Few years ago, I discovered the Art of Aikido, what radically transformed my commitment to the world: I had a dichotomous vision of antagonism and resistance which changed into a relationship that includes the listening the opponents. I am today convinced that the power of Harmony and of Peace can apply to all our relationships and interactions.
Everyday, we face stress’ situation which can lead us to conflicts: conflicts with ourselves, which are expressed by resistances, interpersonal conflicts which can open into important crises in relations. The practice of Aikido allows responding to stressful or antagonistic situations in a respectful and authentic way with the goal to come to terms with oneself and with the others.
Mediation also uses in a different way the values of Harmony, Authenticity in order to solve the conflicts, we face everyday. It offers a space to the conflict, which is inherent to the human nature, in order to transform it into a new creative relationship. Indeed, “Understanding develops common ground from which to proceed in a harmonious relationship.”[1] Listening is an essential quality for solving conflicts. It is the path towards understanding which creates peace.