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.
Peter Levine
A forum to discuss the work of Peter Levine, PhD, emphasizing its spiritual dimensions. Elizabeth Bader has studied Somatic Experiencing, the modality Levine developed for healing trauma, for many years. She received a Somatic Experiencing certificate in 2014.
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.
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.
A Basic Neurobiology of Mediation
An important excerpt from Elizabeth Bader’s new article, The Psychology and Neurobiology of Mediation, recently published by the Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution. Discusses basic elements of neurobiology relevant to mediation.
Peter Levine on Spirituality and Trauma (Video)
A video of Peter Levine’s talk on spirituality and trauma to the Jung Society of Austin. Related to previous post: Peter Levine: Presence in Trauma and Spirituality.
Peter Levine: Presence in Trauma and Spirituality
Profound words from Peter Levine on the relationship between the presence experienced during trauma and the presence which catalyzes spiritual transformation. Elizabeth’s note on the opening of the heart during spiritual practice and its closing during trauma.
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.
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.
Peter Levine on the Spiritual Journey and Healing Trauma
Dr. Peter Levine, a leading pioneer in the area of healing trauma, speaks about trauma and the spiritual journey.