Dis-Solving Conflict from Within: an Inner Path for Conflict Transformation

by Henry Yampolsky

Dis-Solving Conflict from Within presents a new paradigm for looking at conflict. Written by a professional mediator (and an occasional adventure motorcyclist), this book presents a mindfulness-based framework for understanding conflict, and more importantly, responding to conflict with strength, clarity, and ease as opposed to reacting to it with fear, avoidance, or aggression. The first part of the book takes the reader step by step through the method, drawing on famous teachings in both conflict resolution and mindfulness, real-life examples from the author’s own practice, and colorful anecdotes from his personal adventures, which included riding a motorcycle across the Himalayas. The rest of the book is a very practical application for how these teachings can transform the way we live our lives – in conflicts ranging from arguments with your spouse and debates about current affairs at your dinner table to greater societal conflicts and existential challenges facing us.

At once spiritually based, and yet also immensely practical, this book is relevant not just for conflict resolution professionals, but for anyone who wants to live more peacefully with the people around them. In a signature style that is both educational and funny – and always all his own – Henry Yampolsky draws on his formal education, his life experiences, and his knowledge and acceptance that all people, no matter their beliefs, are infinitely connected. Distilling conflict down to our most basic needs as human beings leads the reader to the inevitable conclusion that we are not so different after all. While acknowledging the validity of the stories of conflicts created by humans, Yampolsky gently but firmly guides the reader to the same conclusion he has come to – that conflict can be transformed into an opportunity for growth, connection, and dialogue once we learn to turn within.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Self Help

216 pages, Hardcover

First published May 16, 2022

About the author

Henry Yampolsky is an author, mediator, educator, and TEDx speaker. He serves as the Assistant Director for Education, Outreach, and Conflict Resolution at Virginia Tech's Office for Equity and Accessibility and teaches Mediation, Conflict Resolution, and Peace Building as part of Virginia Tech's Center for Peace Studies and Violence Prevention. Henry has taught and lectured around the world including at: Columbia University School of Law, the New York Peace Institute, the National Museum of American Jewish History, International Gandhi Center and Museum (New Delhi), Bellevue Mediation (Zurich, Switzerland), Bharathiar University (Coimbatore, India) and at the Sattva Summit (Rishikesh, India). Henry is also a Master-level instructor of Sattva Yoga, trained in Rishikesh, India. Prior to embarking on a career in peace building, Henry was a trial lawyer in Philadelphia. Henry hails from Kyiv, Ukraine and can now be found on his motorcycle in the mountains of Southwest Virginia.

Reviews

[Natalia Lantonio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book became symbolic in solving my inner conflict upon its arrival. I am very thankful to the author who shared his path from an attorney practice to conflict resolution. By doing so, he opened new possibilities for me that I started to look at the unknown pivots of my life with a believe that I am on the right path. So, I finally started to enjoy my ride! I am very thankful for that!

[Josh Kershenbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dis-Solving Conflict from Within is an engaging, innovative, powerful and practical guide that invites us to explore the wonderous intersection of mindfulness and conflict resolution. I've never read a more eloquent and compelling treatment of this topic. Henry Yampolsky artfully and skillfully weaves the personal and theoretical into a tapestry that is at once beautiful and useful, giving us tools we can use to understand conflict not as something to be fixed, cured, eliminated or avoided, but as an opportunity to respond (not react) with transformative compassion. In this way, Dis-Solving Conflict from Within invites us to approach ourselves and each other on a level even deeper than "interests" - with the humility, curiosity, and dignity that comes from regarding and honoring what it means to be a human being. This is a must read for mediators, collaborative professionals, and all those seeking to expand their vision and skills as peacemakers.

[Gabby Finan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of having Henry, the author, as a teacher for a college class last semester. I enjoyed reading the book because he mentions many things we did and discussed in class, but much more in depth.
Henry is very inspiring with his outlook on life, and the Dis-solving conflict model gives you a much different outlook on how to handle stressful and anger-filled situations. I really think it’s worth the read for anyone.
You must read books like this with an open mind, though, and be willing to accept your own challenges and faults. Henry’s points remind you that we are all human and must be rooted in compassion; not hateful reactions to bad situations.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very powerful book. Henry Yampolsky's story is fascinating - he emigrated from Ukraine when he was 14 years old, then became a litigator, then became a peacemaker. He tells his story, and also shares very powerful tools to help anyone walk through conflict with more serenity. Get this book!

[Addilynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A refreshing take on conflict that actually works in real life. Practical, compassionate, and deeply grounding this book changed how I respond to tension.