Lynne Twist - Living a Committed Life: Finding Freedom and Fulfillment in a Purpose Larger Than Yourself

by Van Jones

M any years ago, when I met Lynne Twist, I knew that the way she lived her life was unusual and inspiring, something to pay attention to. At the time, having graduated from Yale Law School, I was a young lawyer who had chosen to apply my skills and experience toward fixing our broken prison system. It was daunting work, and I knew I needed to stay connected to people who would keep me motivated and inspired. I needed allies who knew the harsh realities of the world but who kept their visions and commitment intact. Over the past decades, Lynne has been one of those people for me. With this remarkable book, she will do the same for you.

Lynne has continued to be a powerful friend and mentor, supporting me on my own path of living a committed life. I experience the privilege of turning my life over to serving the highest good, and I feel the freedom and fulfillment she speaks of so eloquently on these pages. Lynnes life work has taken her throughout the world and given her access to some of the most extraordinary people on the planet. The stories she shares from these encounters and her own amazing life will touch your heart and even make you weep, but more importantly they will inspire you to step more fully into your own self-expression.

The times we are living in call for you to step up, to find your own path to contributing to the radical transformation that is needed now. As Lynne says, humanity needs to make an evolutionary leapnot merely to sustain life, but to truly regenerate all of our human and natural systems. The mindset and principles that have guided her life are applicable to all of us and will strengthen our capacity to be ever more effective in making a difference with who we are and the gifts weve been given.

Lynne reminds us that each of us has a role to play in these challenging times. We may think we are ordinary, but it is a commitment, a stand for something larger than ourselves, that shapes our lives and makes us extraordinary. Breakdowns and breakthroughs are abundant in a committed life, and Im honored that Lynne shares a couple of stories of my process in this book.

If you havent found your own calling, this book will motivate and inspire you to discover it and put it into action. If you are already living a committed life, the chapters that follow will affirm the path youve chosen and will strengthen and empower you. Living a Committed Life holds the keys to the kingdom of inspired action at a time when nothing is more important than a breakthrough for humanity.

VAN JONESis an Emmy Awardwinning news and political commentator, as well as an attorney, best-selling author, and changemaker. He is the cofounder of several social justice and environmental organizations and is a recipient of Jeff Bezoss inaugural Courage and Civility Award, along with many other honors and awards. His official website is vanjones.net.