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 principles about conflict and communication are at the heart of my writings. As this is the one year anniversary of my blog, I thought I’d share with you the principles I uncovered:

1. We all deserve loving nourishment, so we can grow, heal, and lead a rich meaningful life.

2. Much conflict and unhappiness come from poor communication, misunderstandings, and unrealistic expectations. We can our increase awareness and acceptance of differences (including cultural, generational, ethnic, religious, gender, sexual orientation, class.) We can learn to listen with compassionate openness and express ourselves clearly, honoring our inner truth and that of others.

3. Learning to forgive ourselves and others and letting go of resentments are essential aspect of healing. We need to accept that making (frequent) mistakes is simply part of being human. And changing our own attitudes and behavior, challenging though that is, is much more feasible than changing other people.

4. Workshops, classes, conflict coaching with individuals or small groups,  mediations, and meeting facilitation can all be vehicles for healing conflicts and communication problems.

5. Transformation, healing, forgiveness, and joy are always possible. And I wish for each of us to find and walk that path.

Lorraine Segal is a communication and forgiveness coach, trainer, and mediator specializing in transforming communication and conflict. Her business, Conflict Remedy, is based in Santa Rosa, California . She also teaches in the Conflict Resolution program at Sonoma State University. She provides  coaching by telephone as well as face to face. Contact her to schedule a free initial telephone session. (707) 236-8079 or lo******@co************.com or through this blog.

© Lorraine Segal www.ConflictRemedy.com