A lovely yet profound poem by Meng Hao-Jan (689-741) on awakening in the spring.
Awakening in the Spring
Emancipation from Hatred and Trauma in Mediation, Spirituality and Trauma Work
Inspired by Daniel Shaw’s book, Traumatic Narcissism, this post discusses “detachment” and “emancipation” from hatred and trauma in mediation, trauma work and spirituality.
The IDR Cycle in Europe: The TIME Project
The Project to Train Intercultural Mediators for a Multicultural Europe used Elizabeth Bader’s insights on the psychology of mediation and the IDR cycle extensively in their training materials. Excerpts on the IDR cycle are presented here.
The IDR Cycle and the Psychology of Mediation
A discussion of a core psychological dynamic in mediation: the IDR cycle. Based on Elizabeth’s articles on the subject, including The Psychology of Mediation: Issues of Self and Identity and the IDR Cycle, 10(2) Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal 183 (2010) and The Psychology and Neurobiology of Mediation, 17(2) Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution 363 (Winter 2106).
The Neurobiology of Mediation: An Overview
A key to the neurobiology of mediation: parties in mediation experience both threat and safety at the same time. This is one of the most important sections of Elizabeth Bader’s new article, The Psychology and Neurobiology of Mediation.”
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. True mastery is not “doing” but wu wei, the ability to act while holding this tension. Draws on Peter Levine’s trauma work, (Somatic Experiencing®), the work of Daniel Stern, the Theory of Holes (A. H. Almaas and Faisal Muqaddam), and the work of J.G. Bennett, as well as Elizabeth Bader’s writings on the IDR cycle.
Recovering Essence on the Spiritual Journey (Almaas, Muqaddam and the Theory of Holes)
The “Theory of Holes” developed by Hameed Ali (pen name, A. H. Almaas) and Faisal Muqaddam with Karen Johnson provides a map for the process of recovering essence on the spiritual journey. Limitations in cases of trauma are noted.
More on Understanding Hatred
The differences between hatred and anger are examined. From a practical perspective, the differences can be important, especially in mediation. Excerpts from Glen Gabbard’s article on Hatred and Its Rewards are presented.
Psychology of Spiritual Groups: Conference Call with Subscribers
In the next month or so, Elizabeth Bader and friends will be holding a conference call to discuss the psychology of spiritual groups. There will be no charge but there will be limited availability. As a result, only subscribers to the blog will be permitted to attend.
True Mastery in Difficult Situations: Lessons From the Ancient Chinese
The Nei-yeh is an ancient Chinese text that has profound words for those who wish to transform difficult situations. This post contains the text of Chapter 9 and an audio of Elizabeth reading Chapter 9. From the translation by Harold D. Roth.
Psychology of Spiritual Groups and the IDR Cycle: Avi Magidoff’s Perspective
Avi Magidoff’s profound response to Elizabeth’s post on the Psychology of Spiritual Groups and the IDR Cycle, and Elizabeth’s comments on his response. Avi Magidoff is an internationally known teacher of spirituality, Buddhism and acupuncture. He emphasizes the role of compassion in the IDR cycle, and the role of the teacher in holding or alleviating the student’s suffering. Elizabeth’s comments relate his insights to mediation and the Theory of Holes, among other things.
The Psychology of Spiritual Groups (The Dilemmas of Openness and the IDR Cycle)
Understanding the psychology of spiritual groups requires understanding group psychology and the unique challenges of the spiritual path. In many ways our path to spiritual maturity follows the IDR cycle, as we learn to move from idealization of ourselves and our teachers to spiritual maturity.
Mediation and Conflict Resolution – A Directory of Posts
A directory of posts on this blog that discuss mediation by integrating psychology, neurobiology (especially the neurobiology of trauma) and spirituality.