Problem Solving: Active Listening
This was information I was provided with when I studied Peace and Conflict Studies at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand.
Listening is critical. Interestingly we can hear a person but not listen. When I conducted activities called concentric circles, people had to sit in two circles – inner and outer. They would face the person… Continue reading
Kenneth Cloke: Mediators Without Borders
This paper was given to me when I studied Peace and Conflict Studies at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand. It was given to me by a professional mediator. I particularly like the idea of parachuting in mediators rather than dropping bombs as a solution. The world currently still uses strategies of force to get what… Continue reading
Mayors for Peace Advocate for Permanent Disarmament
Imagine a movement of Mayors, Councils, State Governments and Nation States linking together within a consensus of permanent disarmament. As I suggested in a previous blog if all governments adopt the Japanese Peace Constitution of total abolition of weapons then the arms trade will end immediately and the new movement of realistic peacemaking will arise.… Continue reading
Conflict Resolution: Mediation Process
Just imagine a world where everyone learns how to mediate disputes. Where we learn to listen, to hear the other, to communicate our issue without blame, we ask questions, we clarify our understanding, we seek for options and solutions. This is how we reach harmony. I often wonder about all the misunderstandings, the unresolved issues,… Continue reading
The Middle East Problem
The Problem
When I am not resolved,
You are not resolved,
There is no end in sight.
Israel’s security rests on
Palestine’s security,
If one feels secure,
Then the other feels secure,
There is no conflict,
Both can rest.
To avoid, ignore, attack inflames fear,
Hence re-action,
Separation treats the problems as the others,
Yet… Continue reading
Culture of Violence: Bowling for Columbine
I watched Michael Moore’s Bowling for Columbine documentary. It is a very powerful film and I felt courageous the way he spoke the truth. He spoke of the Columbine shootings by two young men and the shock it produced across the country. His story was very brave in respect of making the links between the… Continue reading