On Self-Remembering
The first in a series of posts about self-remembering and self-recognition. The work of George Gurdjieff, A. H. Almaas (Hameed Ali) and Faisal Muqaddam, among others, will be explored. This post contains a poem by Derek Walcott that speaks beautifully to the subject.
The Superego (Inner Critic) and Mediation
It is a true joy to live life free of a punitive superego (inner critic). In order to do this, though, we have to learn about the phenomenon of judgment, the superego and the inner critic. In a previous post, the basic structure and function of the superego was described. In this post, the superego’s (inner critic’s) relationship to conflict and conflict resolution is discussed.
Beyond the Superego: A Musical Offering
A wonderful video for inspiration, meditation and reflection. Jennifer Berezan and her friends demonstrate collaborative spirituality by weaving their voices together in a spirit of lovingkindness for all.
Tim Hicks on the Neuroscience of Mediation and the IDR Cycle
In this post, Tim Hicks presents his reflections on the neuroscience of mediation, knowing and identity and the IDR Cycle in mediation. He explains that the psychological experience that the IDR cycle theory describes (inflation, deflation, realistic resolution) is well-supported by what we believe to be true of the neurophysiology of learning, knowing, memory, and identity. His commentary ties the three phases of the cycle to some of the basic aspects of embodied consciousness. (For current research on embodied mind, see, for example, work by Don Tucker, Gerard Edelman, Antonio Damasio, Ben Bergen, Lawrence Barsalou, Vittorio Gallese, Mark Johnson, George Lakoff and David Geary ).
Appendix to “Beyond Technique: Trauma Healing, Mediation and Spirituality”
In “Beyond Technique: Trauma Healing, Mediation and Spirituality,” Elizabeth Bader uses several terms from Daniel Stern repeatedly. However, Stern uses these key terms in ways that do not necessarily conform to their obvious meaning or normal usage. For that reason, this post provides those definitions. All definitions are from Daniel Stern’s book, The Present Moment in Psychotherapy and Everyday Life (W. W. Norton & Company, 2004).
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.