The Magic of Conflict: Turning a Life of Work into a Work of Art

by Thomas F. Crum

This set of simple techniques, including meditation, breathing exercises, openness, and play--Aiki--leads gently to a reordered state of mind. From overcoming apathy to understanding how conflict doesn't have to mean contest, Aiki turns mind-body integration principles into powerful tools.

Genres: Leadership, Nonfiction, Self Help, Communication, Spirituality, Professional Development, Business

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1987

Reviews

[White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that has brought me "home" time and again. This book expounds on turning conflict around and finding the opportunity for self-improvement into it. Again, it has to do with balance, changing perspective and seeing conflict as a gift that life hands us to learn from and better ouselves by seeking the balance between. I honestly believe that I would not have conquered the attitude I have of insult and power struggle within myself and others had I not read this book. It brought me the power to bring harmony and acceptance even in the most difficult situations of confrontation. Because of Tom Crum, I have been able to reflect on the strongest invalidations and, though it can take years to come to terms with some things, this book brings me there....eventually.

This book is a true happiness manual. It is one of the best I've ever read.

[Steve Rangoussis · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you work with assholes, this is a must read. This work offers a different perspective to the concept of conflict at work and in personal life. Written by an Aikido practitioner, many of the martial art's concepts are applied to the theories of using conflict for a positive outcome rather than a negative confrontation that leads to diminishing results. Interesting read.

[Kellybiney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed greater peace just sitting and reading this book. He writes in a very open and clear manner, and I think the text font has something to do with it too. Great quotes and suggestions to be more centered and loving and peaceful, even in the presence of conflict.

[Bill Donhiser · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with the other Thomas Crum book I read really enlightening would love to attend his Aspen seminars and get a little firsthand practice with the master I enjoyed the book and hearing him speak

[Cyndie Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed how this book connected the ideas of Aikido broadly to interpersonal conflict, including verbal conflict. I didn't know much about Aikido before reading this book and definitely made me curious to learn more about about this form of martial art. I liked the idea that the idea of conflict is not only to prevent getting hurt but also prevent harming the other person, and that in doing so, using that momentum actually makes you stronger.

[Brandon Bosworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice examination of various non-aggressive ways to approach and resolve conflict.

[Elizabeth]

As heard on Manager Tools:
http://www.manager-tools.com/2022/11/...

[Michelle Golding · Rating 5 out of 5]

A life changing book on opening your mind and heart to approaching conflict with a joy instead of fear or dread to change Win/Lose into growth and opportunity. Highly recommend.

[Semi-Academic Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

2020 seemed like a year that called for the re-reading of this book. I found so many useful concepts in this work that I included it on shelves related to those topics.

More I could write about it, and I probably will. However, I find myself, after reading this, really eager to apply the principles.

Actually, I had a similar experience while working through this. That's why it took so long to get through the book. It kept calling me to put it down and experiment upon the ideas suggested within.

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise of this book is one that we all know and always forget: work with conflict as a positive force for action, not as something to struggle against and fear. Old book, but lots of good information here.

[Michelle Beese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different and positive perspective on conflict!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good overview of the martial art aikido, but it didn't have enough on applying the principles to everyday life.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Conflict isn't negative; it just is. The trick is making life better in the wake of it.