June 23, 2014
Conflict Resolution: Viewing a “problem” through the eye of practice
a workshop on working with conflict in our personal practice:
June 25th and July 16th.
Two interactive sessions on working with interpersonal conflict, led by sangha member Frank Actis and incorporating concepts from Diane Musho Hamilton’s book, “Everything is Workable.”
Wednesday, June 25 and Wednesday, July 16, 6:30 to 8:30 PM, at 7528 Jenkin Place. All are welcome; no fee. Donations to Springs Mountain Sangha will be gratefully received.
Springs Mountain Sangha has in place a process to help Sangha members work on and resolve relationship conflicts. Information on these processes can be found on the SMS web site (see this link.) The formal process is for those few times when Sangha members, working together, cannot resolve the relationship issue and need formal assistance from the Sangha. The informal process is meant to assist individual Sangha members work with and meet together to resolve issues and transform any relationship issue on their own.
These two sessions are to focus on the first step of the informal process, “I. Suggestions for individual practice” (see this link.) There are steps that can be taken, as suggested by Roshi, Diane Musho Hamilton, that can guide our individual practice. You do not need the book for these sessions. These are not the only ideas or method for individual practice, but should be considered as additional tools and methods for us to consider.
At times, when there are issues in our lives, we may hear “why don’t you practice with that?” In this workshop, we will be looking at how we CAN “Practice with That” and actively expand our perspectives to include not only our “side” of the issue, but to include and consider the other person’s possible perspectives and beyond. I have found this process expanding perspectives of conflict to be exciting and energizing.
Our two sessions are going to look at some specific methods, heavily leveraged from Ms. Hamilton’s work. We will discuss some of the concepts communicated in her book and video, and share our own perspectives. We will also have time to personally work with the “3-2-1” process, to explore together how we can engage conflict as “the stuff of awakening”, and not just a problem to solve. We can then look at how this fits in the overall suggestions of working with others, as suggested in the Sangha’s informal conflict resolution process.
I’m looking forward to it,
Frank Actis
Here are a few words from Hamilton’s book:
“…I realized that the ability to take multiple perspectives is by no means a given; it is a developmental capacity that must be consciously cultivated. In other words, we grow into it through practice. It takes intention, awareness, emotional maturity, and fearlessness to navigate between many different points of view.”
“The good news is that in meditation we learn to hold a big enough space for multiple perspectives. Then we can bring that open space to other parts of our lives. When we also learn communication skills, these multiple perspectives come to life.”
Any questions, please contact Frank Actis at frank.actis@gmail.com