inner works

Dominant peacebuilding preparation and practice focus on professional development and skill-oriented training and analysis. Much less attention is provided to the inner side of the practice – the cultivation of healthy personhood, the nurturing of care for self, the practices and habits that sustain and nourish wells of compassion, joy, and healing. These practices are what John Paul has come to call the 'inner works' of peacebuilding. Inner works create the spaces where people can explore and be in touch with their own sense of vocation and purpose, however that may look or feel for each person. This section follows the pathways and expressions of the inner works of peacebuilding from John Paul's experience and learning with colleagues in situations of protracted conflict around the world.

interview

In Conversation with Toni Shapiro-Phim

An interview with Toni Shapiro-Phim on the occasion of John Paul's receipt of the Joseph B. and Toby Gittler Prize at Brandeis University.

2019

interview

Mysticism, New Physics, and Peacebuilding: Towards a New Spirituality on the Field

An interview by Yago Abeledo exploring numerous themes relevant to John Paul's inner process in the field of peacebuilding.

2013

document

The Tiny Handbook of Poetry and Peacebuilding

A tiny handbook drawing connections between the crafts of poetry and peacebuilding.

2008

document

Dropping Keys

A short essay emergent from the wisdom of Hafiz's poem 'Dropping Keys.'

2013

document

10 Lessons Learned Wandering in Peacebuilding

A top ten list of things that the international arena, especially the many settings of struggling with protracted and violent conflict, has taught John Paul about life and the vocation of peacebuilding.

2006

foreword

Foreword, Experiential Peacebuilding

The foreword to the book Experiential Peacebuilding, emergent from Outward Bound Peacebuilding's theory, practice, and experience.

2019

blog post

How Does Humanity Unite?

Thoughts about the challenge of to all of us as leaders when we live in settings of social fragmentation and at the same time are committed to pursue justice and healing in our relationships.

2016