Hophead and peaceful conflict resolution approaches

1. The organization Ceeds of Peace exemplifies a teambuilding, collaborative approach that highlights the importance of building bridges and working together. Peace is certainly something that does start within, from adopting a peaceful attitude that involves giving others the benefit of the doubt, keeping an open mind, and having compassion. However, inner peace is only meaningful insofar as it leads to behavioral change. Peace ultimately requires taking action in the world.
The issues in my life that can be addressed more peacefully include mainly those that involve interpersonal conflict. When my emotions get involved, or when my ego is bruised, I tend to take non-peaceful routes that end up making the problem worse or at least creating stagnation. The principles espoused by Ceeds of Peace, such as critical thinking, courage, and compassion, all show how I can become more peaceful during times of interpersonal conflict. Instead of focusing on differences, I can focus on what we have in common in order to better resolve conflict peacefully. The principle of connection, which Ceeds of Peace proclaims as a cornerstone of peaceful action, refers to the forging of connections not just with people we already work together well with, but more importantly with people who we differ from significantly.
2. The skills and tools I would need to have the most peaceful impact on interpersonal conflict issues include compassion, patience, collaboration, commitment, and courage. Compassion requires open-heartedness, the ability to empathize truly and love other people. It is one thing to hold on to our principles and fight for what we believe in, but it is another to be able to recognize that not all people see the world in the same way. When we take the time to see things from another person’s point of view, we become compassionate. The times that I have become consumed with anger are the times I am least able to listen to what the other person has to say. I convinced myself that the other person is wrong, and I am right, which closes off the door of communication. Patience is also critical in the peace building process. I need to be patient with myself, essentially having compassion for the way my own upbringings and belief systems can come in the way of forging peace in my interpersonal relationships. I also recognize that peace takes time, and that resolving complex issues is something that never happens in an instant. The bigger the issue, the longer it can take to resolve effectively.
3. I have the most power to make an impact in building peace in my comportment, the way I treat others, and my daily interactions. Peace cannot be segregated to some areas of our lives. To truly promote a peaceful world, we need to think, act, and speak peacefully in all our engagements. I have that power to monitor my emotions, not allowing petty grievances to come in the way of achieving big picture goals. By cultivating confidence and conviction, I can resist being thrown off course in the midst of conflict. When I feel under attack, I do not need to react reflexively out of the animalistic tendencies toward fight or flight. As small as this power may seem, it is the most fundamental one we have. The most powerful people are those who remain calm under duress and graceful under pressure.
Building peace on a larger scale in my community is something different altogether. It means forging alliances with those who I might find distasteful or have disagreements with on principle. To promote peace does not always mean taking the easy road. It means working together on shared visions and goals, which usually means setting aside our pride and our desire to be right all the time. In my position at work, I have the power to influence others to act, think, and speak peacefully by exemplifying the principles of peace. I have the ability to focus on the positive rather than criticizing, motivating others through example, and by bringing out the best in others.
References
“Ceeds of Peace.” https://www.ceedsofpeace.org/