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Title details for Talking Stick by Stephan V. Beyer - Available

Talking Stick

Peacemaking as a Spiritual Path

by Stephan V. Beyer
ebook
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Practices for openhearted speaking and devout listening to restore harmony in families, relationships, schools, workplaces, and communities

• Details how to approach life with a listening heart and create a sacred space for communication

• Offers exercises for new peacemaking circles, ceremonial ways to begin each circle, and peacemaker tools to unmask the needs and feelings behind conflict

• Explains how to apply this practice in multiple ways, with groups large and small

People are afraid of conflict: it is something "bad" that must be managed and resolved. In the face of conflict we focus only on facts—who's at fault and who should be punished—rather than seeking to restore harmony. But conflict is inevitable and presents an opportunity to establish deeper connections with others. By learning to speak honestly and listen devoutly, we can overcome our culture's hierarchical and punitive approach to conflict. We can learn to relate to each other in a sacred manner and create relationships and communities that are egalitarian, liberating, and transformational.

Revealing that we are all peacemakers at heart, Steve Beyer details how to approach life with a listening heart and create a safe and sacred space for communication: the peacemaking circle, centered on the talking stick. Whoever holds the talking stick gets to speak. There are no interruptions, no questions, no challenges, no comments. People speak one at a time, honestly from their hearts, and they listen devoutly with their hearts to each person who speaks. And, as Beyer shows, the effect can be miraculous.

The author explains how to apply this practice with groups large and small to deepen relationships, heal old wounds, and restore harmony among families, spouses, classmates, coworkers, and communities. Sharing stories from his work as a peacemaker, he offers exercises for new talking stick circles, ceremonial ways to begin each circle, and tools to ensure the telling of complete stories in cases of conflict. He addresses the nature of apology, forgiveness, and the urge for revenge, and he explores the spiritual challenges faced by those who walk the peace path.

Exploring the shamanic roots of the talking stick practice, the author extends the lessons of the healing circle and the listening heart from our homes, schools, and communities into our relationship to spirit and the Earth.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    July 4, 2016

  • Formats

    • Kindle Book

    • OverDrive Read

      • ISBN: 9781591432586
      • File size: 411 KB

    • EPUB ebook

      • ISBN: 9781591432586
      • File size: 413 KB

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Library Journal

      June 15, 2016

      With this work, Beyer (The Classical Tibetan Language) presents peacemaking practices to use in everyday life. The author suggests that as a society that is hierarchal and punitive, we have created power relationships centered on one having control over another. As a result, people have trouble communicating. Beyer explains how to hold council, or sit in a circle and pass around a talking stick, to remedy communication issues. The circle doesn't have to be formal, nor does the talking stick; the stick could be traditional, or it could be a fork or an ink pen. The idea represents letting a person speak honestly, without interruption, while others listen. There are many examples throughout on holding council, from playground fights to family arguments over wedding details; there are even instances involving the American justice system. This book would be particularly helpful to teachers, bosses, and anyone seeking a way to resolve conflict. VERDICT Every reader has something to learn from this work in order to deepen and grow their relationships.--Natalie Browning, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community Coll. Lib., Richmond, VA

      Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Formats

  • Kindle Book
  • OverDrive Read
  • EPUB ebook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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