Stephan V. Beyer: Peacemaking as a Spiritual Path

How can we view conflict as an opportunity to establish deeper connections with others?  Stephan V. Beyer, Ph.D., J.D., explores paradigm shifting insights from his new book Talking Stick: Peacemaking as a Spiritual Path. When we encounter the conflicts that will inevitably appear, we have been conditioned to focus on finding fault and determining punishment, not on the much more expansive conscious practice of seeking to restore harmony. By learning to speak honestly and listen devoutly, we can overcome our culture's hierarchical and punitive approach to conflict. By choosing to relate to one another in a sacred manner, we can create relationships and communities that are egalitarian, liberating and transformational. As wayshowers, we may encounter some spiritual challenges while walking the peace path, but the destination we are co-creating is a higher consciousness Earth. Stephan V. Beyer, Ph.D., J.D., is a well-known writer and speaker on shamanism and spirituality. He is also a community builder, peacemaker and carrier of council. He has offered peacemaking workshops to a wide variety of audiences and has served as a Lecturer in the Department of Criminal Justice at Chicago State University, teaching courses in restorative justice and in the theory and practice of nonviolent resistance. Program music copyrighted by Grammy award winner Larry Seyer (LarrySeyer.com), included in this podcast with his permission. Visit FrontierBeyondFear.com to learn about the inspirational outreach of this program, now in its 7th year.