In her book When No Thing Works, Norma Kawelokū Wong draws on her experiences as a Zen master, Indigenous Hawaiian leader, community activist, and policymaker to explore how to live well and act wisely in an era of systemic collapse, collective acceleration, and profound uncertainty.

Wong sees the present as a “threshold” or “critical juncture,” a time when old systems are disintegrating and new possibilities—though not yet defined—must be actively shaped. She calls us to “leap” into the unknown with courage, faith, and appetite, balancing strategic action with deep spiritual grounding.

In the face of collapse, she invites her readers to choose hope and responsibility rather than resignation. She urges us to recognize the power of collective imagination for social transformation. She says the simplest way to begin is by anchoring ourselves in the present—moving from “I” to “we,” one step at a time.

She describes her writing as concentrated—best taken in small doses, with pauses for reflection. Unlike deep-sea diving, she suggests surfacing for air from time to time. The book’s use of poetry, “talking story,” experimental language, and visual aids supports this rhythm, offering space for breath and absorption. This style helps me to notice habitual patterns of thought, and to consider change and possibility with curiosity instead of fear.

BOOK: When No Thing Works: A Zen and Indigenous Perspective on Resilience, Shared Purpose, and Leadership in the Timeplace of Collapse