Beyond Technique: Trauma Healing, Mediation and Spirituality (Wu wei or 無為)
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.
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.
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.
Law and Spirituality: A Lawyer’s Path I
The opening of Elizabeth Bader’s chapter in a book published by the American Bar Association. Discusses the inevitability of lawyers encountering human suffering.
The Psychology and Neurobiology of Mediation In Print
Elizabeth’s article,”The Psychology and Neurobiology of Mediation,” in the Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution, integrates the work of Stephen Porges and Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing®) on the neurobiology of trauma, with spirituality, neuroscience and the psychology of mediation.
Mediating with Genghis Khan: On Working with Difficult People (Yeh-Lu Ch’u Tsai; Yelu Chucai)
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.
Spirituality and Law: A Lawyer’s Path II
An excerpt from Elizabeth’s chapter on Spirituality and Law in a book published by the American Bar Association.
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 […]
Awakening in the Spring
A lovely yet profound poem by Meng Hao-Jan (689-741) on awakening in the spring.