photo by Lorraine Segal
Where peace is lost to conflict, how can we find it? Drawing inspiration for conflict transformation from science fiction.
I often find science fiction novels thought provoking and inspiring. The ones I love most offer a hopeful vision of a better universe, and often include a hero’s journey that starts with inner and outer conflict, but lead the characters and the worlds to transformation and healing.
I recently read one such book, Where Peace Is Lost by Valerie Valdes. The main character was a warrior leader in an organization, now forcibly disbanded by an evil corporate empire, that had defended and supported people and planets from injustice and cruelty. For them, violence was a last resort. Though they were well trained in the use of weapons, they focused on defending the innocent, and on healing and helping. As the novel begins, the main character is in hiding, afraid to take any action that could further threaten the humanitarian remnants of her former organization. But, still inspired by the organization’s soul stirring mantra, she risks everything to save the beautiful utopian planet where she found refuge.
Where peace is lost, may we find it.
Where peace is broken, may we mend it.
Where we go, may peace follow.
Where we fall, may peace rise.
–Valerie Valdes
A vision of peace
What an eloquent affirmation for our times and for conflict transformation work! It places peace first, not victory at any cost. It is a vision of compassion, the quest for a just peace with room for everyone to flourish.
Our world needs mending. And it requires all of us. I am no warrior with magical weapons, but I do believe conflict transformation can help our small corner of the world and the whole planet. In my own work, I would change the last line, Where we fall, to where we fail, may peace rise. Even if we fail to transform a conflict at the time or reach resolution, may we plant seeds that later lead to peace. It is about honoring our efforts, even if the result isn’t everything we want it to be. Peace is always worth pursuing. And transformation is always possible.
Lorraine Segal has helped over 2000 leaders and others in organizations and corporations communicate more clearly, transform conflicts, and let go of resentments. The goal: to create a more harmonious and productive workplace. Through her business, Conflict Remedy, Lorraine creates customized training and coaching programs for non-profit organizations, corporations, and government agencies and Sonoma State University. She was recently named one of the top 15 coaches in Santa Rosa by Influence Digest. She is a contributing author to the book, Stand Up, Speak Out Against Workplace Bullying. Her latest project, a memoir called: Angels and Earthworms, an unexpected journey to love, joy, and miracles, is about her transformation from miserable self-doubt to self-acceptance, true love, spiritual awareness, and right livelihood. Find out more about the memoir here.Contact Lorraine through ConflictRemedy to request a free consultation for you and your organization or to sign up for her conflict remedy newsletter and blog.
Related blog post plus additional information:
Is Conflict Transformation a Hero’s Journey?
Where Peace Is Lost by Valerie Valdes
©2024 Lorraine Segal ConflictRemedy.com