In the intricate landscape of dispute resolution, journeys through numerous mediations make one ponder the fate of those parties who settle conflicts out of fear, face-saving, or find themselves devoid of hope for future results. A profound realization dawns – the true essence of conflict resolution goes beyond mediation; it delves into the realm of healing, a realm where peace builders...
In the intricate landscape of dispute resolution, journeys through numerous mediations make one ponder the fate of those parties who settle conflicts out of fear, face-saving, or find themselves devoid of hope for future results. A profound realization dawns – the true essence of conflict resolution goes beyond mediation; it delves into the realm of healing, a realm where peace builders or peace mediators thrive.
When the parties stay long with the conflict, they create a strong belief and affinity towards their conflict and start feeling connected to that in one way or another, Conflict integrity.
In the complicated array of dispute resolution, we must explore the intricate concept of conflict connection. This exploration delves beyond traditional mediation, as and when the individual struggles with settling the dispute because of fear. It divulges into transformative power that not only resolves conflicts but also fosters healing relationships.
Understanding Conflict Integrity:
An understanding of the evolution and impact of conflict is crucial. Whenever there is any dispute or difference between parties, they create a belief that they are on the ethical side and their stand is just and correct. As we have seen recently many wars are the outcome of such beliefs. An example could be Adolf Hitler. They don't see the other side's view or repercussions of the conflict, fail to enlarge their lens and perception, and are committed to their conflict. It is not easy for them to be separated from it.
In the event of any conflict, the subconscious mind plays an important role as it stores data, thereby fostering a plethora of negative feelings which is rooted deep within the fear as comprehended by the mind. This conflict seeps into the subconscious mind and guides the action of the beholder.
Conflict Integrity: A Dangerous Bond
As within the never-ending realm of conflict, forging a connection with discord provides a hazardous threat and the individuals bearing this conflict unconsciously become the contributors to the root cause, therefore, widening the conflict.
These feelings circulate through the complicated network of stimulating neurotransmitters which in turn release stress-inducing hormones.
These hormones when released operate as a catalyst, causing a chain of hazardous health issues. Hence, the toll on individuals engaged in the conflict manifests the immediate emotional turmoil. Thereby when it physically manifests itself, it transforms into major health issues such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure.
Mediation converges to be an intricate dance not only to settle the dispute but also to help diminish conflict integrity by detaching the affinity towards the conflict and thereby commence a comprehensive healing process.
The Psychological Impact of Conflict
Beyond the immediate parties involved, the toll of conflict reverberates in a broader sense. The impact extends not only emotionally but also physically, affecting the overall well-being of those entangled in the conflict.
As already mentioned, stress-inducing hormones adrenaline and cortisol are released by the gland due to the message received through neuropeptide. Diabetes type II, obesity, and high blood pressure are among the many health issues linked to the hormones released in response to sustained conflict. So, mediation as a tool, emerges as a powerful means to dismantle conflict, thereby mitigating the physical and emotional repercussions it imposes.
Mediation as Therapeutic Intervention
In essence, mediation serves as a therapeutic intervention, with mediators assuming the role of therapists orchestrating remarkable transformations. The true magic unfolds when mediators not only resolve the matter but also successfully navigate beyond surface-level conflicts, delving into the core issues. By diminishing conflict integrity, mediators pave the way for healing and resolution simultaneously. By this approach, mediation can become not only a beacon of hope but a transformative pathway to healthier relationships.
Mediator with effective Communication has the power to alter both the nature and conflict integrity. With effective communication, parties involved can not only adopt a collaborative approach but also facilitate healing. Conflict often arises due to perception, a construct shaped by sensory inputs such as visuals, audio, and kinesthetics (VAK). Each individual possesses their unique VAK, influencing their mental state.
To guide parties toward resolution, mediators must focus on modifying the VAK. This alteration in sensory input can lead to a subsequent shift in the parties' mental states, thereby reducing conflict integrity. Ultimately, this process works to reprogram the conflict at a subconscious level, promoting a transformative and harmonious outcome, that heals the parties. So Mediator not only solves the issue on the table but also deals with the emotions, feelings, and memories connected with conflict, defuses the anchors relative to conflict may use hypnotic language, and change the VAK with effective communication.
Mediators to Peacebuilders
As we dive further into the layers, a critical contrast surfaces between mediators and peacebuilders. Where mediation traditionally focuses on improving the situations to resolve the dispute, peace mediation goes to a deeper level and tries to find the root causes, which involves deconstructing conflict integrity by changing the state of mind reversing the thought process, and healing the negative hormones and establishing a level of healing within the situation, eradicating not only the surface issues but also the deeper pain caused by the scars of bad memories, hurt unwanted sound and emotional traumas.
Peace Mediators work more holistically than a facilitator
A major realization emerged in the complex harmony between peace mediation and mediation. By reducing the integrity of conflicts, mediation takes on a profoundly transformative role, providing a route not just to resolution but also to restoration. Mediators, by engaging in the roots and addressing conflict integrity, transcend their role as mere facilitators. They transform into healers and peacemakers who guide people and groups toward a peaceful coexistence.
Author: Ms. Iram Majid is the Director of Indian Institute of Arbitration & Mediation (IIAM) and Executive Director of Asia Pacific Centre for Arbitration & Mediation (APCAM). Views are personal.