Mindfulness has been defined as “the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.” And while it is not a new concept, it has become a popular buzzword of the 21st century that is more often associated with meditation than with conflict and mediation.
One of the distinctive qualities of the Conflict Management Certificate Program at Grebel is the spectrum of models taught—from Circles to Transformative to Evaluative to Facilitation to Conflict Coaching—all led by experts in the field. This year we added a new topic to our program, “The Art of Mindful Mediation.” Betty Pries (MTS 2005), who has spent many years reflecting, developing, and sharing her understanding of mindfulness and the nature of selfhood, created and leads the workshop.
The Art of Mindful Mediation is designed to help conflict practitioners look at the conflict they are presented with and then determine which conflict resolution model is best suited to the situation. Workshop participants are inspired to develop practices that allow these mindfulness principles to drive the mediation process.
The Art of Mindful Mediation also draws from an understanding of selfhood that recognizes that deep within, beyond the uniquenesses with which each is born (over which we have little, if any, control), lie the nuggets of goodness, generosity, and grace. All of these aspects are needed to accept ourselves, uncover our best selves, and find a point of unity with others. When workshop participants find this core within themselves, they can help others find their core, allowing the conflict conversations they facilitate to deeply transform the relationships between those involved.
The practice of mindful mediation is a growing field, and Grebel’s Conflict Management Certificate Program organizers are excited to offer a workshop led by a trainer who has been quietly practicing this approach for many years.
