The I of the Storm: Embracing Conflict, Creating Peace

by Gary Simmons

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.

Genres: Spirituality, Psychology, Self Help

157 pages, Paperback

First published January 15, 2001

Reviews

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full disclosure: the author is one of the co-ministers (along with his wife) of the Unity Spiritual Center of Spokane, of which I am a member. In many ways the philosophy articulated in this book owes much to Vedanta Hinduism, in that the emphasis is on becoming aware of the intimate connection between the "little I" of the human self (Atman, in Hindu thought) and the "big I" of the world soul or God (Brahman), though the author uses Christian scripture and imagery for the most part. Though Unity is Christian in origin, the emphasis on awakening from a state of partial awareness into a state of full awareness, as opposed to an emphasis on salvation from a fallen, sinful state, is more reminiscent of Asian religious philosophy than of the orthodoxy of Judeo-Christendom. There is much here that smacks of the "right mindfulness" step in the Eight-fold Path of Buddhism, along with an interesting smattering of quantum physics and a helpful, but not overwhelming, amount of personal disclosure on the author's part. Each chapter concludes with some helpful exercises and the book ends with a chapter on peace making as the ultimate call of the spirit of God to each of us. A deeply humane and uplifting read. Peace be unto you along your way.

[Sfdreams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was assigned to read this book as a Board of Trustees member for my church. I wasn't sure I liked it at first, but the more I got into it I liked it.

Doing the "aware-apy" at the end of each chapter was taking me too long, so I eventually just read the book with doing the work so I would have the book read by the board meeting!! And then we never discussed the book! Oh well. I would like to go back to re-read and do the work for each chapter.

I have always shied away from conflict, and in the midst of turmoil, I either got away or shut down inside. The idea of embracing conflict to create peace was a new one for me.

I think being non-resistant, to live free from ego, and to live fully from the center of your spirit IS the way to live. I am not fully there yet....

[Deanna Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Often in spiritual circles there is this idea that right thinking will eliminate all problems from our life, and then it feels like failure if problems persist. What I loved about this book was that the author talks about how to gather our spiritual resources so that we handle problems by connecting to our innate wholeness, and then experience peace, even though the storms of life persist.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most helpful book I've read in years. It changes how I view "problems", it makes me know that things can be better and it corrects some persistant mis-perceptions I've had for many years.

[Joanne Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Even though I belong to a Unity church and embrace Unity philosophy, this book did not resonate with me. Rev. Simmons spoke at our church during the 8 weeks we studied the book, and I found him just as annoying in person as on the printed page. In his talk, he told about one of his wives (he's had 6 apparently), who was dying of brain cancer at the time, flinging his book across the room and pronouncing it "baloney." I don't disagree with her.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book presents an interesting viewpoint concerning the nature and dynamics of conflict. It attempts to relieve the stress related to conflict by training the reader to view conflict as a positive experience which encourages self growth, which expands our understanding of others’ point of view, and encourages us to stop viewing conflict as a personal attack. In this way, we will raise our level of consciousness and spiritual development.

[Greta · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the theme for our Unity Spirit group, we used this book written by our Reverend Dr. Gary Simmons. Much of what he wrote in this book he now makes familiar through his Sunday lessons. Since writing this book he had added many tools for conflict resolution which work well.

[Melissa Hedges- Rankin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This with the assigned book from my church as part of a small group (via Zoom social distancing). Overall- liked it, lots of areas to make one think, with reinforcements of centering one self when facing stressful moments in life. Great to have others to discuss the reading material.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

New-age bs

[Sarita Streng · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely powerful personal growth book for me although I did not resonate with every detail. Thanks!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a relatable and tested way to show up as more peaceful in your life and in the world, this is the book for you!

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A life-altering way of seeing and being. Have enjoyed working through this with a book study group, and the exercises will provide another layer of learning and integration after. Superb.

[Candi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and found several good reminders but nothing really new. It did give me a renewed incentive to always try to find my center.

[J.C.]

I'm taking my time with this one. It's really intriguing; but I am curious about whether a bibliography is available. Where are the citations to support the premise of the book? Or is this a source of propaganda to support the Unity Movement? As for #Aware-apy (e.g., no one is against you) What about Job and biblically-referenced Spiritual Warfare? ... #StillReading and hoping the answers to my questions await me.

[Heather]

Due to a recent conflict I had, this book is taking on a new urgency. I hope it helps.

[Jerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book that has really changed the way that I deal with conflict in my life. If you struggle with conflict and difficult interactions with others this is a wonderful book to read.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent.

[Roya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great reminder to get back to center when in conflict.