A summary of our latest posts on healing trauma, understanding spirituality and mediation on Elizabeth Bader’s Blog. Introduces new contributors Tim Hicks and Leyla Navaro. Also contains a complete listing of all posts through July 2014.
Tim Hicks on the Neuroscience of Mediation and the IDR Cycle
In this post, Tim Hicks, of the University of Oregon, presents his reflections on the neuroscience of mediation, knowing and identity and the IDR Cycle in mediation. He explains that the psychological experience that the IDR cycle theory describes (inflation, deflation, realistic resolution) is well-supported by what we believe to be true of the neurophysiology of learning, knowing, memory, and identity. His commentary ties the three phases of the cycle to some of the basic aspects of embodied consciousness. (For current research on embodied mind, see, for example, work by Don Tucker, Gerard Edelman, Antonio Damasio, Ben Bergen, Lawrence Barsalou, Vittorio Gallese, Mark Johnson, George Lakoff and David Geary ).
Beyond Technique: Trauma Healing, Mediation and Spirituality
A post about the tension between technique and presence during deep moments of resolution in trauma healing, spirituality and mediation. Draws on Peter Levine’s work on healing trauma (Somatic Experiencing®), Daniel Stern’s work on now moments in healing relationships, Elizabeth Bader’s work on the psychology of mediation impasse and the IDR cycle, the Theory of Holes, a theory about the relationship between psychology and spirituality (A. H. Almaas and Faisal Muqaddam) and the work of J.G. Bennett, a Fourth Way teacher. Discusses the nature of true mastery as the ability to hold and negotiate this tension.
Appendix to “Beyond Technique: Trauma Healing, Mediation and Spirituality”
In “Beyond Technique: Trauma Healing, Mediation and Spirituality,” Elizabeth Bader uses several terms from Daniel Stern repeatedly. However, Stern uses these key terms in ways that do not necessarily conform to their obvious meaning or normal usage. For that reason, this post provides those definitions. All definitions are from Daniel Stern’s book, The Present Moment in Psychotherapy and Everyday Life (W. W. Norton & Company, 2004).
Mediating with Genghis Khan: On Working with Difficult People (Yeh-Lu Ch’u Tsai)
Yeh-Lu Ch’u Tsai saved millions of lives through his work with difficult people, including Genghis Khan. Using his life as a model, this post discusses how to work with difficult people, and how respect and spiritual integrity, combined with hard-headed realism and objectivity, form the basis for service to others on the spiritual journey.
Gender, Conflict and the Woman Mediator: Notes from Leyla Navaro
Issues relating to gender, conflict and women mediators are discussed in these notes from Leyla Navaro, M.A., a group therapist, author, educator and trainer. The notes were originally generated for an international telesalon organized by Elizabeth Bader, with Leyla Navaro, M.A. and Sharan L. Schwartzberg, Ed.D.
Nelson Mandela: Peace Through Music and Dance
In this touching video, Nelson Mandela teaches us to make peace with the world and with ourselves through music and dance.
Trauma 101: Physiology & Causes of PTSD
This post discusses the causes of PTSD and the “defense cascade” of fight, flight and freeze which is often described as the basic mammalian response to trauma. The work of Peter Levine, Stephen Porges, Walter Cannon, and Schauer and Elbert will be discussed.
The Psychology of Mediation (II): The IDR Cycle, A New Model For Understanding Mediation
An illustrated version of an article about the IDR Cycle, the psychological cycle of ego-inflation (overconfidence), ego-deflation and realistic resolution typically experienced by parties during the mediation of civil disputes. Originally published on mediate.com, this article provides a simpler explanation of the cycle than those found in Elizabeth’s academic writings.
Stephen Porges on Polyvagal Theory and Healing Trauma
Stephen Porges PhD speaks about the Polyvagal Theory, healing trauma, and his own psychological and spiritual journey. In the attached blog post, Elizabeth discusses the applicability to mediation.