Welcome to our blog! In these blogs, we explore topics that may facilitate self-reflection, contemplation, mediation, or reconsideration of the way to connect with others when in conflict. The topics we address reflect the core elements of the mediation process. In mediation training, individuals always tell us that “these topics help us to become better people as well as better mediators.” We agree. Developing the ability to self-reflect gives us a better understanding of how we and others relate to each other. We learn how to better listen, respect, and understand each other. The concepts of being present, understanding our issues, making peace with conflict, and becoming comfortable with silence, as well as many others, are critical if we want to be peacemakers. We have learned that we need to be at peace with ourselves if we are ever going to be able to help others find peace in their relationships. These topics can help us begin to develop skills that are useful in business, education, law, government, our communities, and our homes.
With over 50 years of combined experience in mediation, we realize that the process of conflict resolution is not discrete or stepwise, but a dynamic that reflects how we understand ourselves and our relationships. In working nationally and internationally with individuals wanting to be more effective in mediation, we have learned that the first part of this endeavor starts with ourselves. We look forward to exploring these thoughts with you as we travel together toward finding a more peaceful way of being with each other.
Mary Lou and Ken Frank