Sitting in the Fire

Large Group Transformation Using Conflict and Diversity

By: Arnold Mindell

Narrated by: Cathy Bernatt

Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Arnold Mindell, PhD, shows how working with power, rank, revenge, and abuse helps build sustainable communities. Mindell is the founder of Processwork (Process Oriented Psychology) and author of numerous audiobooks and books, including Quantum Mind, The Deep Democracy of Open Forums, The Leader as Martial Artist and The Shaman's Body. He has appeared on radio and television around the world and works internationally with highly conflicted groups including government and multi-racial situations.

©1995 Arnold Mindell (P)2018 Arnold Mindell

Radically different, an eye opener

This book is a mind bender. It totally goes beyond all the traditional ways of thinking about groups and conflict and brings in much needed awareness about rank and how rank subtly (and not so subtly) influences our interactions. It shows a way through conflict that is organic and alive versus programmatic and controlled. It is the best handbook I know of for people working with groups and group dynamics. I highly recommend this book.

Excellent Insight

The free sample is an excellent representation of what lies ahead in terms of language, tone, pacing, and the ideas that are explored and developed.

I have no background in "process work," "inner work," "group work," or "world work," so I came to this book as a total outsider. Even though I found some of the language odd and a bit mystical, there's no denying the beauty of people finding any means to improve communication, solve conflict, and adopt better ways to get along. Mr. Mindell draws on a wealth of experience as a facilitator to challenge mainstream thought. For example, the idea that a noisy, angry exchange might better facilitate good communication than a calm, orderly conversation seems counter intuitive, but he shares several persuasive encounters to make his point.

One strong theme is the necessity for "marginalized" groups to be heard, and, if they are not given a voice through a legitimate path, they will make their own illegitimate path to find expression. Chapter 6, "Embracing the Terrorist," is a profound analysis of the dynamics between the oppressed and the oppressor. Mindell asserts that the role of the terrorist "is filled by most of us at one time or another because just about everyone wants revenge for past abuses." I believe the original version of this book was published in 1995, years before terrorism became a household word, demonstrating the timeless nature nature of problems of rank, inequality, and the struggle to be heard.

There are many real examples of people from various ethnic and socio-economic groups searching for common ground in a cycle that never ends, but one that can improve. Anyone who can listen to this book without finding a broader perspective and a stronger desire to make our world a more equitable place is either myopically hardened or already extremely enlightened.

"World Changing Wisdom"

A heart changing, mind opening manuscript so needed for this day and age. I highly recommend it to any and all who deal with people on a personal and impersonal bases. One of a kind and has most definitely become one of my favorite reads/listens. Thank you Arnold & Amy Mindell and all who contributed to this jewel...you are Greatly appreciated!!!

Soulful & Moving

This book is the culmination of years and years of deep inner-work, coupled with WorldWork and the pursuit of Deep Democracy.

An awesome book!

tmonotonous narrator

I will buy the book to read it. the narrator makes it so dry, boring and uninteresting.