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.  Th ..read more

Mediation by its nature is a journey of seeking clarity. For the parties, it is important that each side begin to understand what the other side has experienced and needs. However, these elements are essential for the mediators as well.    The mediators need awareness and clarity about themselves. For most mediators, it begins by clearing and cleansing ourselves to be open to be with this new conflict. It means letting go of previous mediations, it means releasing any unfinished business that still needs to be done at work or home. A positive, negative, or neutral stance may negativ ..read more

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.  Th ..read more

Three years ago, the following poem was written from the point of view of a mediator. I have rewritten it thinking about the perspective of a peacemaker. We live at a time when peace is in short supply in many parts of our world. We need more people to help bridge the divides we have created separating us. We need courageous people who can listen without judgment and be willing to give people ways to see what can be gained by letting go of hate long enough to encounter another person. We have that potential, whether it is on the world stage, at work, or in our neighborhoods. If only we choose ..read more

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.  Th ..read more

How do we enter the mediation space? Do we grab the file(s), a legal pad, a notebook and rush into the room? Do we make certain we look at any notes that might be available for the mediation? The mediation starts when we first see the people involved in the conflict. That is their first impression of us and of what they experience as the mediator and mediation. With most of our focus on the conflict, what needs to be resolved, the numbers or dollars involved, many times we don’t consider that the mediation has already started, and we may have lost the opportunity we have as a mediator to reso ..read more

It has been done for years. Individuals who are angry at another person or who want to put another group down for whatever reason, call them an animal or inanimate object’s name to describe the focus of their anger. Even writing these words makes it sound like something children would do to each other. It comes across as a silly, immature activity.  However, it is not. In fact, it is a dangerous practice.  When someone uses a name of an animal or object for someone, they take away their humanity.  The process has a neurological component. We experience stronger “neural mirrorin ..read more

We welcome you 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 ..read more

Chat-GPT, an artificial intelligence program generates text that can be used in business, social media, classrooms, and publishing. Its potential is still to be explored, but it has garnered emotional reactions from many who worry about its misuse and some who see its potential. Academics are concerned that students will use Chat-GPT or any other program of its type to generate essays and exam answers rather than learn to write and think on their own. Professional writers worry this technology could be used to replace their efforts. The latest advent in technology has created a firestorm of c ..read more

Unfortunately, hate is a common thread throughout all our experiences in the world today. It fills the news, our world, our communities, and even our lives. Sometimes, we willingly participate in it. Even as mediators, it is easy to get caught up in everyday conflicts that move us to anger and hatred of the “other,” be it a person, a group, or an idea. Many times, we are not able to separate our hate of the position a person holds or a behavior they exhibit from our feelings about that person.   So, why do we hate?  Abrams (2017) indicates that the research shows it is complex and c ..read more