Why Conflict Resolution Works

A lot of systems have been devised to help people take control of interpersonal conflict with the aim of facilitating positive, win-win outcomes. But, is there an underlying essence common to successful conflict resolution techniques? Let’s compare six systematized approaches to conflict resolution, looking for commonalities.

August 15 Peace Projection

Recently, I’ve been practicing a form of the Buddhist Metta Bhavana, or Loving Kindness Meditation. In it, I concentrate on projecting unconditional love and good wishes to all life forms. It feels so powerful that I was thinking it may have a beneficial effect if many people were to synchronize the practice and send powerful thoughts and feelings of love and compassion to specific groups of people.

Advice for Better Living

• Pet your dog or cat for a few more minutes than usual today.
• Volunteer to do community service.
• Take a child to experience something new.
• Try picturing an adult who drives you crazy as the sweet little child s/he was, whom you would love despite his or her flaws.
• If you have a teenage child who is driving you crazy, look at his or her face while s/he is sleeping.
• Invent a better way of writing “his or her,” and “she or he,” and tell me about it.
• Give away a possession you love to someone who would appreciate it.
• If you live a cluttered life, spend an hour today organizing the room you spend the most time in.
• Close your eyes and take three slow, deep breaths.

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