The Second Arrow
Practicing Peace in a Highly Reactive World
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The Second Arrow
Pre-order Now for £12.24
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Narrated by:
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By:
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Matt Laney
Enlightenment begins where reactivity ends.
In an era defined by outrage, anxiety, and constant stimulation, The Second Arrow names the hidden habit making modern life harder than it has to be: our reflex to react.
Popular spiritual teacher Rev. Matt Laney takes an ancient teaching of Buddhist psychology and turns it into a sharp, practical framework for navigating a culture built to trigger us. The Second Arrow serves as a field guide for interrupting the split-second reactions that escalate conflict, fuel stress, and quietly erode our relationships, work, and inner lives.
Drawing on both Buddhist and Biblical wisdom that he has studied and practiced for decades, Rev. Laney delivers a fresh, piercing, cross-tradition approach that is accessible to anyone. Through vivid real-world scenarios, personal stories, and hands-on exercises, he shows readers that releasing reactivity and growing into its opposite, Response-ability, is not just a personal improvement project. It is a psychological, relational, social imperative. Our well-being depends on it. Our shared future does too.
Timely, actionable, and highly relatable, The Second Arrow offers a powerful skill for shifting our increasingly reactive world.
Critic reviews
"Matt Laney has done something rare—he's taken ancient wisdom from the Buddha and the teachings of Jesus and woven them into a practical, deeply human roadmap for our most reactive age. This book challenged me, convicted me, and ultimately led me towards freedom and healing. If you've ever found yourself spiraling in anger, anxiety, or self-judgment, Matt's gentle and honest guidance will show you a better way." —Rev. Brandan Robertson, author of Queer & Christian
"In The Second Arrow, Rev. Matt Laney offers a comprehensive manual about the heart of spiritual practice— transforming reactivity, our tendency to shoot the second arrow. With stories from everyday life, practical suggestions, and humor, he gives clear ways to identify and work skillfully with reactivity so that we can respond to life with wisdom and care instead of causing more harm. An innovative and inspired book!" —Dr. Donald Rothberg, senior teacher of Insight Meditation and author of The Engaged Spiritual Life