I met up with a friend the other day and she was saying what a fumbling buffoon she felt around her yoga teacher, because he was such a peaceful, present, wise, measured and calm being (the perfect picture of someone who’s mastered the art of life). Yes! I could totally relate to that. I’ve had that experience too many times and I always imagined that with age, I’d master some of these skills. I do so desire this forward movement in my life: to become more present in moments, a better listener, at peace with myself and others, and yet to stay in this space all the time seems so unattainable.
I find myself irate over stupid stuff; intolerant of the dirty dishes that weren’t placed in the dishwasher, impatient with clothes left on the floor, and just going through the motions with people that are intimately familiar instead of listening to them (it’s generally the people we love the most...ironically). And then there’s the stranger, the beggar on the side of the road that strikes up a conversation in the hope that you will give them a few coins; or the person driving in front of you at 40kms/hour...we would only be human to admit the irritation that these moments can often bring.
The truth is though, I have a sneaky suspicion that I won’t just inherit some magical patience and precious virtues with age. Unless I am intentional about change now, I know I can so easily live in a hyper-fantasy of what I may become... one day. Change is freaking hard work though and realising where I need to make adjustments can be very painful too.
I have seldom read a novel which has left me so profoundly challenged to the core of my being. “The Anatomy of Peace” is a must read. I would go so far as saying that it should be prescribed reading for life. This planet would be a very different place if even few of us would be guided by its courageous reflections on the human heart and its pivotal and practical tools for change.
So, now to share a snippet of this powerful book, without giving away too much. Mmm..…
The novel follows the story of parents that are trying to ‘fix’ their problem children, and in turn, resolve the conflicts that they are experiencing at home. It is set over a weekend...a life-changing weekend, at Camp Moriah where Avi (a Jew) and Yusuf (an Arab) spend time with these parents, over a 2 day workshop, exploring interpersonal conflict and the idea of inviting change in others through welcoming change in ourselves. It beautifully portrays how conflicts are seldom resolved through correction, but rather that there is often a far deeper issue at hand…a heart at war.
The dialogue between the characters explores the ‘way of being’ that we have towards ourselves and towards others, and how the choice between peace and war is within all of us and lies at the heart of every conversation and interaction we have with one another. Things get turned on their head a little when we’re forced to look at how we can help things go right and not just how we fix things after they’ve gone wrong; a pretty profound revelation I think.
This book has begun a journey in me: a movement from functional living with lots of boxes towards a peaceful spacious place of ‘being’ and ‘presence’. I’m learning to be ‘out of the box’ (a phrase coined and re-defined in the book) towards myself which flows into my way of being towards the people around me. Of course there are many little character critters that throw me off course but hopefully, over the trajectory of my life, these tools will stand me in good stead. I plan to hold onto them!
If you’re wondering how you can get your hands on a copy of this super duper amazing book, have a peak on Amazon. It really is the best investment, you wont regret it! It may even make it onto your annual must read list :)
The truth is though, I have a sneaky suspicion that I won’t just inherit some magical patience and precious virtues with age. Unless I am intentional about change now, I know I can so easily live in a hyper-fantasy of what I may become... one day. Change is freaking hard work though and realising where I need to make adjustments can be very painful too.
I have seldom read a novel which has left me so profoundly challenged to the core of my being. “The Anatomy of Peace” is a must read. I would go so far as saying that it should be prescribed reading for life. This planet would be a very different place if even few of us would be guided by its courageous reflections on the human heart and its pivotal and practical tools for change.
So, now to share a snippet of this powerful book, without giving away too much. Mmm..…
The novel follows the story of parents that are trying to ‘fix’ their problem children, and in turn, resolve the conflicts that they are experiencing at home. It is set over a weekend...a life-changing weekend, at Camp Moriah where Avi (a Jew) and Yusuf (an Arab) spend time with these parents, over a 2 day workshop, exploring interpersonal conflict and the idea of inviting change in others through welcoming change in ourselves. It beautifully portrays how conflicts are seldom resolved through correction, but rather that there is often a far deeper issue at hand…a heart at war.
The dialogue between the characters explores the ‘way of being’ that we have towards ourselves and towards others, and how the choice between peace and war is within all of us and lies at the heart of every conversation and interaction we have with one another. Things get turned on their head a little when we’re forced to look at how we can help things go right and not just how we fix things after they’ve gone wrong; a pretty profound revelation I think.
This book has begun a journey in me: a movement from functional living with lots of boxes towards a peaceful spacious place of ‘being’ and ‘presence’. I’m learning to be ‘out of the box’ (a phrase coined and re-defined in the book) towards myself which flows into my way of being towards the people around me. Of course there are many little character critters that throw me off course but hopefully, over the trajectory of my life, these tools will stand me in good stead. I plan to hold onto them!
If you’re wondering how you can get your hands on a copy of this super duper amazing book, have a peak on Amazon. It really is the best investment, you wont regret it! It may even make it onto your annual must read list :)