The Peaceability Mindset: Your Ultimate Guide to Practical Peace & Personal Wellbeing

by Reba J Parker

Redefine peace as a modern skill for inner harmony, personal growth, and societal good.Are you reaching your fullest potential, or is the chaos of the world holding you back? In a time of constant noise, division, and uncertainty, many feel stretched thin—striving for more but unsure how to find true fulfillment. Too often, peace is dismissed as a relic of the ’60s, a tie-dyed slogan, or an unattainable ideal. But what if peace wasn’t passive? What if it was a measurable skill—a tool for cutting through the chaos, staying grounded, and unlocking the best version of yourself?

In The Peaceability Mindset, sociology professor and peace advocate Reba Parker redefines peace for the 21st century as a practical and deeply personal process. By blending peace science with personal development, Parker introduces the peace equation—safety + wellbeing + interconnectedness—and seven peaceability factors, a bold framework to help you bring peace into your life and the world around you. Clearly written and grounded in sociology, psychology, and personal growth, this book is your guide to aligning your inner calm with outward action, fostering meaningful relationships, and creating a ripple effect in your community.

Inside, you’ll to shift outdated ideas and reimagine peace as an active, measurable process unique to you and your life.The tools to improve your emotional resilience, empathy, and life purpose with the seven peaceability factors.The way safety, wellbeing, and interconnectedness work together to create true inner harmony.Steps to move from a culture of violence and chaos to a culture of peace and mindful contentment.How personal transformation inspires societal good, transforming families, communities, and systems.Peace is not just an ideology or abstract concept. Through thought-provoking insights, practical strategies, and real-world examples, The Peaceability Mindset turns peace from an unattainable goal into a doable daily practice. Whether you’re a self-help enthusiast, a change agent, or simply someone yearning for a better world, The Peaceability Mindset will inspire you to rethink what peace can look like—and how you can bring it to life.

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2025

About the author

Reba Parker is a highly respected sociology professor, peace advocate, and community organizer with over 25 years of teaching experience at institutions including the College of Charleston and The Citadel. Known for her groundbreaking work in peace studies, Reba has redefined peace as a practical, measurable process that individuals can incorporate into their daily lives. Her innovative approach has inspired students and communities to view peace not as a distant ideal but as an achievable skill set for personal growth and societal harmony.

Reba’s expertise lies in combining sociology with applied peacebuilding, a mission she has championed through teaching, writing, and community leadership. She founded Charleston Peace One Day, a nonprofit organization that brought peace education to life through citywide festivals, creative campaigns, and the planting of over 25 peace poles in Charleston and at institutions like The Citadel. She also co-created conflict resolution curriculum for at-risk youth in partnership with college students, empowering young people to break cycles of violence. Her dedication has been recognized with numerous awards, including the College of Charleston’s inaugural Distinguished Adjunct Faculty Teaching Award and Charlie Magazine’s 50 Most Progressive award.

Reba’s professional development includes certifications such as the Top Hat Innovation Educator Certificate and advanced peacebuilding training at the Summer Peacebuilding Institute at Eastern Mennonite University. She also completed faculty training at Notre Dame’s Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies program, further deepening her expertise in practical peacebuilding. Her work has been featured in media outlets, including Skirt Magazine, which highlighted her work with children experiencing homelessness and the Apple Thief documentary, where she shared her insights on religion and peacebuilding.

In addition to teaching, Reba has written extensively on sociology and peace, authoring three digital textbooks, including Sociology of Peace and Restorative Justice. She holds a master of arts in education and has completed additional graduate studies in sociology at the University of Northern Iowa and Appalachian State University.

Reba lives in Portland, Oregon, with her wife and has three children and two dogs. When she’s not teaching or writing, she nurtures her creative spirit by tending to her vineyard, playing the ukulele, and participating in a weekly writers’ group.

For practical insights on integrating peace into your life and community, visit her at
https://thepeaceabilitymindset.com.

Reviews

[Sybil Gilmar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I opened "The Peaceability Mindset" eagerly as someone who has thought (perhaps naively) there could be a peaceful solution to any problem. Parker lays out her arguments that convince me I was not naive - it is really possible. She is specific on how to have the mindset and the doing that will bring peace within individuals, their intimate connections, and ultimately with society. As someone who went on peace marches in the sixties, I am aware that the paradigm needs to change for today's world. I would advise young people today before they try to change the world, they should assure that there is peace and wellbeing within their homes and expand their horizons to understand others. This book goes further and actually lays out plan to override the infrastructure that allows discrimination. She also shows us how to do strategic nonviolent action. If the book were in every politician's "must read" pile we would be in a better world. Parker has shown them the way.

[Jenny Ling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book for personal growth!
I would recommend anyone who wants a little more peace and kindness in their day to day lives. More than a good read, indeed!

[Judy Zalesne · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Peace of mind’ sounds so impossible. It isn’t. Though it’s not a magically achievable goal, Reba Parker’s book can set you well on your way to that most worthwhile destination.