Deep Ecologist John Seed says that for every forest we save, we lose a thousand more. Activism therefore needs to be more than just being about responding to stuff. We need to be doing the proactive stuff too.

Holistic activism is an approach to social and environmental change that integrates a broad, interconnected perspective. Instead of focusing solely on external problems such as political policies, corporate practices, or environmental destruction, it also addresses internal factors like personal growth, emotional intelligence, and systemic thinking.

Core Aspects of Holistic Activism:

• Interconnectedness – Recognising that all issues (social, environmental, economic, and personal) are deeply linked and cannot be solved in isolation.
• Inner Work & Presence – Understanding that activism isn’t just about “fighting against” something but also about cultivating awareness, compassion, and emotional resilience within ourselves. Mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and personal healing are essential to effective change.
• Long-Term Thinking – Moving beyond reactionary activism to create sustainable, regenerative solutions.
• Nonviolence & Inclusivity – Engaging with issues in a way that promotes dialogue, respect, and understanding, rather than deepening polarization and conflict.
• Systemic Change Over Symptoms – Addressing the root causes of problems rather than just their symptoms. For example, instead of only protesting environmental destruction, holistic activism might focus on shifting cultural values around consumption, economic models, and human relationships with nature.
• Custodianship & Sustainability – Seeing ourselves as caretakers of the planet and society rather than owners or controllers. This means prioritising ecological balance, community well-being, and long-term sustainability over short-term gains.
• Embodiment of Values – Living by the principles one advocates for, ensuring that personal actions align with activism. This could mean choosing ethical consumption, fostering cooperative relationships and practicing open-hearted communication.

    How Holistic Activism Differs from Traditional Activism:

• Traditional activism often focuses on external struggles (protests, legal reforms, policy changes)
• Holistic activism combines external action with inner transformation, systems thinking, and long-term cultural shifts.

There is nothing new in Holistic Activism. All the wisdom that is required to create a socially and ecologically sustainable world was written down (or not written in many oral traditions) over the years by teachers from all parts of the world. Holistic Activism is about repackaging some of these teachings in a four-step format which may be more effective right now.

Some people may not connect with the term ‘activism’ because it doesn’t work for everyone. Instead the term ‘activism’ can easily be replaced with something else. Because fundamentally this is all about a collective return to a way of approaching the world that has been lost to the white noise of our modern day lifestyles.