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.
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.
Beyond Interest-Based Negotiation: A Psychology of Conflict Resolution Program
A telesalon on cross-cultural negotiation strategies and the limits of interest-based negotiation with Peter Phillips and Nicholas Khoury, hosted by Elizabeth Bader. The telesalon was recorded. Email Elizabeth if you would like to listen to it, or attend future programs.
The Psychology of Mediation, Part I: The Mediator’s Issues of Self and Identity
When mediators work on resolving conflicts, they often face challenges to their own egos. Discusses the “professional ego ideal,” mindfulness and more.
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.
Freud Encounters the Spiritual Journey: An Early Theory of Holes
The Theory of Holes articulated by Hameed Ali (A. H. Almaas) and Faisal Muqaddam explains how essence can be recovered during the spiritual journey. Freud articulated many elements of the theory nearly a century ago.