Published in 2009
264 pages
Laura van Dernoot Lipsky is the founder and director of The Trauma Stewardship Institute. Previously Laura was the founder and director of a Spanish-language preschool and grade school enrichment program that offers an environmental and social-justice curriculum and has worked directly with trauma survivors for more than three decades. Laura works with organizations as a consultant and gives keynote talks. In addition, The Trauma Stewardship Institute sponsors several national workshops and retreats and remains actively involved in disaster response missions.
What is this book about?
A longtime trauma worker, Laura van Dernoot Lipsky offers a deep and empathetic survey of the often-unrecognized toll on those working to make the world a better place. We may feel tired, cynical, numb, or like we can never do enough. These, and other symptoms, affect us individually and collectively, sapping the energy and effectiveness we so desperately need if we are to benefit humankind, other animals, and the planet itself. Through Trauma Stewardship, we are called to meet these challenges in an intentional way–not by becoming overwhelmed but by developing a quality of mindful presence. Joining the wisdom of ancient cultural traditions with modern psychological research, Lipsky offers a variety of simple and profound practices that will allow us to remake ourselves–and ultimately the world.
