CAUTION: contents are known to peacefully resolve conflict, bring about deep healing, and create an uncommon sense of community. Some people think conflict is the cost of progress. Yet does it have to be that way? Conflict is the direct result of mistrust, which stems from the inability to listen. There can be the desire to listen, but first we must develop listening skills. When there is empathy and conscious listening, the differences that would otherwise feed conflict transform into strengths. The saying that there is strength in diversity then comes true. This book is all about developing the primary tool for converting differences into strengths—the Talking Circle. Practiced by indigenous and traditional people worldwide, the Talking Circle is their time-proven peaceful way to resolution, relationship, and recovery. Fortunately, all people are cast in the same mold, which makes the Talking Circle just as effective in contemporary work, school, political, social, and cultural environments.