How to Fight
When I saw that this book was written by the best-known Zen teacher, Tich Nhat Hanh, I had to read it. Why was the master of peace and tranquility teaching about fighting or fisticuffs, as the cover portrays? Then I learned quickly that it’s all about the warrior’s way—how to rise above, stay in calm control, halt aggression, and, more importantly, promote peace in the first place. Brilliant.
This book walks you through effective strategies for moments of escalation through the rising heat and then onto the aftermath of a conflict.
Each page addresses a particular trigger or acrimonious scenario and its emotional equivalent, so the reader won’t long for a suggested solution to any situation.He presents a mindful countermeasure for all, whether unkind words or physical aggression. Using meditation, deep listening, gentle intonation, and gratitude, he demonstrates how to cool the fight or flight response, often before it’s instigated.
Titles like “How to Diffuse a Bomb,” “Anger in the Living Room,” and “How to Prevent a War” are followed through on with step-by-step techniques for practicing and perfecting into habit. His uplifting insights inspire thoughtful reconsideration of past patterns and a calming peace that growth and compassion are doable and practical approaches.
This little gem of a book (and I mean tiny) makes the perfect gift and pocket guide for all of us. Imagine if in the throes of anger, we all paused—as instructed—took a breath and recalibrated our reactions.
Book and Image Courtesy of Parallax Press
