Secret Of The Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman

People are always congratulating me on my choice of books or on ones that I read to my students. I sometimes surprise myself when I pick a really good book that turns out to be something of a classic or simply a very good book. Well, this book, Secret of the Peaceful Warrior (1992), written by Dan Millman and illustrated by T. Taylor Bruce, was no different. It is a wonderful little story that I could not wait to read to my students.

When I am really moved by a book, I like to find out a little bit about the author and see what else they’ve done. Since I was moved by this book I went searching for other information and books by him.

Not only did I find other books written by him, but I also found his blog on Amazon that you can read, if you’re interested, by clicking here and a Wikipedia page.During my investigation, I came across many other books written by the author. However, there was one book, in particular, that was actually the basis for this book, called “The Way of the Peaceful Warrior.” I’d seen it before but did not know that it was not related until I read a personal message sent by the author to anyone purchasing the book on Amazon. Additionally, if you’re interested, here are the other books written by hi:

• Whole body fitness: mind, body, and spirit (1979).
• Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives (1980). Fictionalized autobiography.
• Sacred Journey of the Peaceful Warrior (1991). Details the world travels of the character in the above book.
• Secret of the Peaceful Warrior: A Story About Courage and Love (1991). Children’s book.
• No Ordinary Moments: A Peaceful Warrior’s Guide to Daily Life
• Quest for the Crystal Castle: A Peaceful Warrior Children’s Book (1992).
• The Life You Were Born to Live: A Guide to Finding Your Life Purpose (1995).
• The Laws of Spirit: A Tale of Transformation (1995)
  
• Everyday Enlightenment: The Twelve Gateways to Personal Growth (1998).
• Body Mind Mastery: Creating Success in Sport and Life (1999).
  

Well, on to the review. As I stated before, I am very thoughtful in my selection of books for myself, my own children, and my students. When I choose a book to read to them it is more often then not more than one idea/concept that I want to communicate to them. So, as usual, with this story there were many ideas I wanted to communicate to them. That is why I took my time and read this book to them over a period of two days. Once I saw that the children were hanging on to my every word, I used that to make them want more and more. I read it after recess and lunch one day, and after recess and lunch the next day. Once I finished it one of my students, Tag, asked if he could buy it during one of his weekly visits to our room store on Friday. I loved that he loved this book. What he liked so much is that the child in the story didn’t have to fight to defend himself; he used his mind. He was taught by an older gentleman by the name of Socrates or Soc.

The story begins as Soc saves Danny one day as he is chased down by the class bully, Carl. Soc teaches him that he doesn’t have to use his fist to defend himself; that he can use his mind. Soc teaches him many other life lessons as well. What are they? Well, I guess you’re going to have to read the book to find out.

I loved this book, my own children loved this book, and the students in my class really loved this book. Give it a try. I know that you will love it also. I give it *****/***** stars. As always, I recommend that you pick it up at your local bookstore or library.

**Note- Once you read the book, you will understand the significance of the cave and light on the front of the book**

I’m Breaking Out The Scissors…

** Warning- this post is kinda’ long** That’s right. I am bringing out the scissors because I am ready to cut it. What is it? It is the mustard. I have not been cutting the mustard. I have not been up to snuff. Now, I am ready get it together; to cut it.

I am writing this in response to an encouraging comment left on one of my posts “Am I Cut Out For This?” by Daniel Dage, author of another special ed blog specialed.wordpress.com.

In my post I was expressing doubt as to whether I am cut out for teaching or not because I have one student who is simply too much to take sometimes. I am especially dismayed since I have four grade levels in my room. He’s in 2nd grade, which means that I will have him for another three years after this year. This depressed me so thoroughly. I really began to wonder if I was cut out for this if one student makes me want to jump ship. However, Daniel responded with this:

Daniel Dage

January 17, 2009 at 7:09 am

I feel your pain. I have kids a lot like the one you have. Except in high school, the time to graduation is 7-8 years!!! And it really, really is a big part of the pain of a self-contained setting where you are stuck with the same student all day, everyday for *years!* It’s like a freaking marriage! Trust me, I have wanted to flee many, many times. But when this kid leaves, you’ll have another one come who will be an even bigger mess. No matter what and where you teach, there will always be at least one kid who will push your buttons and yank your chain. And guess which kids end up making you a better teacher? It’s not the easy ones.

You can do this, but it will involve digging deep. Once we get over trying to get away and escape, we can start dealing with the problem head-on.

As far as the economy, HA! You could pee in the principal’s pocket but you aren’t going anywhere! Your job is pretty secure because there are a lot of other people who would rather be unemployed than deal with what you have to deal with everyday! It’s not easy and it never is. But it also isn’t always a nightmare. Consider this: we’re half way through the school year! Getting your degree finished will also take off a ton of pressure off you. Keep the faith!

Morocco also encouraged me even though she’s dealing with many issues of her own. Thanks Morocco.

I am through feeling sorry for myself and trying to escape. I’ve had time to think about it and Daniel’s right. I knew that he was right the minute I read his comment. In fact, I already knew. Facing problems head on and dealing with them is how I got my class under control up to this point. I just needed to hear it from someone else. Ya’ know, kinda’ get some sense slapped into me.

I am not planning on going anywhere anytime soon. Although it does feel good to say it. But, there have been so many times that I’ve jumped out of the frying pan into the fire and gotten burned. I am definitely not going to do that again. I am simply going to suck it up and deal with it. Like Daniel said, when I stop trying to escape and deal with the problem head on, then I can begin to address and fix the problem.

Thanks Daniel!

From The Mouth Of Babes…

The more I am around young children, the more they impress me. I was just talking to David, my youngest son, when he said something so profound. We were talking about taking care of Moriah for the night.

My little sister, Danielle who I call Yelli, called and asked if I could take care of Moriah for a few hours. Of course I happily agreed since I love that little brown child. Well, David wanted her to spend a night. I told him that Yelli never lets Moriah stay overnight. Well, he was upset. He asked me why and I told him that Yelli loved Moriah and missed her terribly when she wasn’t with her. We then started discussing how we love our family. David started thinking and came up with this:

“You know what mom,” he said. “Every baby in this family is greatly loved.”

I didn’t have to think about it. I responded automatically and told him that he was right. We started talking about how the babies in my family are totally lavished with hugs and kisses until they can’t stand it. That’s how it should be. I love having an extra-large extended family. Some of the members in my family may be caraazy but they sure are there for family. That’s what it’s all about.

Until next time people. I hope you have the same.