Integrate through Conflict!
Greetings, At the beginning of a challenge, it can almost feel invigorating. We got this! We can do it! But, as time progresses, things get more difficult increasing the possibility of both internal and external conflict! We believe that conflict is one of the greatest catalysts to fast tracking authenticity. Today we continue our series on ways that our 6 Integrate themes speak to us through this COVID-19 pandemic. Today we focus on the 4th theme of our Integrate material: Conflict. Conflict is a part of normal life, but even more pronounced in times of stress and in times when we are “stuck” inside with ourselves and those we love. My guess is that plenty of reactions we aren’t proud of will come leaking out of us these days, and we will be given new opportunities to engage in (hopefully healthy) moments of conflict. How can we capitalize on this time to practice new ways of engaging with each other and ourselves on matters that we would typically have avoided? What is our excuse now? Maybe there are hidden conflicts that are ready to be noticed and entered? Some ideas to consider:
Think of a recent area of disagreement between you and a friend or loved one. How could you have better fostered a teamwork approach? If the conversation ended poorly, consider returning to them and asking them if they felt misunderstood or disrespected. Ask for a second chance to listen and empathize.
Check out this Interesting TED talk on "Daring to Disagree."
Develop your conflict awareness bank. Write a personal list of people with whom your relationship is in conflict or not where you would like it to be. Never mind for now whose "fault" it is. Just list out the broken/strained relationships in your life. Ponder them. What do you see, hear, feel and observe when you look at these names all in one place?
“I’ve always wondered why love has to be so full of conflict and strife. Why can’t love be simple? Why can’t it just be as pure as two people who realize that they can’t live as well, or as happily, apart as they can together?” -Bella Andre Stepping toward what is hard, Noah and the Team