The I of the Storm: Embracing Conflict, Creating Peace

It often appears that conflict is the norm and that there's no way to avoid it. We see this in our personal lives and in the entire world around us. We see it on TV and in the movies. We hear it in a lot of popular songs. We read about it in the newspapers. However, there is an alternative to all this lying within each individual. Careful reading of Gary Simmons' book should help one understand the how and why of this conflict, and how to embrace, rather than resist, it and thus learn the effective way to deal with it.This isn't Pollyana stuff. The author teaches martial arts, and his teaching comes from strength, not from timidity and passiveness. For those who are super serious in their desire to deal effectively with conflict, I recommend buying the tape EMBRACE TIGER, RETURN TO MOUNTAIN, along with this book. However, if you're not ready for that, than go for the book itself.

conflict has been challenging for me all my life...i wonder if it hasn't for anyone! reading gary's book has been such a gift, for not only does he remind me that all conflict begins within me, he also shows me that its cause is a sense of brokeness within myself and that it is simply an invitation for revealing wholeness. wholeness that already is within me, but just hasn't been discovered yet. and now the adventure begins; not one of judging my brokeness, but of disovering and experiencing and expressing my wholeness. and not just in my personal life, but also in my work life. i can't wait!!!! this is a must read for everyone....i can only imagine if we all practiced the principles that gary presents in this book......

I used to have some really bad road rage, peptic ulcers, a fondness for Smith and Wesson, a collection of Schwarzenegger movies, a craving for red meat, a facial tic, and a little vein that always pulsed right at my temple. Then I read this book. Now I hang out with Franciscan monks and grow turnips for the homeless. Of course the thorazine may also have something to do with it....Seriously, the ideas in this book are the most helpful about conflict resolution I've ever encountered. Gary puts his martial arts and ministerial/spiritual background to excellent use. He boils it all down to it's essence of personal responsibility in a way that not only makes sense, but makes it easy to swallow, get a handle on, and use.So buy it and give it to everybody in your life that ticks you off! No seriously, read it and use it, and then all those people will wonder what the heck you got that they don't. Really.

This book and the work of Gary Simmons has literally opened new horizons that I only imagined before. I am able to stand in the face of conflict or distress with my mind open and curious to the possiblities. Of course, I still react but even when I do, I have the resources at hand to change my course. Having more resources, I find more ease and creativity in my life and work. I highly recommend this book as a pathway to a larger embrace of life and possiblity.

As professional personal coach I found Gary Simmon's book both helpful and reassuring. We are raised to see conflict as a negative force. His book shows us why it is a positive element in our lives and he us gives practical advice on how to capitalize on this often unrecognized blessing. It is reassuring to know that when we are in conflict we have the opportunity to grow and change for the better and that we do this by working with the energy of the conflict rather than by "fighting back". I highly recommend it for all who want to harness power of conflict for their own personal growth.