Cultivating Peace: Becoming a 21st Century Peace Ambassador

This book is the best treatise on modern peacemaking and peacekeeping philosophies that I’ve seen in a long time. However if you are of certain mindset in terms of religious and political beliefs and you bring those to the table while you’re reading this book you “may” not like it. If you’re of an open mind to developing peace-filled philosophies including those involving the teachings of Martin Luther King Mahatma Ghandi and others and some of the philosophies that are inherent that go along with it you are a definitely enjoy this book. I plan on giving copies to friends certain friends that I know that this book will be useful to and gifting it to them over the next few weeks.

I read this book as accompaniment to the international Peace Ambassador's Training Program organized and taught by James O'Dea. The course roughly follows the chapters in this clear and well-written book. I have read this book twice and will read it again. As a mediator, teacher, consultant and one who strives for ways to bring peace to myself, others around me and, in some way, the world, I found so much to learn and value in this book. It has become a reference for me as I construct mediation training for restorative justice mediators and as I prepare my own seminars in developing personal peace. The chapters are well organized, carefully developed not only in content but order, and easy to understand and integrate. There are tools with each chapter that make implementing the knowledge easy. As I evolve I go back to read again and find more wisdom each time. There is no way to lose with this book. It is a gem and will become a classic in its field.

James O'Dea celebrates the labor of following in the footsteps of Gandhi and Dr. King, two of Earth's most respected and accomplished peacemakers. This interest of his, alone, proclaims so much about him and his new book: 'Cultivating Peace, Becoming a 21st-Century Peace Ambassador.' I am sure it will be well received. With courageous and empathethic brothers of our global family, like James, the Peace Millennium looks very bright. His new Peace Guidebook offers formidable direction to millions of peace builders of the present and future... in addition to the 1000+ peace organizations worldwide that excelled in "The United Nations International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence for the Children of the World." Brother James is helping our global family to wake up to its great possibilities and we would be fools to ignore the direction and lessons of 'Cultivating Peace.' I am now reminded of this poweful quote by Dr. King: "Gandhi was inevitable. If humanity is to progress, Gandhi is inescapable. He lived, thought and acted, inspired by the vision of humanity evolving toward a world of peace and harmony. We may ignore Gandhi at our own risk."

What is nice about this book is that it is part of an internet program concerning consciousness that was presented last week online. It allowed the reader to go into the next level of understanding by being able to hear the contributers of the book comments and to be able to ask and make comments at the same time. This brought the book alive and also allowed a deeper understanding of the materials presented. Since it was so interactive it allowed all who participated to be in a sort of classroom discussion that gave everyone a deeper understanding of cultivating peace was all about and encouraged us to be a 21st century peace ambassador, which is quite an effective method to practice and understand the concepts presented to encourage us all to be a promoter of peace in a world that is very complicated and often difficult to suceesfully navigate. I would reccomend it to all who wish to make the world a more peaceful, friendly, and joyful place for all to live.

I would love for everyone to read this book and pass it on to friends and neighbors. This is a book that is deeper then a" how to" manual, it takes you deep into the real work of this century, dialogue, peace building and becoming the peace personally and globally. I could not put the book down after starting at the beginning I read it through but let it seep in and review chapters so that this work can become integrated into my heart and psyche. James O'Dea is a charismatic speaker, and writer and there is never a dull moment with this man's thinking. He is a critical thinker and a generous teacher and leader. I have told everyone I meet about this man and this book. You will not be disappointed with the wisdom and the practicality presented in this valuable book.

This extraordinarily well-written book has interesting and useful information on every single page. It is all presented in a simple enough format that it makes sense to the reader. I use this book as required reading in my Interfaith Peace Ministry program. Every student has raved about what a fabulous book this is, and how applicable to their own work it is. My students decided to form their own study group, to go through the book in greater detail. I can't rave enough about how useful this book is! It is filled with exercises to help a person learn to find their own Peace, and identify where something internal needs some work, and how to shift self and others into a state of peace. It far surpasses any other book on related topics that I've ever encountered.

This book is a must read for anyone who has believed that a peaceful world can never be achieved. It introduces a methodology, or recipe for peace, which begs the decision be made from each of us individually. Clearly places the responsibilityat our feet as to how much we wish to see peace in the world and clearly defines the way for it is to be achieved...on the planetary scale....not just by the absence of war...one person at a time. It thrills and inspires anyone who longs for peace.Cultivating Peace / James O'Dea

We are at a time of needing great change in the way we deal with each other and the world around us. This is a wonderful book that opens the door in your heart to thinking and behaving in gently powerful ways that will surely birth a more peaceful world!

Great book