This article is written to highlight an aspect of conflict, and one’s own personal process, that can obstruct the capacity to restore collaborative and cooperative relationship. It also gives a suggestion for beginning to address this issue. In my experience of mediating conflict, and understanding my own disputes, I notice that what often emerges is a clearly defined sense of … Read More
On being judgemental
I heard someone the other day (outside of my work environment) saying they were non-judgemental. I noticed my physical response, a slight tension in my throat, my facial muscles tightened a little, a wariness emerged into my experience. As this person said they were non-judgemental, my level of trust towards what they might say or do very slightly weakened. I … Read More
Awareness – the power to transform conflict
“Awareness is like the glow of a coal which comes from its own combustion” (Perls, Hefferline, Goodman, 1951: 75) Writing about mediation, dialogue, and the practice of conflict transformation, is one way by which I reflect on and develop my practice. It has been a few months since I last wrote and I’ve missed that space to grapple with and … Read More
Connecting with ourselves
The bell goes at 5am, believe you me, not my regular wake-up hour. However, the rustle of bed sheets and the gentle padding of feet up and down the dormitory provides a form of communal solace for the unearthly hour of the day. By 5.30am I’ve negotiated the wash basin, toilets and corridor and am sitting alongside 60 other people … Read More