Bridging Troubled Waters: Conflict Resolution from the Heart.

This Book
Summary written by: Brett Reeder, Conflict Research ConsortiumBridging Troubled
Waters seeks to move "beyond the analytic and the intellectual" and to situate "our
efforts at bridging conflict in the very places where conflict is born-
relationships. LeBaron argues that Western-style conflict resolution processes are
excellent at rationally analyzing conflict, but that they tend to neglect some of the
moreabstract elements of relationships, which are central to conflict. In this book she
presents such concepts as additions to (not replacements of) the analytical tradition of
Western Conflict Resolution. In doing so she suggests we pursue a "relationship
based, creative process" to address and resolve conflicts.
To illustrate the principles of this process she identifies "Seven Mountains" of
knowledge: Heart Mountain, Magic Mountain, Nobel Mountain, Mirror
Mountain, Goldmine Mountain and Invention Mountain. The mountain metaphor is
referred to constantly throughout the book and is complimented by numerous stories. As
such, the resolution of conflict requires a change in relationships. To do
so LeBaron suggests we "imagine ourselves as connected by inextricable threads of
relationship," as opposed to assuming relationships consist of "disconnection and
competition. From the peak of "Heart Mountain" we can "make friends with"
our relationships and leverage them as a resource to resolve conflict.
Conflict consists of a "stuck relationship" in which ways forward are not visible to
the parties. From the "peak" of "Magic Mountain," we see new ways ahead. On "Mirror
Mountain" we look at ourselves intently and we seek to recognize the way our
experiences, histories and actions impact our lives and perception, as well as those of
others. At the heart of the work of Mirror Mountain are questions-questions we ask of
ourselves and those we ask of others. LeBaron identifiesfour parts of ourselves often
ignored in Western conflict resolution processes: our physical selves, our emotional
selves, our imagining selves and our spiritual selves.
Identifying these pieces of our selves and their relevance to Conflict Resolution is
the work of Part Two of the book and a chapter is dedicated to each. By listening
carefully to our bodies, we can become more aware of our own emotional and physical
states. That is, the way we feel physically affects our cognitive ability and our emotional
state. Physical movement can shift such physical states, which in turn can shift
emotional and cognitive states. Thus, group movementcan be used to shift relational
physical states in an attempt to shift emotions and cognition, and
thus change relationships.
Our ability to listen to what our bodies are telling us about ourselves and those
around us, as well as our ability to intentionally shift physical states with the intention
of influencing relationships, is referred to as "somatic intelligence. Ouremotional
selves consist of our emotions, which "... Understanding and acknowledging these
experiences in ones self and in others is referred to as emotional intelligence. emotional
intelligence can be cultivated by actively attempting to become aware of emotions, both
in yourself and in others. What are your emotional limits, hot spots, the ways you can let
go ofemotional trauma?
Cultivating your emotional intelligence does not mean
preferencing emotions over rational cognitions. we are connected in multiple
ways of relationships and meanings... Due to this interconnectedness, "we cannot
dispose of conflict in an us-them way, because we are all part of a relational
system of interdependence. From the "peak" ofGoldmine Mountain we learn to use
our whole selves in Conflict Resolution. This includes not only rational analysis, but also
somatic intelligence, emotional intelligence, imaginative intelligence and spiritual
intelligence.
 Using all of our intelligences together allows us to better understand ourselves,
others, our relationships. Thus, by "making friends" with our physical, emotional,
imaginative and spiritual selves, we are able to create the capacity tochange conflictual
relations. On "Invention Mountain" we learn and develop such creative tools. These tools
are metaphors, stories and rituals, with a chapter devoted to each. A rather unfortunate
(but true) example of this is metaphors that refer to conflict as "a war" or a "competition,"
and thus limit the potentially positive effects of conflict.
When used positively, metaphors can promote constructive communication, inform
worldviews, build safe places forrelationships, acknowledge creativity and enhance
process mutuality. This is important because "conflicts are not changed when stories
remain the same. Resolving conflict will require alternative stories with a corresponding
shift in perspectives, attitudes and relationships. As LeBaron put it, ritual "Involves
shared intention to suspend ordinary ways of being with aspecific
purpose and boundaries related to time, place, participants and focus. rituals, stories,
and metaphors are powerful tools for relating to people on the symbolic level, where
meaning is made.
On "Invention Mountain" we creatively adapt and develop such tools as resources
to assist in bridging conflict. By using such creative tools we can access the root
of cultural conflicts in ways that rational approaches cannot. Finally, we take one last
look, turn around and re-climb the other six mountains, this time taking a different path
and learning newthings about ourselves, others, and the process of Conflict
Resolution. According to LeBaron, "as we intervene in conflict, we become part of
the relational system that includes parties and their representatives. In other words, third
partiesbecome part of the conflict relationship and thus they, also, should "climb" each of
the seven "mountains" of knowledge listed above.
Finally, LeBaron stresses that a third party must attend to the secondary effects
of conflict mediation. Conflicts are stressful on the minds and bodies of
mediators. Bridging Troubled Waters uses stories and metaphor as tools to illustrate
the relational nature of conflict, as well as the creativity necessary to resolve
it. LeBaron believes that the field of Conflict Resolution should move on to the "next
wave" of theory. creative, authentic selves and the capacity to love others to the work
and play of conflict resolution training and intervention" Bridging Troubled Waters is an
attempt to embark on such a "new wave".