Gene Knudsen-Hoffman

Amazpn: "For over twenty years, Gene Hoffman engaged in efforts to seek out the deep, psychological causes of violence and to help bring about healing and reconciliation through a process she named "Compassionate Listening." This carefully edited collection of her writings sheds light on Gene's approach to peacemaking and conflict resolution, and invites readers along on a spiritual journey that she aptly calls "a peace pilgrim's progress to inner healing." This 2nd edition features a new forward by Leah Green, founder of The Compassionate Listening Project."… (mer)

The basic and sound idea presented here is that people and societies that behave violently and oppressively need healing from their trauma and pain, but the explanations are dated (e.g., on PTSD), the argument is not always clearly pursued, and some of the quotes are off the point. The encouragement for us to seek healing and reconciliation are better expressed elsewhere. However, the mention of The Listening Project, founded years ago by a Quaker in the rural South, may provide an excellent example that could be useful in any time.… (mer)