"Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding. Peaceful conflict resolution is the true path to lasting harmony." - Albert Einstein
In a world as diverse as ours, conflict is a part and parcel of life. Conflict can happen between individuals, communities, nations, and even within us. In the turbulent times we live in, it becomes increasingly important to learn how to resolve these disputes peacefully.
Stronger when united - Resolve conflicts Peacefully
With tons of research on this subject and some based on our personal experiences, resolving disagreements and conflicts peacefully is attainable if we follow some key fundamentals:
Acknowledge your own emotions - Peace starts from within. So, before you react, reflect on your thoughts and inner emotions to understand and contextualise your thoughts and feelings as being kind to others starts from being kind to yourself!
Listen with empathy and deal with compassion - Often, conflicts arise due to a lack of understanding of the other person's point of view. The ability to truly listen and understand the experiences and perspectives of others is a powerful tool for conflict resolution. So, the next time you are in a disagreement, make an effort to listen to the other person’s point of view with empathy. You are more likely to act from a place of compassion.
Effective Communication - Dialogue is the foundation of successful conflict resolution. Being respectful and calm while speaking clearly and listening attentively is the key to de-escalating highly stressful situations.
Finding common ground - We all tend to focus more on our differences but it is crucial to find common ground between the two parties in a dispute to bring them together. We have far more in common and in unity lies true diversity.
Be ready to compromise - Compromise is a sign of maturity and strength. It is vital to let go of a few of your demands in order to reach a mutually agreeable solution.
Consider mediation - Whether it is a more serious conflict between nations or a smaller personal conflict, responsible mediation never seems to fail. Finding a mediator who is neutral about the situation can guide you to a peaceful resolution.
Resolving conflicts can take a long time but it is important to be resilient and patient throughout the process for a long-term solution. By placing importance on peaceful conflict resolution, we can build a more just and equitable world where kindness prevails.