Chasing Peace: A Story of Breakdowns, Breakthroughs, and the Spiritual Power of Neuroscience

by Tom Rosshirt

Chasing Peace is about how profound change is possible through twenty-first-century neuroscience. It is about how a lifelong seeker used the cutting-edge science of neuroplasticity to turn his emotional breakdown—one defined by escalating bouts of burnout, disillusionment, and debilitating anxiety—into a lasting personal breakthrough.

AN OPEN FIELD PUBLICATION FROM MARIA SHRIVER

Tom Rosshirt was like millions of people chasing peace. He believed he could get it through performance, perseverance, and hard work—attacking both his career and meditation practices with a strict dedication. Instead of peace, his achievements brought anxiety, depression, and a merciless perfectionism that left him overwhelmed and wanting out. He spent his time maneuvering around a list of triggers that grew longer by the day and was guided by his near desperate search for relief. Then, right after another dead-end session with a psychiatrist, Tom found the emerging science of neuroplasticity, which provided a new understanding of how the mind affects the brain and body. Through a support group of individuals equally exhausted by their developed hypervigilance, and following months of research and reframing, Tom started to see his breakdown as a chance for a breakthrough. He realized every thought about who we are supposed to be is a barrier to peace. And neuroplasticity can help us starve the thoughts that create the self-image that causes the suffering. It marks the shift from “getting what I want” to “wanting what I get.”  The first is chasing peace; the second is finding it.

Chasing Peace is a personal journey that can inspire anyone who is tired of chasing peace and wants to find happiness in who they really are.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 21, 2025

About the author

Tom Rosshirt is a co-founder of UNITE, a co-creator of The Dignity Index, and an editor of The Call to Unite. Previously, Tom was a high school teacher, a Capitol Hill press secretary, a White House speechwriter, and a co-founder of West Wing Writers.

Reviews

[Cathy Gwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book about how you can find joy by facing your fears. After years of struggles/depression/anxiety, the author realized his brain was falsely wired to see harmless things as dangerous. He had a breakthrough when he discovered neuroplasticity. I think this book will help a lot of people.

[Sue Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although there were times that the narrative voice of Tom Rosshirt drove me batty with annoyance, the overall book was absolutely spot on with my present spiritual journey.

One has to unpack a lot of baggage along the journey of life, so understanding how to root yourself and rise above the knee jerk reactions of anger or hurt or whatever is absolutely key to it all. Finding the grace. Sounds easy but it really isn't without a lot of self assessment and understanding.

It's a place I'm going to find.

[Perri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good takeaways here about managing anxiety, but mostly this book just felt like the author was summarizing the work of his favorite teachers in the spirituality and (occasionally) neuroscience fields for his own reference. Also waaaaaaaaaay too much stuff about the shadow self and confusing/out there Jung theories that was over my head / not of interest / distracting and clearly geared for a group of people obsessed with this stuff.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, finished it in two days! There aren’t many that align with ISTDP as an approach to healing, and this is thankfully one more! I really love the exploration around building and dissolving self image. A really helpful way to observe the lies we tell ourselves and all we do to avoid our shadow.

[Kayla Behforouz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Modern take on Carl Jung that I found highly relatable! Interesting mix of a memoir / secondary-source summary of works by great spiritual leaders and psychology theorists. If it sounds like a weird mix that’s because it is. But his writing was super good and funny and self-effacing and insightful, so I loved it!

[Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Instead of chasing happiness, being content and chasing peace seem harder but more durable.

[Steve Sarner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Peace: A Story of Breakdowns, Breakthroughs, and the Spiritual Power of Neuroscience is an extraordinary and beautiful book.

Extraordinary as it is highly engaging and makes one think about the sense of self and, well, how we “chase peace”. It also delved into many topics of which we all, to one degree or another, navigate in our lives. While not all of these are ones that I necessarily struggle with, more than a few I have or do and the perspectives and insights across all of them were thought provoking and beneficial.

Beautiful as it is not just beautifully written but also will help many people reconcile and improve aspects of their own lives. And that is a beautiful thing. Being a former Presidential Speech Writer, one would expect Tom Rosshirt to be able to tell a good story and express complicated concepts in an accessible and interesting manner. He definitely does not disappoint.

This is a book I will be able to recommend to many friends dealing with challenges in their own lives. It will help bring some perspective and, if not specific answers, ideas to reframe some of the hurdles and questions they face.

I will re-read Chasing Peace in the coming month or two and then release my Kindle Notes an highlights as I still need time to reflect on some of them and add my own context.

But don’t wait for me and my notes, pick this book up and apply it to your own life and story. I promise you that you’ll get a lot out of this book for yourself and likely someone or people you care about as well.

[Megan Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and found it to be really insightful. There is a lot in this book - a lot of ideas, a lot of methods and things to try. If you’re looking for new tools, this book is a great resource.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to write this review and share how profoundly moving this book is. I haven't had a book inspire me this much in a very long time. The insights astound me, and I mean that wholeheartedly. I could hardly stop reading it yesterday and had so many things to do.
I have been mystified by my son's actions and behaviors over the last few years, and Rosshirt wrote something that struck me so deeply as one of the reasons for those behaviors--and keep in mind, this has had me up at nights and been eating at me with no answers in sight. It was one of those moments where you just stop and breathe because you know you've stumbled on something life-changing. I keep going back to that part and re-reading it so as to understand it better. It is the self-image model of happiness on page 47. Wow, just wow.

Here are just a few other quotes I jotted down that really resonated:
"To perpetuate the tradition that some people are intrinsically more entitled to dignity than are others, we have to hide a lot of stuff." I loved that paragraph and the following points made.
"The change of direction from fulfilling the self-image to letting go of the self-image is a form or repentance." Breathtaking! I've never heard it said that way.
"I believe that depressions have a spiritual purpose. They move us closer to a breakthrough...." I measure my life as before my depression and after.
And on and on and on. So many delicious morsels.
I have a hard time letting anyone behind my protective wall. I get aloof and maybe arrogant. I don't want them to see that I am nervous and worried about being perfect. I am excited to see what insights I find in this book that may help me to let go of that feeling.
I told my workout girlfriend this morning that I am recommending this to our neighborhood book club next year.
If you've made it to the end of my review, I'm grateful. I am no one that has any power or say on the broad stage of humanity--just a small-town girl--but know this book is making a difference here in my small world.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, author Tom Rosshirt chronicles his journey from debilitating chronic illness, anxiety, and depression to healing and wholeness by harnessing the power of neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to change and rewire itself. Drawing from personal experience, neuroscience research, and spiritual insights, Rosshirt explores how a daily practice of retraining the brain helped him reframe his relationship with pain, fear, and suppressed emotions.

Reading this book felt like embarking on a profound journey of transformation alongside the author. Rosshirt’s vulnerability in sharing his struggles—from mysterious ailments that confounded doctors to deep-rooted addictions and family tragedy—creates an instant connection. What truly resonates are his hard-won insights. When he describes how running from fear ultimately makes us sick both physically and emotionally, I experienced a jolt of recognition. His reminder that breakdowns can lead to breakthroughs if we are willing to face our fears head-on is a powerful reframe.

Rosshirt’s blend of neuroscience, psychology, and spirituality is presented with warmth, clarity, and humor, making complex ideas accessible. I was particularly struck by his explanation of how we become attached to our self-image as a defense against uncomfortable feelings and how dismantling that narrative is key to healing. *Chasing Peace* is a raw, eye-opening, and ultimately empowering read that I know I will return to for its wisdom again and again.

To listen to my interview with the author, visit my podcast at: https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...

[mos_mystery · Rating 3 out of 5]

Admittedly, I read this from a place of wanting to see more about ISTDP out in the world, particularly from the perspective of a client, as there is so little of it out there for the general public. This definitely skewed my read, as the stuff that was in there about ISTDP was quite minimal and general (I think there was only about 1 page worth of personal experience shared about ISTDP, which was very surface-level - probably insightful if you hadn't heard of ISTDP before, but insights I had already gained from watching videos on youtube, such as those by Patricia Coughlin).

I feel like the book in general could have been cut back a bit. The writing can be a bit wordy. That said, there are some insights that ring true throughout the book, and I did end up highlighting quite a few passages because of that. I'd recommend it if you are just generally wanting some ideas on how to tackle symptoms you may be experiencing with no clear origins, and don't mind sitting through narration to get those insights.

If you are specifically interested in ISTDP, or open to challenging your beliefs, The Lies We Tell Ourselves by Jon Fredrickson, while a bit clinically sterile, is a powerful read that helped me to gain a new perspective on some of my behaviours.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Chasing Peace” is a refreshing and heartfelt exploration of his journey. I love that the author prefaces the book by humbly acknowledging that he’s not a doctor or guru—he’s simply sharing the methods and insights that have personally transformed his life. This honesty created a sense of connection and trust - I'm reading about his life and what helped.

One of my favorite aspects of the book is how seamlessly the author weaves in quotes and wisdom from the people who have inspired his path. These moments feel like a conversation, where you’re not only learning from the author’s experience but also tapping into a larger reservoir of collective wisdom.

The memoir element of the book is another highlight. The personal stories shared are both relatable and deeply moving, offering glimpses into the struggles and triumphs that shaped the author’s perspective. It’s not just a guide—it’s a lived experience, written with vulnerability.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot express how grateful I am for learning about Neuroplasticity which led me to read this book. Not everything the author wrote was extremely interesting but overall I enjoyed the book immensely. And I learned things that have the potential to be life changing. I love reading books that give us insights and that are filled with universal truths.

The premise is about dealing with physical pain and especially chronic pain, which I don’t have. However I was very satisfied that I could learn about things that I could relate to and learn from. In the end when Mr. Rosshirt described the root cause of his physical pain it justified why the book was so interesting to me.

This is not a “light read”. But for me it was worth every bit of time I invested in reading it.

[Dorothy Greco · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm glad that Rosshirt has found peace and wellness. His work did not help me at all. Found it a bit pompous and arrogant as so much of it focused on his career as a speech writer for Clinton. Also a bit short on neuroscience (which was ironic as he claims to have let go of his shadow self). Suggest that your read primary sources that he references throughout including Rohr, Jung, and Annie Hooper. DNF.

[Anne M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author had dealt with life long depression caused by the ego (self-image) and fear. His story, intertwined with explanations of the concepts that worked for him, kept me reading. I knew about The Work by Byron Katie, and Brene Brown’s work, but never associated those methods being able to help re-wire the brain. I will pick up Howard Schubiner’s “Unlearning the Pain”to learn his method of neuroplasticity. Excellent book to give those with depression hope.

[Jeremy C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful, accessible journey through understanding the stories we tell ourselves and how they keep us from peace. A fun clarion call to embrace our shadow and ease up on the thinking. There is good, actionable wisdom in here.

[Jordan Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

It me.

[Oksana Stojko-Giles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, definitely going to re-read again to solidify some insights.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book nails it

[Melissa Carden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book — it offered such meaningful insight into separating your true self from the ego. It really helped me see things from a clearer, more grounded perspective.