OFFICIAL BLURB:
Way of the Peaceful Warrior has become one of the most beloved spiritual sagas of our time. Shared among friends and families, this multimillion-copy word-of-mouth bestseller has been translated into twenty languages and has inspired men and women of all ages worldwide.
Despite his success, college student and world-champion athlete Dan Millman is haunted by a feeling that something is missing from his life. Awakened one night by dark dreams, he wanders into an all-night gas station. There he meets an old man name Socrates, and his world is changed forever. Guided by this eccentric old warrior and drawn to an elusive young woman named Joy, Dan begins a spiritual odyssey into realms of light and shadow, romance and mystery. His journey leads him toward a final confrontation that will deliver or destroy him.
This classic tale, told with heart and humor, speaks to the peaceful warrior in each of us. Countless readers have been moved to laughter and tears – even moments of illumination – as they rediscover life’s larger meaning and purpose. Journey with Dan on the peaceful warrior’s path to unreasonable happiness. Find out for yourself why this book changes lives.
MY GLIMPSE:
I’m not sure what I was expecting when I first began reading Way of the Peaceful Warrior but it was not a light-hearted read. Although I learnt much, I found that I had to be in the right frame of mind before committing to each chapter. In hindsight, I realise that I was ‘getting present’ to get the most out of the story. It definitely made me think about my own attitude and approach to life and life’s challenges. I found Dan’s character to be quite relatable as he reminded me of myself when he both was open-minded and simultaneously stubborn at times!
With the help of Socrates (the stereotypical ‘Wise Old Man’), Dan Millman is teaching people to trust their instincts; and believe in the infinitude of possibilities within. The message for me was loud and clear: Start where you are – wherever that may be – and go forth with kindness to yourself and to others. Do what you love.
“You’ll never be better, the same as you will never be less, than anybody else.” – SOCRATES
Way of the Peaceful Warrior has helped in my own life by prompting me to change perspectives. I have fought battles within my own mind for many years. I’ve grown anxious; I’ve listened to my own ‘stories’ in my head and believed them. I’ve become anxious about my anxiety and lost confidence in my instincts.
The book confirmed for me that the toughest battles really are the ones within, and not the bully in the schoolyard or the staff room. It doesn’t matter what other people think or believe about me. That I believe in myself, and love the authenticity of who I am is what is important to me these days.
Yoga was the first room full of people that I walked into, where I was told to leave my ego at the door; where judgement and negativity wasn’t a naturally underlying current or response during conversation. The Petrol Station was the same for Dan Millman and so he kept returning to that safe place, as do I.
As the story progresses Dan Millman became curious about his life and his own potential. He searches within for meaning and purpose. I think we all do that on some level at some stage during our lives.
In my daily life I have become more patient and more compassionate toward my family. I can understand more fully that we all have our own stories and fears and barriers, no matter if we are 8 or 80 years old. I have started setting personal goals in terms of solitary words and/or feelings rather than material successes and hope my children notice the difference one day.
“There’s never nothing going on. There are no ordinary moments.” – DAN MILLMAN
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