spirituality immediately drew me in. Many spiritual books of this nature do not speak so plainly to the true challenges before us while still holding space for the mystical truths that allow us a certain amount of detachment from the drama and pain that is wrapped up in these scenarios. By additionally weaving in the left and right brain manners of relating to the world that hold us back or draw us in to transformation, I felt empowered to make meaningful change instead of simply acutely aware of the need for change with insufficient tools to make that happen.

I also deeply appreciate the weaving in of ancient stories and myths, a personal favorite to explore, through a more deeply interpretive lens. I could have read an entire book simply on the interpretation of Odysseus that Robinson put forth!

The exercises in this book are incredibly insightful and helpful and I found myself making immediate practice of them and application in my own day to day spiritual life. I have returned to this book many times since reading it and feel it's shifted my spiritual discipline profoundly.

I'm truly pleased with having taken the time to read Mystical Activism as it satisfied so many elements of my seeking without coming off as preachy, judgmental, or even fear-based in tackling the driving elements of the spiritually minded activist. I would highly recommend that anyone seeking a helpful and transformative way to weave their spirituality and their drive to help the world pick up a copy of this book and take it to heart. I am so profoundly grateful to Robinson for taking the time to put together such a wonderfully illuminating and prudent, timely piece.

I liked this. It's pretty straight forward info, and requires the open-minded reader to participate via exercises and suggestions to get the most out of it. The initial premise is the world is a mess, and while some may see it that way, our reality really is relative. So this may benefit those most that think the "mess" perspective is true. The book will help you see things differently.

I really appreciate the copy for review!

Wonderful book!
It's a comprehensive and detailed study based description of spirituality.
I've loved Factual writing of this book.

"Presence refers to the immediate and tangible experience of
God’s consciousness in the world, in our consciousness, and in
our physical being. A personal, subjective, here-and-now, one-of-a-kind encounter with, and immersion in, the divine, it is
the source and essence of mystical consciousness. This chapter
describes the awareness, qualities and dynamics of Presence. In
learning to experience Presence, we awaken the powers of the
mystic."

It is probable that most people would find it hard to disagree that the world is in big trouble right now. Maybe at people would probably, also find it hard to disagree that these troubles are almost exclusively down to human beings. Global warming, mass extinctions, the threat of the Bomb, mass migration, mass inequity and rampant xenophobia.
Al these things do hint that something may well be by wrong with humanity. We are estranged. But from what?
This writer unabashedly tells us that it is a change of consciousness that is needed to avert total apocalypse. A mystical change of consciousness.
The writer stresses that mystical awareness is not just the premium of those spiritual athletes who meditate for years on nails or live in ice caves on the Himalayas. Most people may experience occasional peak experiences at special moments. The trick is to not forget and fall back into our usual level of awareness. Mysticism is potentially for all of us.
Accordingly, this book invites the reader to reconnect with their deepest mystical being, in order to participate in healing the sense of division in the world. There are several guided sessions that purport to put the readers here into the state of mind where mystical Presence can be felt. There are also diagrams that may help fix the ideas put forward here that much better, although this reviewer was unable to zoom in well enough to view these.
The model this writer uses may seem a little too simple: our 'egos' are housed in the left part of the brain, where verbalisation and timetables tyranny the mind with its demands and expectations. The non-verbal right side of the brain is seen by this writer the hemisphere where we may be most open to divinity.
The real question is whether or not it really is that easy to get closer to God through the meditations described prescribed, but that is for the reader to ascertain, should they seriously try these out. The meditations followed here may also allow for communications with the dead and for getting on touch with guardian angels, or with angelic beings on all levels.
This writer also believes that there is a special mystical purpose to the whole process of ageing and the wisdom and detachment old age may confer - provided this challenge is engaged with.
There are also methods prescribed here for choosing what kind of activism might be the right area in which the nascent new mystic should engage in, when there is so much that needs to be done in what now looks to be an increasingly imperilled world.
Overall, this book is a plea neither to remain blind to the state of the world, nor to deny our deepest ways of being.

Description
In Mystical Activism, we each hold the power to change the world right where we are. To call these "end times" is not hyperbole. We are in trouble and the signs are everywhere: extreme political divisions; xenophobic violence; enormous wealth inequity; poverty and homelessness; racism, sexism, and ageism; arms buildups and unending wars; and, most critical of all, terrifying climate disruption associated with man-made global warming. We are the cause of these dark times.
Driven by left-brain beliefs, illusions, and obsessions, humanity races headlong toward the collapse of civilization. Fortunately, the solution to these mounting crises also lies in the human psyche, arising from a most surprising source: the right-brains natural mystical consciousness. Our survival depends on whether we grasp and resolve this paradox in time.
I just do not know how to rate this book. It was a new concept, but sometimes bizarre in the ideas. I wish I could have liked it more. But, maybe someone else will get IT. I do know to write a book is a hard task, and I took the writer's effort into account. It has some good points that I do agree with.