Lucy Draper-Clarke
Promoting a compassionate form of activism

Lucy Draper-Clarke at home in Aukland Park, Gauteng © Thom Pierce 2023
Lucy Draper-Clarke is the author of “The Compassionate Activist”, a book which delves into the theories and practices that form her philosophies on reflexivity as a way to transform societies. She believes that one of the most powerful forms of activism is the awareness of our interconnectedness.
It is the theory that we have a responsibility to heal ourselves while attending to others. In doing so, we can turn towards suffering, become more compassionate and then engage skilfully in the world around us.
Lucy is not trying to change the world swiftly - that would be too overwhelming a task. Instead, she is providing a guide for people to live in a more harmonious way with others, approaching situations with mindful awareness and ease. The activism that she promotes challenges us to ‘do no harm', while caring for the world and the people around us.
The book itself is grounded in ancient wisdom traditions, particularly Buddhism, and leans towards the development of an environmental and social consciousness with a focus on community building and personal accountability.
These personal shifts come with a benefit for everyone, and it is Lucy’s hope that the book will enable people to forge stronger relationships, allowing them to cope better with disagreements and to live more harmoniously alongside people with different world views.
It’s an interesting take on activism. Looking at yourself first and understanding how your own inner calm can resonate outwards. Teach yourself to be more tolerant, patient and kind, and then project that into the world around you.
Lucy is not only a writer but also a retreat facilitator, researcher, postgraduate supervisor and yoga instructor who has a PhD in Mindfulness and Teacher Education.
Find out more about Lucy and her work at https://www.lucydraperclarke.com or visit our store to buy the book.
In Lucy’s words…
“The Compassionate Activist is for changemakers, meditators and activists, offering guidance to transform our wounded world from the inside out. What can we do in the midst of uncertainty and overwhelm? Attend to what is within us and around us, moment by moment.
This book is for all who see activism as a relational practice built on an ethic of care. It calls for engagement inspired by love, not hate, and the mobilisation of communities through solidarity, not separation.”
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