Sustaining the Heart of Action Research(ers):An Interview with Joanna Macy

In designing the new Action Researchjournal Peter Reason and I agreed to introduce influential thinkers using an interview format. Our goal is to connect journal readers with people whose work is not often cited within the action research community, but which we believe can benefit reflection and practice among action researchers. My first interview is with Joanna Macy, an eco-philosopher and experiential educator. In particular I believe that Macy's work has much to teach us about accessing those parts that block action researchers and their research partners from embracing and realizing the changes we desire. By addressing deeper emotions that color all our so-called rational efforts, we may find ourselves more capable of doing better action research.