Box 40206, Portland, OR. Lao Tse Press. http://www.laotse.com.

A dramatic text filled with examples about how to deal with abuse, revenge, anger and rage in multicultural settings. There are methods for developing eldership as well as process work views on revolutions, and racism.

Available from Amazon Books

Review From Caduceus Magazine Book Review. 2002

This work goes beyond current theories of group dynamics to create a new perspective known as “Worldwork”. Worldwork is aimed at hearing all that needs to be represented in the group; transforming the patterns of abuse and domination, which permeate most cultures and groups, through paying attention to the effects of power, rank, revenge and abuse.

Sitting in the Fire is a thought-provoking study of the humanness which pervades all groups and somehow organizes their interactions; those dynamics which seem to overtake us and give us the feeling that large group interactions are unsafe and difficult to deal with. Dr. Mindell explains how this happens, outlines strategies for staying aware and techniques to facilitate the transformation of situations beyond our known comfort zone. In order to transform our beliefs around community, this book informs us about how to:

* study notions of rank and privilege and their effects on personal interactions;

* learn how to recognize revenge and hear the story of hurt behind it;

* notice the signs of abuse and how to support those who have been abused, or have abused, in their healing processes;

* honor the importance of eldership in the transformation. (eldership is the ability to be able to support both the sides of the conflict at the same time.)

Review from Bookshelf: 1993. Book Review of the Month

Mindell, a well-known psychologist and author, prescribes deep democracy and effective leadership for many of the troubles of our time. His arena is not limited to organizations, but includes communities and even nations in all areas of the globe, many of which he has attempted to work in. He calls us to ‘worldwork,’ a method that helps small and large groups of people to live, work, and grow together within their environment (p.3). This approach unites psychology and the other social sciences with physics and spirituality — but is not limited even to these widely divergent fields.