Book Review: Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman

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Book Review: Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman

Some books find us at the right time, even if it takes years for us to be ready for them. Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman is one of those books—a story that speaks to the soul, offering wisdom and perspective that can only be fully appreciated when we’re open to receiving it.

This semi-autobiographical novel follows Dan, a talented college gymnast, as he meets a mysterious mentor named Socrates, who challenges everything he knows about life, success, and inner peace. Through a series of lessons, trials, and deeply philosophical conversations, Dan embarks on a journey of self-discovery that forces him to question his fears, desires, and the very nature of reality. At its core, this book is about waking up—realizing that happiness, enlightenment, and purpose aren’t things we chase, but things we cultivate within ourselves.

I first heard about Way of the Peaceful Warrior while working in a salon in Hollywood, Florida. On slower days, I’d schedule a massage with my coworker Kelli—she was the best. Those massages weren’t just physically relaxing; they sparked the most vivid daydreams, which led to deep conversations about life, energy, and meaning. One day, I asked her if she was a reader, and when she enthusiastically said yes, I wanted to know her favorite book. Without hesitation, she recommended Way of the Peaceful Warrior.

Excited to gain insight and discuss it with her, I bought the book and started reading. But to my disappointment, I struggled to stay interested. I respected Kelli so much—she felt like a wiser, older sister to me—and I wanted to see in this book what she saw. But I just wasn’t connecting with it. Days turned into months, then years. I picked it up, put it down, and tried again. But the story never truly pulled me in.

Recently, after finishing Stories That Stick, I realized I was halfway through Way of the Peaceful Warrior and decided I might as well finish it. But as I flipped through the pages, I realized I had forgotten the beginning. So, instead of rushing to catch up on my reading schedule, I went back to the start.

And then something incredible happened—I finally understood it.

In the past, I wouldn’t have been ready for this book. But now, at this particular moment in my life, it made perfect sense. My dad recently moved out of his worldly body and onto his next adventure, and through his passing, I came to understand why he was so excited to “graduate,” as he called it. That realization shifted something within me, and suddenly, this book wasn’t just a story—it was a guide. A manual for living in this physical form. While I miss my dad every day, what I’ve learned—both through my own experiences and within the pages of this book—allows me to smile, to be happy for him, and to feel excitement knowing that he continues on. It has dissolved my fear, answered my “what happens when” questions, and left me with a deep sense of peace.

Reading Way of the Peaceful Warrior made me reflect on my approach to creating art. One of the biggest lessons from the book is that true peace and fulfillment come from being fully present in each moment, rather than fixating on outcomes. I realized that too often, I’ve approached my work with thoughts of whether it will sell or if others will connect with it. But this book reminded me that the value of creation lies in the experience itself. Like the journey of the peaceful warrior, my art is a practice—one that requires mindfulness, patience, and trust in the process. Instead of focusing on external validation, I want to create from a place of authenticity, letting each piece be a reflection of the moment I’m in. If I immerse myself in the joy of creation, the meaning will follow. And just as Socrates taught Dan in the book, when I let go of attachment to results, I open myself up to something far greater—growth, discovery, and the ability to truly see.

Millman’s writing blends philosophy with storytelling, making the lessons feel both profound and accessible. The book doesn’t hand out easy answers but instead nudges readers toward a deeper awareness of their own journey. It’s about embracing the present, letting go of unnecessary suffering, and realizing that wisdom comes not from seeking more, but from fully being.

For anyone feeling stuck, searching for meaning, or questioning the nature of happiness, Way of the Peaceful Warrior is a book worth picking up. But don’t worry if you’re not ready for it yet. It will wait for you—just as it waited for me.

While I don’t see Kelli anymore, I think of her from time to time and miss her cheerful “Hello!” as she bounced past the door each day—the way her energy lifted the whole room, like a refreshing breeze. I miss her magic hands, the way she could melt away tension, not just from the body but from the mind. But we’re both on our own adventures now, each following our own paths. I can’t help but wonder if I’ve had that same effect on someone else—if some small, passing moment with me has left a lasting imprint the way Kelli has in my life. It’s amazing how tiny little things can turn out to be so huge. Thank you Kelli

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