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.
The Self of Peace: Elizabeth Bader at the Science and Nonduality Conference
Elizabeth Bader speaks about the profound lessons conflict resolution can teach us about peace and who we are. A blend of psychology, spirituality and neuroscience, including the work of Stephen Porges, Tali Sharot and Peter Levine.
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.
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.
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.
The Psychology of Mediation: The IDR Cycle
This post provides a very simple, illustrated discussion of the IDR cycle – the pattern of ego-inflation, ego-deflation and realistic resolution that often occurs during the process of mediation. Elizabeth Bader was the first person to identify the cycle in her award-winning publications. (For Elizabeth’s publications, see the sidebar or www.elizabethbader.com/SelfandIdentity.pdf )
Spirituality and Law: A Lawyer’s Path II
This is an excerpt from a book published by the American Bar Association about lawyer well-being. In an earlier excerpt, I pointed out that the practice of law inevitably involves existential and spiritual dilemmas. Here, the benefits and dangers of meditation or others forms of spiritual practice for lawyers are discussed. Elizabeth Bader, Lawyering as […]
The Psychology and Neurobiology of Mediation In Print
Elizabeth Bader’s new article, The Psychology and Neurobiology of Mediation, has been published in the Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution.
A result of Elizabeth’s years of study of the work of Stephen Porges and Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing®), the article integrates the neurobiology of trauma, with Elizabeth’s work on spirituality, neuroscience and the psychology of mediation. The interplay between gender and conflict resolution is also discussed in depth.
A Taoist Meditation for Deep Relaxation
In “Bone Dreaming” meditation, we gently sense into our bones in harmony with the rhythm of our breath. As we enter into the deepest layers of our body, we experience deep relaxation and an enhanced ability to sleep. In effect, we give ourselves a private cranial-sacral massage as we feel into the bones of the […]
Law and Spirituality: A Lawyer’s Path I
This post discusses law and spirituality. I begin by discussing my encounter with the realities of human suffering early on in my career. I then call for the legal profession to consider the profound human and spiritual questions raised by the practice of law. Ignoring these questions is dangerous. This post is part of a […]
Awakening in the Spring
A lovely yet profound poem by Meng Hao-Jan (689-741) on awakening in the spring.
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.
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, including mediators, therapists and everyone else. This post contains the text of Chapter 9 and an audio of Elizabeth reading Chapter 9. From the translation by Harold D. Roth.
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.
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.