“Conflict is the beginning of consciousness.” ~M. Esther Harding

May 23rd, 2012

Conflict.  It’s something most of us shy away from.  After all, we paid our dues as teenagers, didn’t we? Oh, maybe that was just me. But, now as independent adults, we can choose to avoid it, like choosing whether or not to make our bed or do our chores.

What’s the point of conflict anyway?  Shouldn’t we avoid it…even when it’s unavoidable? Make cookies, not war…and that sort of thing? Don’t we want world peace starting with the person in the mirror? I’m conflicted about conflict. When given the choice between fight or flight, the latter seems more enjoyable,especially if I’m headed to a tropical island!

Conflict, though, can be a positive thing, an opportunity. An opportunity for growth and change. Most of us resist change too, happily strolling along until life threatens to create so much conflict or major crises that we are forced to change.

Why not nip it in the bud and embrace it. Hey, Change! I see you comin.’ You’re cleverly disguised as Conflict. Ha! You’re not foolin’ me! And I’m not afraid of you…mostly. Yeah. Watch me bend and let you roll off my back. And, if you come back with more, I’ll do the same. So there!

Conflict shouldn’t be about “fight or flight.” It should be about resist or grow, and asking ourselves: What am I seeing about myself in this conflict? What is trying to emerge in me? How am I participating? Where am I needing to grow? Where am I falling short?

Today I will search for the gap within myself and do my best to close it. I will see Conflict for what it is: an opportunity for me to discover my best self.

Oh, Conflict.  Who knew a silver lining was part of your clever disguise.  You rascal!