by LorraineSegal | Jan 9, 2011
“Give people a fish and they eat for today. Teach them how to fish, and they will eat for a lifetime.”–Lao Tzu. My goal as a conflict intervention specialist is always to teach and empower others. I don’t just want to resolve a conflict for them, but help them...
by LorraineSegal | Dec 26, 2010
Can babies prevent bullying? The answer may be a resounding “yes.” Bullying has been in the news a lot lately. In my last blog posting, I wrote about recent information from neuroscience about the violent changes in the brain from being bullied, and ended on a...
by LorraineSegal | Dec 12, 2010
Brains of people who’ve been bullied. According to a recent article in the Boston Globe, brain scans of teens who have been repeatedly bullied revealed the same changes as those who have been physically or sexually abused. In some individuals, the negative...
by LorraineSegal | Nov 28, 2010
We all have idealized images of the holiday season–perfect gifts and the warm glow of togetherness. But the real stress of expectations and difficult patterns of interactions with family members (perhaps better loved at a distance) can set off our emotional hot...
by LorraineSegal | Nov 8, 2010
My blog has been a wonderful way for me to reflect on my fundamental beliefs about conflict resolution. Many times I would write a new entry, and then wonder uneasily if I was repeating myself. I realized that although I offer different stories and contexts, a few...
by LorraineSegal | Oct 23, 2010
We see the world not the way it is, but the way we are.—Anonymous How much do our expectations influence our conflicts? Recent studies about appetite and perception at the University of Bristol in Britain offer some thought provoking answers. In two different studies,...
by LorraineSegal | Oct 10, 2010
I love reading science fiction, because at its best it offers an imaginative window into our conflicts and possible solutions. In Factoring Humanity, renowned SF author Robert J. Sawyer explores the power of empathy to transform human relationships. In the book, SETI...
by LorraineSegal | Sep 25, 2010
Resentment of past injustices, particularly when it has endured for generations, is extremely challenging to transform. But with willingness and courage, some individuals and groups have been able to move toward healing. The Maidu Indians of California are one such...
by LorraineSegal | Sep 12, 2010
Finding compassion for another person we are in conflict with, understanding their issues, perspective, and struggles are valuable tools in resolving issues. But, offering ourselves emergency self compassion can be equally important in dealing successfully with...
by LorraineSegal | Aug 29, 2010
Faith is taking the first step when you can’t see the whole staircase.–-Martin Luther King Jr. I saw this quote on an entrance sign at a local shopping center, and thought how well it applies to conflict resolution. What does it look like to take the first step to...
