Yet every conflict challenges us to be honest with ourselves and empathetic with our opponents. Every honest communication poses a risk that we will hear something that undermines our assumptions, or changes us forever. Every significant shift in how we think, feel and act when we are in conflict can be seen as dangerous, because we do not and cannot understand where it will lead. Every conflict thus contains a seed of transformation that can lead to re-awakening, redirection and renewal.
Every conflict creates an opening and an opportunity for learning, growth, improvement and change.
Mediation is dangerous because it asks us to face our conflicts and ourselves, to cease demonizing our opponents, and to face the sources of conflict within. This course explores the conflict stories and experiences of participants. It uses exercises to deepen awareness of the meaning and value of conflicts in our lives. It presents techniques for mediating from the heart and encouraging openness, communication, forgiveness and reconciliation. In the process we find empathy in the midst of rage, togetherness in the midst of separation, and celebration in the midst of failure.