The Power of Humility: Choosing Peace over Conflict in Relationships

by Charles L. Whitfield, Barbara H. Whitfield, Russell Park

"The Power of Humility is a remarkable book that presents profound tools for changing your life in simple, practical steps. . . . It will help us see the solutions that were there all the time, hidden from view by our own habits."
-Bruce Greyson, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry, University of Virginia School of Medicine If so, you're not alone. We all experience conflict on a daily basis, whether it’s with another person like a coworker or boss, or in a "triangle" with two other people such as in a family relationship. Dealing with strife isn't easy because most of us don't clearly understand one of the most critical yet overlooked skills to successful humility - and how to best express it. From four of America's top experts on emotional healing, spirituality and recovery, comes a new approach to solving the conflicts that cause us both physical and emotional stress. Bestselling author Charles Whitfield and three leading experts explain that having humility doesn’t mean being a doormat or turning the other cheek - it's about being authentic, open and understanding. Using case studies, cutting-edge clinical research and compelling narrative, they show you how to harness the power of humility in your own life—at home, at work and in your community. By doing so, you will be able to speak your mind, get things accomplished more harmoniously and feel more satisfied with yourself and your relationships. Let The Power of Humility show you how to have peace in your life.

Genres: Self Help, Psychology, Relationships

182 pages, Paperback

First published July 18, 2006

About the author

Charles L. Whitfield, M.D., is a physician, psychotherapist, author and internationally recognized expert on mental illness, behavioral problems, and recovery from addiction and trauma. He was on the faculty of the Rutgers University Summer Institute of Alcohol and Drug Studies from 1978 through 2003, and in private practice of addiction medicine and psychotherapy since 1976. He has also been a consultant and collaborator at the CDC in Atlanta since 1998. He has been voted by his peers as one of the Best Doctors in America every year since 1993. He lives in Atlanta, GA, and is in private practice with his wife, author and therapist, Barbara Harris Whitfield.

Reviews

[Nanci Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book because of its title, thinking it was going to be a lot about developing personal humility. However, it is actually about relationships, and in particular, conflicted relationships involving 3 people. These relationships occur much more frequently than we might imagine, for instance with 2 parents and a child, 3 co-workers, a couple and a single friend, etc. These triads can begin with healthy relationships but inadvertently veer off into what the authors call "triangulation" when conflict occurs. Once triangulated, the participants often assume roles of persecutor, victim and rescuer, and then interchange roles as conflict deepens. The way to healing comes from humility, letting go, and moving toward awareness and consciousness. Contains good case study examples. Highly recommended.

[Ron Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A timely book to digest.

[Bohdan Pechenyak · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful look at the four levels of existence and relationships. Combining the psychological concept of relationship triangles and spiritual ideas, this book shows the way from co-dependency and dysfunction to commitment, co-creation of life and ultimate unity with the universe. From false self to True Self to Higher Self to Sacred Person with Higher Power. In many ways a similar notion as presented in the Eastern tradition of achieving enlightenment, shedding ego, and realizing the humility of being One with the world.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book exploded with revelatory information, then ended and disintegrated into a Christian doctrinal position. I was disappointed towards the end, but enjoyed the key concepts present early in the book.

[Manda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful.