Seminar: Transforming Conflict: Elemental Wisdom for Transcending Differences - # 60057

Instructor: Deidre Combs

Faculty Bio: Deidre Combs, D. Min. began studying alternative approaches to conflict over fifteen years ago as a corporate facilitator. Trained in advance transformative mediation and cross-cultural conflict skills, Deidre mediates in private practice and for the US Forest Service and Postal Service. She has taught the Elements of Conflict philosophy across the U.S. in education, corporate and non-profit organizations and to the general public. Deidre is currently completing a book on conflict skills found across indigenous and religious cultures and in the New Science.

Course Description: As we seek to change the world and ourselves we will inevitably find conflict in our paths. The tools at our disposal for managing this ever-present conflict seem few. However, the world's lasting cultural traditions and Creation Spirituality hold an abundance of proven approaches to mastering our modern challenges. This course explores conflict principles and skills hidden within these traditions that can safely support and empower us as we confront our most vexing disputes.

The seminar will provide the background and philosophy of the Elements of Conflict. The Elements of Conflict Practices art as meditation course is recommended to creatively and kinesthetically integrate the material

Required Reading:

1. Tzu, Sun, Translation, Essays and Commentary by the Demna Translation Group. The Art of War A New Translation. Boston: Shambhala, 2001.
   
2. Johnson, Robert A. Owning Your Own Shadow - Understanding the Dark Side of the Psyche.San Francisco: Harper 1991.
   
3. . Richards, MC. Centering: In Pottery, Poetry, and the Person. Hanover: Wesleyan, 1989.
   
4. Anderson, Walter Truett.Reality Isn't What it Used to Be: Theatrical Politics, Ready-to-Wear Religion, Global Myths, Primitive Chic, and Other Wonders of the Postmodern World. San Francisco: Harper Collins, 1990.
   

Suggested Reading:

1. Arrien, Ph.D., Angeles. The Four-Fold Way, Walking the Paths of the Warrior, Teacher, Healer and Visionary San Francisco: Harper 1993.
   
2. Satchidananda, Sri Swami translation and commentary. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Yogaville, Virginia: Integral Yoga, 1999.
   
3. Wheatley, Margaret. Leadership and the New Science. San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler, 1999.
   

Pre-Class Writing Assignment: Before reading the required materials, select an internal, interpersonal or community conflict with which you are confronted. Approach the readings as a potential source of guidance and inspiration. Write a five- to eight-page double-spaced paper on how these texts might support you as you work to resolve your selected conflict. Please cite bibliographical references when appropriate.

Post-Class Writing Assignment: Focus for this paper will be given in class.

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