Unlikely Teachers: Finding the Hidden Gifts in Daily Conflict

Conflict surrounds us and, at times, consumes us. More then ever, we need to find ways to resolve conflict and communicate effectively. Unlikely Teachers: Finding the Hidden Gifts in Daily Conflict is a collection of inspirational stories, practices, and reflections on conflict, communication, and relationship. It teaches us how to turn life’s challenges into life teachers. The book includes a foreword by Thomas Crum, author of The Magic of Conflict, Journey to Center, and Three Deep Breaths. In her workshops and writing, Ms. Ringer employs the martial art aikido as a metaphor and teaching tool. Aikido views the attack as a gift of energy. Unlikely Teachers applies the aikido metaphor to non-physical conflict—what we might call life's "attacks"—such as arguments, everyday hassles, and the more serious problems we all face at some point in our lives. By changing the way we think about what happens to us, we move from reaction to response, become more curious and engaged, and learn that we have more power than we think.