Approaching Conflicts

"Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom."

Viktor Frankl

Conflicts fuel growth. Sometimes all we need is to take a step back in order to watch and comprehend life events, without the pressure to make a decision. We then analyze the situation: the problem, our stance, and the other person's perspective. There are multiple narratives to the same conflict and getting through a conflict is not satisfying ego or letting go of what's meaningful to us. I believe conflict is about growth and growth is moving forward despite its ups and downs, hills and valleys. Eventually, growth takes us to an unfamiliar space where we cannot expect ourselves to be the same. It is this fear of change/something new that makes us escape from conflicts. But doesn't an escape route lead us elsewhere? Well, that's for another time.

Slowing down would be my go-to in times of conflict. Taking a moment before we react, trying to process the stimuli before we respond, and, moreover, making sure what the stimuli mean to us. Not every stimulus affects everyone in thesame way; some of us are immune to certain stimuli and sensitive to other stimuli. Let us ask ourselves why this conflict means so much to us. What elements of myself and my identity are affected by the conflict? How does the situation enable me to grow? These are simple exercises we can apply to everyday conflicts: workplace, romance, and family... As we become aware of the powerful connection between a stimulus and our response, we are able to unlock it carefully.This is the key to growth, peace, and freedom!