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The Happy Activist: How to Sustain Your Spirit, Stamina, and Sanity to Make America Marvelous Kindle Edition

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 37 ratings

How do you immunize yourself from overwhelm, outrage, exhaustion or apathy and maintain the Barack Obama "relentless optimism" in the current political climate? How can we rise up with renewed energy, perseverance and joy to advance the foundation principles of our country since the ratification of the US Constitution?
The Happy Activist evolves a radical paradigm-shift for inner peace and harmony even in challenging, chaotic times through the revolutionary concept of angelic activism. Activists—and activists to-be—can sustain their mental stability, spiritual center and resolve by following the author's clear, innovative framework. Debilitating outrage can transform to sustainable courage and compassion.
Filled with practical exercises, ageless wisdom, and empowering examples of everyday people, The Happy Activist is the definitive guide making a meaningful difference leading your life from your highest purpose and vision. Be inspired by the Indivisible Guide, #MeToo Movement and Women’s March—Baynard Rustin’s “legions of angelic troublemakers.
Renew your soul, maintain your focus, and claim the courage to change the world under the guidance of Leena St. Michael—a renowned yoga teacher, life coach, counselor and mentor to warrior leaders.
Become a happy activist. Read The Happy Activist, now.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Excerpts/ edits fromLeena St. Michael author interview by HOW TO WRITE A BOOK online.

HTWAB: What was theinitial inspiration behind The Happy Activist?
Leena: My purpose became very clear after the presidential election: We had torise up individually and collectively. We must
sustain our efforts for alifetime without succumbing to overwhelm, outrage or apathy. Since 9/11, I havebeen an ardent follower of politics, leaders and movements. I always felt astrong connection to the vision of the Founding Fathers (and mothers!) in theDeclaration of Independence and US Constitution. The USA is the only countryfounded on principles and mission, not just territorial boundaries or culture.
I could see that things were going to get rough. All the early mobilization andorganization fueled by extreme outrage was going to burn people out. We were inan emerging disaster. We needed physical, mental, and
spiritual stressresilience. We needed self esteem and a big vision to sustain us in the darkest times. We will have to becontinually out in the streets advocating for our principles, running foroffice, etc.
I've
thrived through many disasters and traumas, I wanted to offer everything Iknow about embracing challenges, building resilience, and summoning courage.
I have been told that I have a unique combination of three gifts:
* Explaining complex
spiritual teachings in ways that are easily understood,
* Turning lemons into lemonade, and
* Quickly learning, assessing, integrating and applying new information on amicro and macro level. This book employs my life experience, training, career,and unique qualities.

HTWAB: Why "
happyactivist?" We never see activists looking happy. Was that done for effect?
Leena: No! But it's true! Everyone thinks that activists are angry people! Ihave always been at my
happiest while volunteering to help others or standingup for what I believe with others who share the same principles. How wonderfulit is to connect with tens of millions of people who all come out in the streetstogether worldwide on the first Women's March!
We just can't live madall the time. We need to fire up our
courage and energy reserves. We must learnto find the happiness and peace of each present moment.
HTWAB:
The Happy Activist portrays spirituality as the key to sustainedactivism, and you show that many types of action that occur outside oforganized religion are in fact spiritual, although people might not see themthat way at first. How does your experience as a yoga teacher and an interfaithchaplain inform your views on the transcendence of spirituality?Leena: The spiritual is evidenced by action. Action should be informed byspiritual or moral principles. I have many practical ways to be engaged even ifyou have only five minutes a day.
We need to work on all levels--
spiritual, mental, and physical. This is why Ilove yoga practice. As a chaplain, I witnessed excruciatingly traumaticexperiences. There are often no words. You embrace the other's sorrow--you mayfeel it, too. To say, "I know there is a Divine purpose for your loss"--or--"thistoo will pass" or "it is God's plan" is simply not helpful during the trauma.They do need you to hold that light of faith for them until they can re-lighttheirs.
Global humanitarian and Hugging Saint "Amma" says that we can totally controlonly one thing: Our mind. Thought, higher mind, can transcend any situation orcircumstance. Grace comes in with seeming miracles.
HTWAB: The
Happy Activist cites many inspiring examples of activists andmovements, from Baynard Rustin to Emma Gonzales (survivor of the MarjoryStoneman Douglas High School shooting in 2018). What was your research processlike?Leena: Thank you. I heard about Baynard Rustin from his quote on "legions ofangelic troublemakers" which was printed in the Indivisible Guide that wentviral on social media and spawned more than 6,000 groups in every Congressionaldistrict.
I heard
Emma Gonzales' "I call B.S." speech, followed her on Twitter and wasinspired to attend the first walkout for gun control at my alma mater highschool. Her story was relevant to make a point about a "no" being a "yes" forsomething else.
HTWAB: In
The Happy Activist, you draw inspiration from an eclectic mix ofsources, including religious texts, superhero movies, Star Wars, writings ofthe Founding Fathers, and the words of today's activists. What do thesedifferent types of text have in common, and what unique elements do they add toyour mix of inspiration?Leena:
* We need to be our very
superheroine-angelic-warrior best today. Examplesinspire us.
* Effective communication connects the heart and the head. Stories satisfy theheart--the emotions. The truth or logical teachings satisfy the head. Examplesprove the validity of the teachings--show and tell.
* Stories demonstrate the
universality of principles and appeal to a variety ofages and belief systems.
* America connects through pop-culture. I wanted the book to relate to NOW.
* Many people today were not raised with a formal
religious/spiritual/moralteaching so how do we teach the invisible principles which are more solid thanthe chair in which you are sitting?
HTWAB: You talk about
social media (specifically Twitter) as a tool forinforming yourself and getting inspired by fellow activists. What advice do youhave about staying positive and kind on a platform that can sometimes be toxic?Leena:
* Commit to
be positive and kind.
* Observe yourself--are you getting into a downward spiral of snarky comments?
* Notice the difference between retweeting important (albeit traumatic orfrightening) information and complaining.
Stop complaining.
* Realize that everyone at some point reaches out with an exasperated rant ofWTF's.
Breathe and offer some words of compassion.
* Be a force for offering
gratitude, celebrating successes, and sharinginnovative activism.
* Ask yourself: What is my intention?
* Tweet the link to my book!
HTWAB: We will! In
The Happy Activist, you describe a transformative experiencewhen you were called to do crisis interfaith counseling over the radio on theday after the attacks of September 11, 2001. How has your experience working inradio influenced your voice or process as an author?Leena: That day may have been the first time that I realized what my true voiceor mission was, but at the time I couldn't name it. I am just beginning to nameit. Radio is so powerful that even the professional radio association says thatcreating radio commercials is like practicing psychology without a license.First, effective radio commercials create immediate vivid word and soundpictures and make an indelible brain imprint in 30-60 seconds. Second, Ilearned the propaganda power of repetition. In my book I share the brainscience. I intentionally repeat many teachings in The Happy Activist to evokethe power of repetition.

HTWAB: In
The HappyActivist, you write that there were times you became so upset by current eventsthat it was difficult to continue writing. When that happened, did you use anyof the techniques and reflective exercises from the book to help keep yourresolve? If so, which ones?
Leena: All of them! Chanting
mantras, self reflection, taking a break,breathing, having a good cry, meditating, walking in the redwoods, doing somesimple yoga at home. I'm big on bubble baths. I reach out to my mastermindpartners.
Upsets frequently led to asking myself what was upsetting me, which led toseeking or remembering a master teaching, which then inspired me to include itin the book!
Sometimes, just having a good cry and realizing so much chaos, destruction,lying, and violence motivated me to keep going because I knew that so many werehurting. I am
blessed to have the time, talent and resources to teach andinspire.

About the Author

Leena is a yoga teacher in the most expansive way--unity of spirit, mind, body, community, country, and world. She has helped many through four decades as an Interfaith hospital chaplain, spiritual counselor, life coach, civic and corporate leadership trainer, and organization development consultant.Leena has overcome debilitating overwhelm, depression, and outrage through her own challenges--childhood sexual abuse, near drowning, family history of suicides, hurricanes, carjacking, divorce, two life-threatening emergency surgeries, and a Caribbean shipwreck. These trials forced her to seek the wisdom of great religions, philosophies, and living masters: Amma-Her Holiness Mata Amritanandamayi, Jesus, Sri Yukteswar, Baba Hari Dass--Mount Madonna Madonna Center, and Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith--Agape International Spiritual Center. She honed the healing resilience tools to thrive. She discovered unique opportunities and purpose in unstable and chaotic times. Leena co-founded Leadership Long Beach now entering its thirtieth year. She was the first executive director. She was a founding director of California Association of Leadership Programs. She was named "Best East Bay Yoga Teacher" by Diablo Magazine. She graduated from Florida State University and started her career as a certified public accountant in a Big Eight CPA firm.Leena's activism includes political campaigns, reforestation projects, CERT community emergency responder training. She volunteers regularly for the M. A. Center--San Ramon and Amma's Embracing the World global humanitarian projects.Leena is inspiring, compassionate, funny, and relentlessly candid. Leena intention is awakening the inner joy and warrior spirit in everyone.  Leena holds the vision that the people of the United States, by embracing its founding principles and courageously living their superpowers, can ever-evolve America as a vibrant superpower and blessing in the world.She lives in the East San Francisco Bay Area. 

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07HJ1K17W
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Angel Light Publishing (September 19, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 19, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2639 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 230 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 37 ratings

About the author

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Leena St. Michael
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Leena is a yoga teacher in the most expansive way—unity of spirit, mind, body, community, country, and world. She has helped many through four decades as an Interfaith hospital chaplain, spiritual counselor, life coach, civic and corporate leadership trainer, and organization development consultant.

Leena has overcome debilitating overwhelm, depression, and outrage through her own challenges—childhood sexual abuse, near drowning, family history of suicides, hurricanes, carjacking, divorce, two life-threatening emergency surgeries, and a Caribbean shipwreck. These trials forced her to seek the wisdom of great religions, philosophies, and living masters: Amma-Her Holiness Mata Amritanandamayi, Jesus, Sri Yukteswar, Baba Hari Dass—Mount Madonna Madonna Center, and Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith—Agape International Spiritual Center. She honed the healing resilience tools to thrive. She discovered unique opportunities and purpose in unstable and chaotic times.

Leena co-founded Leadership Long Beach now entering its thirtieth year. She was the first executive director. She was a founding director of California Association of Leadership Programs. She was named "Best East Bay Yoga Teacher" by Diablo Magazine. She graduated from Florida State University and started her career as a certified public accountant in a Big Eight CPA firm.

Leena's activism includes political campaigns, reforestation projects, CERT community emergency responder training. She volunteers regularly for the M. A. Center--San Ramon and Amma's Embracing the World global humanitarian projects.

Leena is a supercharged activist committed to awakening the inner joy and warrior spirit in everyone. Leena is inspiring, compassionate, funny, and relentlessly candid. Leena holds the vision that the people of the United States, by embracing its founding principles and courageously living their superpowers, can ever-evolve America as a vibrant superpower and blessing in the world.

She lives in the East San Francisco Bay Area. She is a foody who loves experimenting with new cuisine and kitchen gadgets. She enjoys hiking in the redwoods, yoga retreats, hunting the great bargains at thrift shops, and her Danville community classes.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
37 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book provides inspiring and insightful content about activism and balance. They describe it as a great read that helps them stay balanced and productive.

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20 customers mention "Inspiration"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book inspiring and instructive. They say it's a ray of hope and inspiration in a tough time. Readers find the book encouraging and helpful for reaffirming their values. It's described as a must-read for anyone concerned about the world and seeking a better approach to transforming it.

"...In The Happy Activist, Leena provides these straightforward definitions and destinations, while she gently shares all these tools and wisdom and..." Read more

"...not only for your own activism journey, but also for navigating your own path with authenticity while also being mindful of what kind of energy you..." Read more

"...I appreciate the exercises to help readers self-reflect and stay focused on what’s important, both politically and personally. Highly recommend it!" Read more

"...Practical exercises, measures and action plans to cope, thrive and even find happiness in our mercurial American environment today!" Read more

3 customers mention "Balance"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book helpful for learning how to stay balanced and productive.

"...Happy Activist” is a true guide to help you find your passion, and stay balanced in this generation’s crazy political climate...." Read more

"...This book will help you learn how to stay balanced and live a productive life. A must read!" Read more

"...Just started reading, and it is very encouraging! It's all about life, balance , and empowerment from an activist stand point!" Read more

3 customers mention "Readability"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book.

"...GREAT BOOK!!!" Read more

"...A must read!" Read more

"Great read! I enjoyed it thoroughly. The author gave excellent examples of how to be proactive and not get stuck in frustration." Read more

Do Not Read This Book
5 out of 5 stars
Do Not Read This Book
Rather, absorb it and soak in the underlying message of love and how to convert energy-dissipating emotions into compassionate, constructive action in support of one's true self and humanity. Anyone yearning for change will find in The Happy Activist a practical, loving guide to personal and universal transformation.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2019
    The Happy Activist gently shares a wealth of ideas and actions for staying engaged - as citizens, and in our own lives.

    “You are sustainable and enthusiastic about life when your activism is aligned with your time, talents, resources, responsibilities and aim. You will know it when you feel like a fish in water (loc 1513).”

    In The Happy Activist, Leena provides these straightforward definitions and destinations, while she gently shares all these tools and wisdom and examples to help each of us continually strive to reach and adjust to sustain this alignment.

    Leena’s examples from her own personal experiences helped me understand her advice while encouraging me to delve deeper into my own examples. I felt safe and embraced by her ideas throughout, and better able to embrace myself on my journey. I’ve applied several of her exercises and plan to continue.

    I’m already looking forward to reading her next book. Thank you Leena.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2018
    I've always been an activist - even served in the NH House for 3 terms, so I know how hard it is to make changes happen in government. But, without a commitment to change, we are lost. Well, these past few years, it has felt like we WERE lost. Then, I read The Happy Activist and it shifted my perspective. Rather than feel disgruntled and burned out, I learned strategies so that I can engage as an Angelic Activist... in other words, engage my spirit and my soul to do a soul's work in the world. What a shift in thinking! I think any of us who have been involved in the political fight, from Indivisible, to running for office, or fighting for human rights could use a good dose of the soulful prescriptions in this book. I was surprised and delighted by what I read. Now is the time... we need everything in this book. We CAN change the world...and not lose our spirit in the process.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2018
    First and foremost I have to say that perusing this book just made me happy. I've always considered myself to be more politically active than most and particularly of late, but this often comes with uncomfortable confrontations not only during rallies and protests, but in questions from friends and family who on an opposing side of the discussion. This book is chock full of inspiring info - not only for your own activism journey, but also for navigating your own path with authenticity while also being mindful of what kind of energy you are putting into the universe and how it can affect others . Highly recommend. **special note - even if you're not an activist and have no desire to be one, there are many good ideas for just living a joyfully fulfilled life.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2018
    I’ve always considered myself to be a political bystander. In the past, I’ve felt turned off from getting involved beyond casting my vote. Our current political climate has changed my view, yet I had no idea how to start getting involved without being in over my head. “The Happy Activist” is a true guide to help you find your passion, and stay balanced in this generation’s crazy political climate. The principles apply not only to politics, but to leading a more balanced and focused life. I appreciate the exercises to help readers self-reflect and stay focused on what’s important, both politically and personally. Highly recommend it!
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2018
    The Happy Activist is exactly the right book for this challenging and tumultuous time in our American culture! Practical exercises, measures and action plans to cope, thrive and even find happiness in our mercurial American environment today!
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2018
    Leena St. Michael discusses what many us are turning over in our minds daily and often leery to bring up with others. This is an easy engaging book to sit with for a time and get the mind moving, but the format also makes it easy to pick up for just a short time. The practical exercises give it an interactive feel. Many of the ideas discussed are not only relevant for me personally but also for me as an elementary school teacher trying to prod youngsters into being positive contributors to society.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2018
    Leena brings up an important topic in our world today. So many people have an immediate response to the work "activist" and it is not always a positive one. So many people also choose to sit back and do nothing or rant on social media. In a time where our political culture is more heated than ever, the author gives us hope that we can go do more and make a difference! By being our true authentic selves, we can drive change in a positive and inspiring way!
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2018
    This book is a ray of hope and inspiration in one of the toughest times in our history. It's about how we can take positive action to make a difference instead of being sidelined by the stress and disappointment of what's going on around us. The author's passion for creating positive change is contagious. If you are in a place where you feel that you'd like to do more but don't know how, then this book is for you.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Lisa D - Australia
    4.0 out of 5 stars Seeing the other side
    Reviewed in Australia on October 13, 2018
    As an ex-cop I never publicly express political views, and was obviously not allowed to be seen as an activist or lobbyist. This book opened my eyes to a world that I have not been a part of. A very interesting and comprehensive read.

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