Andres Edwards 
The Heart of Sustainability 
Restoring Ecological Balance from the Inside Out

A thriving life and livable future for our planet starts with you. Amidst the doom and gloom that dominates the headlines, a different kind of story about an alternative future is unfolding. The players are activists, visionaries and cultural innovators, the backdrop is the tipping point of our global and environmental challenges, and the narrative is the molding of a new paradigm to shape our collective future. The Heart of Sustainability delves into the human dimension of this burgeoning international movement to build a better world. Author Andrés Edwards frames the conversation about consciousness and sustainability by: Explaining how self-development is a key driver for planetary change Describing how the confluence of the consciousness and technological revolutions provide unique opportunities for balance and fulfillment Exploring how we can move forward individually and collectively to create a thriving, livable future from the inside out. This landmark work illustrates the integration of the four Es: ecology, economy, equity, and education-the bedrock of the current sustainability framework-with the four Cs : conscious, creative, compassionate and connected. Focusing on specific examples and concrete initiatives from around the world, it shows us how to reconnect with ourselves, each other and nature in order to tackle the challenges we face as a global community.

Table of Content

Acknowledgments INTRODUCTION: Looking Within to Seed an Enduring Vision for the Future CHAPTER 1: A New Story Anatomy of a Story | Our Role in the Hero’s Journey | Living Between Stories | Themes of the New Story | Visions of the New Story CHAPTER 2: Changing the Old Story From Separate to Aligned with Nature | From Scarcity to Abundance | From Fear to Assurance | Reframing the Ecological Crisis CHAPTER 3: Purpose, Meaning, and Happiness Quality of Life | Nature and Well-being | Social Ecotones | Gathering in Public Places | Personal and Global Happiness CHAPTER 4: Reconnecting to Ourselves and to Nature Ecology | Economy | Equity | Education | The External Es and Internal Cs | Consciousness | Creativity | Compassion | Connection CHAPTER 5: Leading from the Heart Leadership Styles | Being of Service | Supporting Positive Qualities Through Conversations | Leading from Within CHAPTER 6: Activism with Heart Types of Activists | Mental Models and What Motivates Us | Spiritual Activism | Sacred Activism and Networks of Grace | Giftivism | Activism and Faith Communities CHAPTER 7: Finding and Connecting the Dots System Shifts | Places to Intervene in a System | The Lisbon Principles | Holistic Education | Conservation Psychology | Ecological Intelligence and Related Quotients | Empathy and Nature CHAPTER 8: Envisioning a Compelling Future The Future We Want | The Sharing Economy | Future Paths | The COURAGE Framework | Looking Within Resources Endnotes Index About the Author

About the author

Andres R. Edwards is the author of the award-winning Thriving Beyond Sustainability and The Sustainability Revolution . He is a sought-after speaker for radio and television, conferences, universities and business and community organizations throughout North America and abroad. He is also the founder and president of EduTracks, a firm specializing in designing and developing exhibits, print, media, education programs and consulting services on sustainable practices for museums, zoos, aquariums, culture and history centers, businesses and non-profits. www.andresedwards.com