Healing The Wounds Of Conflict

With America at war, the United States is faced with a conflict that affects the lives of every citizen. Billions of dollars are being spent and thousands of young Americans are at risk on the front lines. People across the country are fretting about the effects this war will have on them and their families, businesses and friends. Certified Mediator, Jean Brasel, of Clearwater, Florida says, "When there is a state of general anxiety like this, it tends to increase the negativity that may already exist in your mind." Brasel helps resolve conflicts every day--from personal relationships to misunderstandings that occur in the workplace. The underlying factor in all conflicts is a lack of understanding between parties, says Brasel. "Those involved are missing the knowledge of what is going on with the mind," she states. "This leads to miscommunications, upsets and disputes. When the mind is not clear, people don't listen or hear what the other person is really saying. They don't analyze a situation correctly." "When I do a mediation I facilitate communication between the parties, find points of agreement and then the affinity naturally rises," says Brasel. "Any conflict can be resolved so that all parties reach agreements. I learned this by studying how the mind works using the information contained in the book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health." Brasel says this New York Times bestseller by author and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard has been a major influence in her success as a mediator. In Dianetics Hubbard explains that there are two different parts of the mind--the analytical mind that is sane and computes the correct answers and the unconscious or reactive mind, which stores negative experiences and statements. These stored negative experiences can affect how we think and view life in the present and cause us to react in irrational ways. "Essential to handling conflict is having a clear and properly functioning mind," says Brasel. "It's vital that you don't exacerbate the conflict by acting in an irrational way." In times of uncertainty, when we are not sure how coming conflict will impact our lives, we should take the initiative and engage in positive action to help ourselves, rather than "wait and see" how the conflict may resolve, advises Brasel. "Dianetics can alleviate the upsets related to any conflict, whether connected with world affairs or personal or business relationships. When surrounded by conflict this is the time when you want to be especially clear minded and rational," says Brasel. Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health is available in bookstores everywhere. For more information visit www.dianetics.com.