Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul: How to Change the World in Quiet Ways

As a sensitive soul who cares a lot for the suffering of the world but also needs lots of recovery time after engaging in hard things, reading this book felt like a sigh of relief. It honors the unique needs of people with deep empathy or introversion, or who identify as HSP (a highly sensitive person), and helps them to balance the needs of the world with the needs of the self. In short, it provides validation and a helpful framework for contemplative activists to serve well and be well. The book is smart...very well-researched, and is full of inspiring stories and practical suggestions for people of any background who want to challenge and reshape the world without causing any more damage or experiencing debilitating burnout. Highly recommend for all peacemakers, or aspiring peacemakers.

This book is different from other books I have read about social justice. As someone who is passionate about advocating for justice in many areas, I am always seeking out diverse voices who write about justice, particularly within the context of the Kingdom of God. I have read many. However, this author addresses activism in ways I have not seen acknowledged in other books. Her primary goal is to recognize and encourage readers who identify as empaths, introverts or sensitive individuals. Often, it is assumed social justice involves "raised voices and raised fists." There is an expectation to demonstrate a loud and visible act of fighting for change. However, she she affirms the reality that change can take place through the different ways God has created us. For some, it may happen through artistic communication (craftivism), relationship (relational activism) and archivism. She gives historical examples of how change happened domestically and globally through these methods.I unexpectedly learned so much about myself through reading this book and felt encouraged to tap into new ways of approaching social justice. I appreciated the chapter questions which offer further reflection. This part makes this book an ideal resource for a small group read and discussion. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading it again so that I can absorb its empowering contents.

This is a godsend for a social justice (or any) worker who is feeling overwhelmed because of their highly sensitive nature. Dorcas Cheng-Tozun has given us great research, relevant and interesting stories as examples, and solid practical advice. I found this through Christine Valters Painter's website. It was a great find.

My daughter loved it so much. She said "as an introvert it really spoke to me!" It was a great book!

This book is a breath of fresh air in approaching social justice. Cheng-Tozun speaks from her own experience as a sensitive soul to articulate, encourage and give hope to a more broad range of people who want to engage with social justice issues. This book weaves in stories of individuals and groups who effectively brought about great change through, not in spite, of who they were. I loved the reflection questions at the end of chapters and the overall tone of the book. As I read this book I kept thinking of different people in my life who I want to give a copy of this book to to encourage and affirm on their journey. This book is well researched, written and impactful. I appreciate Cheng-Tozun's humility and tone throughout the book. I felt nurtured, encouraged and affirmed as I read this book.

This has been one of my absolute favorite reads of the past year – it's helped me reorient to my own experience of resilience and deepen in my approach to changework. One of my favorite parts of the book is when the author names and explains our culture's "Activist Ideal." Not only is everything she shares about it deeply resonant with the messages I was given about activism, but so much of it is what I'm still finding myself bumping up against each day (internally and externally.) This book gave me words and a sense of solidarity that I'm not alone in finding a way for my fullness to fit into this vast realm of activism and justice work.

I wish I would have had this book earlier in my life and career. The author validates the ways that sensitive souls are critical contributors to social justice work by sharing stories of activists over time alongside her own personal experiences. She offers helpful questions for reflection and specific ways to consider engaging in important world-changing work. It is a helpful reference and would be a wonderful gift for any justice seeker with a sensitive soul.

This book resonated with me. I found myself feeling more accepting of myself and at peace through the course of reading it. I loved reading the collection of stories of how individuals of varying personalities make an impact, including the stories of the author herself. Thanks for teaching us how to practice sustainable activism by being our authentic selves.

Well researched, contains much wisdom on how to follow one’s calling without burning out.