Synopses & Reviews
This profound guidebook reframes and expands the mission of building a global culture of peace. Going far beyond conventional techniques of conflict resolution, James ODea provides a holistic approach to peace work, covering its oft-ignored cultural, spiritual, and scientific dimensions while providing guidance suitable even for those who have never considered themselves peacebuilders. ODea is unique in his ability to integrate personal experience in the worlds violent conflict zones with insights gathered from decades of work in social healing, human rights advocacy, and consciousness studies. Following in the footsteps of Gandhi and King, ODea keeps the dream of peace alive by teaching us how to dissolve old wounds and reconcile our differences. He strikes deep chords of optimism even as he shows us how to face the heart of darkness in conflict situations. His soulful but practical voice speaks universally to peace activists, mediators, negotiators, psychologists, educators, businesspeople, and clergy—and to everyday citizens.
Review
"James O'Dea is a modern-day bard and is deeply engaged in the Great Turning of our times. He draws on his well of wisdom and history of ages in speaking to our times. James is a wise soul and lover of life." —Lynne Twist, author, The Soul of Money and founder, the Pachamama Alliance
Review
"James brings a spirit of peace and reconciliation into life with his very being. He is a wise global citizen whose compassionate heart has emerged from the fire of a lifetime of sacred activism. I highly recommend James and the many gifts he brings to our world in transition." —Duane Elgin, author, Voluntary Simplicity
Review
"James O'Dea penetrates to the soul level where the Source of Love lives. By recognizing and loving that universal essence of being within us, no matter who we are, he reveals and heals the violence. He provides us with a path that each of us can follow to heal ourselves and the world. I find that every moment I spend with him is precious and brings peace to my soul." —Barbara Marx Hubbard, author, Conscious Evolution
Synopsis
Penned by a world-renowned social healer and peacemaker, this guide provides strategies for navigating disagreements in conflict situations of any type—within oneself, between family members, in the workplace, or between nations or religions. The study offers an integral approach to the field of building peace, covering its often-ignored cultural, spiritual, and scientific dimensions in one volume. Ideal for psychologists, negotiators, peace activists, educators, business leaders, and clergy, this handbook presents a unique set of profound tools and perspectives needed for fostering peace in the 21st century. Topics covered include how to navigate conflict with wisdom and effectiveness, develop the essential skills of a social healer, learn lessons from the new “science of peace,” and connect with an inspiring community of “peace builders” worldwide.
About the Author
James ODea is a renowned figure in international social healing who has conducted healing and reconciliation dialogues for twenty years and was director of Amnesty Internationals Washington, DC, office for over ten years. His work as codirector of the Social Healing Project led him to Rwanda, Israel/Palestine, and Northern Ireland. The lead faculty of the popular Peace Ambassador Training hosted by the Shift Network, James is also on the extended faculty of the Institute of Noetic Sciences and is its immediate past president. He is also a member of the Advisory Board for the Peace Alliance.