In a message dated 8/29/01 11:29:02 AM Central Daylight Time, jsm...@mosquitonet.com writes:
> There is that aspect of conflict that puts us in touch with ourselves. The > internal struggle that accompanies external conflict can force us to > explore our deeper truths and meanings in life. That exploration can > result in important learning and growth. > > To all: This conversation is terribly seductive. As one who deals with a lot of conflict (between unions and management), what I have experienced is that it arises out of our interests (hopes, fears, dreams, wants, desires, etc.) not being met. I think that this not only happens between persons or groups, but within ourselves. Truth, on the other hand, is ever changing, depending how we feel or view something at any given time, i.e., it is manifest in the mind of the beholder. In trying to resolve conflict, I find it almost impossible to deal with "truth." The best I can do, I find, is to deal with interests. When interests are self serving, the energy or 'spirit' is poor. When interests are inclusive of others, the energy and 'spirit' is good. Uwe's comment about the eight-fold path, I think relates to this very well. For what it's worth, Dave Koehler