Teachings,+Different+Kinds+of+Conflicts

Different Kinds of Conflicts
(Return to Teachings) (By Silmerion Skywalker)

A conflict that is about to start:

Sometimes when we talk to persons, we notice that they may refer to other persons saying bad things about them. They may express their negative feelings, which with time can transform into aggressive words said to these persons or violent actions.

In this case, it is good to listen to the person, to let him/her vent, then to ask questions about the situation and eventually about the other person.

Many times, it is useful to say a general phrase, so that the person doesn't feel personally involved but could be invited to think, like: "Concentrating on the negative part of someone makes it even worse" or something even more vague.

Another method is to allow the person to see with the other's eyes, or to see the positive part of the other.

This way of solving conflicts may be made in one day, or more time, which can allow us to study even more the situation and find the best way to act.

"Sudden" conflicts:

Sometimes, we can be involved, or we can witness a conflict we weren't prepared to face. We may not even know the roots of it.

In this case, as a Jedi, we are prepared anyway. Our daily meditation and self-control training helps us keeping our calm, which helps the tension to diminish. This way, we aren't directly involved in the fight. We may take a few minutes to observe the situation, considering who are the persons who are in conflict, if we know them very well or not at all, and if it is better to remain quiet and wait until it's over or if we have to stop the conflict before it becomes worse. Again, our preparation is our Jedi Training itself, only God can advice us and guide us to act in the best way, often there isn't much time to think.

"Long term" conflicts:

A Jedi may be called to solve a conflict started time before. In this case, we have time to study what are the roots of the fight.

Before going to such a mission, we should study the situation: Who are the persons involved, their character, story, culture, religion, way of thinking, relationship with us and with the other person(s) involved. What is the problem, how and why the conflict started, the "surroundings" of it. The place and situation or history of it.

Once we have meditated on the situation, we can think of compromises, more than one, and with a neutral mind, trying to imaging what each person would feel.

A good preparation can also be to learn the basics of the language spoken by the persons involved (if it isn't ours), as well as his/her traditions.

A Jedi should always have good manners but it is important to be aware that they may be very different in other countries and traditions.

Another preparation to such a negotiation could also be to meet with each person and take time to listen to what he/she has to say. Sometimes, helping personally each of the persons involved can solve the fight.

Before going to negotiate, it is important to spend time in meditation and prayer, to be calm, serene, positive and open to God's guidance.

Master Silmerion Skywalker