Principles of Conflict Resolution
No matter how close or distant we feel to another, inevitably there are times we run into conflict. Most of us struggle with finding ways to use these opportunities for growth and renewal in our relationships. This is usually because we have inflexibly responded to others in a habitual way, which might work for us some of the time, but certainly not all of the time. Learn the three psychological approaches to interacting with others: Pleasing, Asserting and Avoiding and discuss ways to increase your flexibility in approaching others in the ways you don’t ordinarily choose. Tips on how to speak plainly with respect, honesty and humor will assist you in managing conflicts as well. Finally, a discussion on the Buddhist concept of equanimity of self to all other sentient beings will be followed by instruction in a meditation practice of equal loving kindness to friends, enemies and strangers. Participants will be given the opportunity to share their favorite style of resolving conflicts in order to assist one another in ways to use each of the styles effectively. The effect of the meditation on the way participants think of others with whom they have conflict will also be explored.