The Way of the Owl: Succeeding with Integrity in a Conflicted World

I purchased this book several years ago and have misplaced it since moving so I'm back for another copy. Why? Because this book was an integral part of my life and gave incredible insight on how to manage conflict from a spiritual perspective. If you're looking for "entertainment reading" ( 3 stars? C' mon!)this isn't it. However, if you are like me...a spiritual person who has to deal with conflict somewhere in your life, and would like to do it without losing something precious...your integrity...this is the book for you. This is also not a "feel good, everything's gonna be ok" type book. Definately, as the the other reviewer said NOT metafizzy in the least. It is a book that will help you discover ways to deal with conflict and confrontation with grace. If you are like me, and had parents that were too busy/dysfuntional to teach you how to defend yourself (in an honest ethical way) you will find great insight here. Like the i-ching, I would just randomly open a page and read it's meaning. This is also a great book to give to a friend who may be having passivity issues. This book is not for the faint of heart..or someone who does not realize the value of sticking up for yourself when the time comes. It is for those who realize that conflict just IS...like it or not, and those who would like to fight back with honor. Thanks Frank Rivers...your wisdom is sorely needed. :o)

This extraordinary book by Frank Rivers deserves more stars than would fit on this page. Frank Rivers deals with ideas formerly reserved for mysticm and the most esoteric disciplines in a charmingly down to earth manner. He gets a lot of mileage out of the Owl analogy, and it works. The reader, male or female, can easily identify with both the fledgling and the wise old owl of Frank River's examples. This fascinating treatise on conflict, paradox and martial principle has so much more substance and clarity than one would expect from such a relatively unknown work. I especially recommend it to readers who don't normally enjoy warm and fuzzies, or self-help conflict-resolution type books. I also recommend it to those struggling with the inconsistencies and injustices of life. Again and again Frank Rivers makes the principles of life, of reality and conflict, as concrete and usable as an idea or words on paper can get. I plan to read this book several times in the next few years. I put Frank Rivers "The Way of The Owl" right up there with James Carse's "Finite and Infinite Games" and consider it much more accessible to the person with an average interest in this type of subject. Although I found the book deeply spiritual in nature, I also found it well in line with fundamental beliefs. A Baptist minister and a Buddhist monk would both enjoy the insights Frank Rivers presents to the reader. A great book for carrying around and reading at those odd moments.

I have always considered the owl as my totem, yet didn't make the connection between owls and tai-chi, and integrity. Soul work is taxing to the spirit, we are not always dealing with people whose goals are harmony, co-operation, reverence for life. We need to be reminded that the Yin and Yang of daily life brings struggle, we cannot escape that fact, but we can be guided thru these conflicts with awareness, the most important of which is *Know Thyself*. It's a HOOT of a book, and I am delighted to have it.

This is one of the best books I've read in terms of changing behaviors and self-realizing your own potential. It is self-reflective and talks in plain, simple language that I was able to relate to AND talk about with others. I say forget about Covey and his 7 habits because most likely, you already have "his" identified 7 habits. I wanted to go deeper...to build my intracommunication with myself and understand how I can change to become more successful. Rivers' book helped me do this and it can for you. This is one book that doesn't buy into the new age spiritualism mumbo-jumbo that everyone is jumping on. The Rivers' book is for real and it is a keeper...I'm rereading it now.

The Way of the Owl begins by reminding us that conflict is part of all life on Earth. From there, it takes us on a flight through human relations, through the nature of conflict. The reader lands with lessons from nature, lessons that pepare us to better meet conflict, even to use conflict to advantage of all involved. Yes, there are enemies, but they need not be despised. Better to understand them, to learn from them, to be energized and improved by them. The Way of the Owl is a classic because it entertains us, and leave us better for the experience. Few books do that, and few are as respected by its readers. I am grateful to be one of them. Gavin de Becker, author The Gift of Fear