The I of the Storm: Embracing Conflict, Creating Peace [Paperback]

Gary Simmons (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2001

In this book we learn to go beyond merely managing the conflict in our lives to actually embracing the conflict, allowing it to teach us what we otherwise might not learn. This process leads to peacemaking ... whether it be within ourselves, in our relationships, or as a result of outside circumstances.

Simmons integrates spiritual principles, biblical quotes, and martial arts philosophy (he is a fourth-degree black belt in tae kwon do) as well as concepts from modern science--especially quantum theory. In this way he points us to the "I" of the storm of conflict, to our spiritual Self, as the means of realizing peace in our lives.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Unity (August 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0871592703
• ISBN-13: 978-0871592705
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #31,376 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars changed my life, March 22, 2002

By 

Rev. Susan Burnett-Hampson (Los Banos,, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The I of the Storm: Embracing Conflict, Creating Peace (Paperback)

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.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars It's as much about the We as the I, September 25, 2008

By 

Jeanne Mackey (Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The I of the Storm: Embracing Conflict, Creating Peace (Paperback)

I bought this book because of the stellar reviews, but it's not really hitting the spot for me. It's too simplistic to say that everything that happens is for my ultimate good, or that I agreed to it before my birth. Sometimes we get caught in other peoples' lessons. As an adult, I can always choose to learn and grow from what happens to me--on that point, I'm in agreement with the author. But I would never lay that perspective on a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, for example. Life IS relational. We don't individually create our own reality--we are co-creators, communal creatures. Some people have suffered horrible injustices because of the choices of others. It may be comforting to think that "God never gives you more than you can handle" but I don't actually think it's true. Some people start off with so many strikes against them. Whatever the big plan is, it's way beyond the ability of our pea brains to understand it.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Harness the incredible power of conflict., March 17, 2002

By 

Christopher Ashe (Litchfield, CT United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The I of the Storm: Embracing Conflict, Creating Peace (Paperback)

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.