Conflict as an Evolutionary Force - by Carol Hwoschinsky (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The times are calling for us to change how we view conflict-to learn to use it to evolve.

Conflict is uncomfortable, risky. Most of us want to avoid it. Yet conflict in the human world-within ourselves, with a relative or partner, between political opponents, between nations-operates on the same principles as conflict at the cosmic level. It is a force inherent in the universe that leads to growth and evolution.

Conflict itself is not the problem. The problem lies in how our limited understanding and emotional responses color our experience of conflict. Sharing her lifelong journey of discovery in this book, Carol Hwoschinsky offers us a shift of view-to see conflict as a doorway, as an opportunity to step beyond fear and defense into a field of possibility and transformation.

"Carol Hwoschinsky offers us the gift of her deeply personal journey and a profound re-framing of conflict. Blending memoir with insight from decades of work in psychotherapy, mediation, and compassionate listening, Carol invites us to embrace conflict as a force that can lead us toward wholeness and a more compassionate world."

-David Wick, president, Pathways to Peace; executive director, Ashland Culture of Peace

Review Quotes

"Carol Hwoschinsky offers us the gift of her deeply personal journey and a profound re-framing of conflict. Blending memoir with insight from decades of work in psychotherapy, mediation, and compassionate listening, Carol invites us to embrace conflict as a force that can lead us toward wholeness and a more compassionate world."

-David Wick, president, Pathways to Peace; executive director, Ashland Culture of Peace

"Conflict as an Evolutionary Force offers a radical and necessary invitation: to reimagine conflict not as something to fear but as a catalyst for transformation. Part memoir, part manual, part medicine, this book is a timely invitation, gift, and guide."

-Cara Walsh, restorative justice consultant, trainer, and practitioner

"In this book, Carol Hwoschinsky gathers a tempest-tossed topic-conflict-and offers it clearly, forcefully, and persuasively as an elemental force for evolutionary change, renewal, and the gift of a meaningful life. This richly personal book will change the way you review-and the way you understand-your life."

-Peggy Rubin, author of To Be and How to Be

"What makes this book exceptional is Carol's pioneering work in conflict resolution. Her work has had an impact worldwide, including in Ukraine and Russia and Israel-Palestine. Essential reading for therapists, educators, peacebuilders, and all who believe in the power of human resilience."

-William Kastenberg, professor emeritus, University of California and author of As a Matter of Heart

"Carol Hwoschinsky's book is written for our times. I truly hope we will listen to the wisdom she shares so beautifully and vulnerably in this book. The power of a compassionate heart is not to be underestimated."

-Laurie Archbold, HeartMath trainer, facilitator, and coach

"Carol Hwoschinsky reveals how her life experiences developed in her the vantage point of an evolutionary thinker with an expanding understanding of conflict as an engine of human evolution. Readers will feel inspired and encouraged."

-Linda Sussman, Ph.D., author of The Speech of the Grail

"I was so inspired by Carol's peace work with the Compassionate Listening project. I am grateful that she was able to complete this fascinating memoir in which she articulates her insights and understandings about conflict, peace, compassion, and the power of deep listening, brought to life with stories from her life and from her work in Russia, Armenia, and Israel/Palestine."

-Molly Young Brown, M.A., M.Div, coauthor of Coming Back to Life and Coming Together in the Great Turning

"Carol has poured her heart and brilliance into this book, and the result is nothing short of extraordinary. With honesty and grace, she shares the stories that shaped her, revealing how struggle, resilience, and compassion can transform us from the inside out. This book is both a companion and a guide for anyone seeking to live with courage, clarity, and love."

-Susan Partnow, facilitator, coach, mentor, mediator