Co-creating Peace

Welcome to Co-creating Peace, a series about conscious communication and conflict transformation, where we bring you insights and wisdoms from experts in mindfulness and peacemaking from around the world. I will be taking a break from broadcasting new episodes of Co-creating Peace during April and May as I relocate my home and my sound studio. During that time, I hope you will listen to past episodes of this podcast, harvest the insights and wisdoms you will find there, and continue to share Co Creating Peace with others. Here are a few examples of the many episodes you might want to listen to: Episode #2 Episode #3Episode #4 Episode #5Tune in the weekend of June 8th for a new episode of Co Creating Peace! Please support Co-creating Peace: tell the world about Co-creating Peacewww.patreon.com/CocreatingPeace Visit BridgesofPeace.com to learn more about Kathleen and her work.

Welcome to “Energy Ball for Peace Ceremony". In this episode, Jeffrey Goldstein and I embark on an intriguing exploration of how each of us can harness the natural energy within us to foster peace and healing for ourselves and others. Jeffrey guides us through forming an energy ball, a technique using the healing energy within each of us. Join us as Jeffrey describes the transformative peace ceremonies he has been using and teaching in Israel and Palestine for many years. Energy ball ceremonies harness the power of collective intention and the positive ripple effect that can create. Using this powerful tool, we can all contribute to a more united and peaceful world. Jeffrey's vision of global harmony through individual and group energy work provides a beacon of hope in a world often divided. I invite you to listen deeply, and you may discover new ways to channel your inner energy towards co-creating a more peaceful existence for all. Highlights include: Jeffrey Goldstein SEP lives in Yefe Nof, Jerusalem, Israel. His professional focus is Body Oriented Trauma Therapy with a Spiritual Approach. Modalities are Attunement, Somatic Experiencing®, and EmotionAid®. He offers private sessions, classes, & trainings in Israel, Switzerland, USA, and online. He's a Dedicated Spiritual Peace activist with a strong desire to spread inner peace. He conducts Peace Vigils 2x/week since Oct. 7, 2024. JeffGoldsteinAttuner.comJeffGoldsteinAttuner@gmail.comEnergy Ball For Peace Ceremony: Personal Health and Global BlessingEnergy Ball: For Health and Spiritual GrowthUpcoming Zoom offerings: Attunement Class4/1/24: 17:00 UTC/GMT4/2/24: 09:00 UTC/GMTSpiritual ResilienceJoin Peace VigilsSun.:Wed.:Safe~PeaceJeffGoldsteinAttuner@gmail.comIMPORTANT NOTE: I'll be taking a break from broadcasting new episodes of Co-creating Peace in April and May, as I renovate my sound studio. During that time, I hope you'll listen to past episodes of this podcast, harvest the insights and wisdoms you will find there, and continue to share Co-creating Peace with others. New episodes of Co-creating Peace resume the weekend of June 8th! Please support Co-creating Peace: tell the world about Co-creating Peacewww.patreon.com/CocreatingPeace Visit BridgesofPeace.com to learn more about Kathleen and her work.

Welcome to "From Conflict to Collaboration: The Art of Mediation”, Episode #136 Have you ever felt trapped in a web of conflict, unsure of how to untangle the emotional threads of anger, fear, and confusion? This week, we're joined by mediator Michael Fraidenburg, co-author with fellow mediator Terry Teale, of the recently published book, “The Art of Mediation” to explore the transformative journey mediation offers in guiding individuals from impasse to insight. We discuss some of the emotional complexities of conflict, and the critical role of the mediator in fostering a safe space for genuine dialogue. Mike and I explore the subtleties of facilitative mediation, a process that hands the reins back to the conflicting parties, allowing them to steer towards their own resolutions while maintaining autonomy. Our discussion explores the mediator's dual role – resolving the present dispute while equipping individuals with the psychological tools and practical know-how to approach resolving future conflicts together without the need for professional support. You’ll leave this episode equipped with Mike's three golden questions, your new go-to toolkit for reshaping perspectives and promoting flexibility in the face of disagreement. These questions aren't just for the mediation table; they're practical approaches that can be woven into the fabric of your daily personal interactions. Join us for an episode that not only provides powerful, yet easy to use tools for mediation, but also for fostering collaborative relationships in our daily lives. Must-hear highlights include: Conflict is a natural, normal part of lifecan actually be an opportunityhow we approach conflictmediationMichael Fraidenburg, the principal of The Cooperation Company, is a Certified Mediator recognized by the Washington Mediation Association. He teaches conflict resolution for the Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County, WA and the Northwest Environmental Training Center, contributing to the skill development of professionals. His expertise includes working with prominent organizations, like the US Bureau of Land Management, the State of Washington, the City of Seattle, and the Puget Sound Partnership Michael’s co-author, Terry Teale, the principal of Heart of the Matter Mediation Services, is a certified mediator, collaborative negotiations specialist, and the past Board President of the Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County, WA. Here’s where to go to learn more: Please support Co-creating Peace: tell the world about Co-creating Peacewww.patreon.com/CocreatingPeace Visit BridgesofPeace.com to learn more about Kathleen and her work.

Welcome to “Don’t Believe Everything You Think”, Episode #135 of Co-creating Peace, a series about conscious communication and conflict transformation. If you listen to “Co-creating Peace” on a regular basis, you’ve probably recognized that many of the recent episodes have been related to ways that each of us can bridge the divides that exist between individuals, groups, and countries. Clearly, it is essential to our survival as a specie that we learn to co-habitate this planet in peace, which can only happen if we learn to collaborate with one another for the mutual benefit of all. Competition for territory, resources, and power has brought us nothing but death and destruction, time and again. As I look at the world around us, I can’t help but notice that the ever-expanding divides we are experiencing are being fueled by rhetoric, assumptions, judgements, and bias, all of which are triggering escalations of hatred and violence. How do we transcend this? There are many answers to this question. One is: don’t believe everything you think. Join me as we explore the intricate workings of our minds and the ways in which our unconscious filters shape conflicts and communication. Listen in as I discuss the primal brain's lightning-fast judgments and associations that often go unnoticed, influencing our reactions and potentially escalating conflicts. I discuss how important it is to critically evaluate our automatic thoughts to ensure they align with reality and the current situation. We also delve into the transformative Iroquois Rule of Six, a tool that offers a multifaceted understanding of different perspectives, which is invaluable in transforming conflict into collaboration. We’ll address the common trap of 'if-then' thinking and the critical role of questioning our personal filters and assumptions, and the importance of curiosity over conclusions. Highlights you won’t want to miss: I hope it helps you on your path to co-creating peace in your life. If each of us strives to co-create peace in our own world, we can build a strong foundation for co-creating peace across the globe. Please support Co-creating Peace: tell the world about Co-creating Peacewww.patreon.com/CocreatingPeace Visit BridgesofPeace.com to learn more about Kathleen and her work.

Welcome to “Lessons on the Road to Peace”, Episode #134 of Co-creating Peace, a podcast series about conscious communication and conflict transformation, where we bring you insights and wisdoms from experts in mindfulness and peacemaking from around the world. As the world wrestles with chasms of division, John Noltner and his wife Karen, set out to traverse the American heartlands, a journey that would span 93,000 miles and countless narratives. Their quest, part of his project "A Peace of my Mind", and captured in John's book "Lessons on the Road to Peace," is an exploration of the threads that bind us in our shared humanity. In our conversation, John unveils the mosaic of America's story, emphasizing the power of empathy and understanding in transcending differences. John also discusses the importance of deep listening, challenging our own expectations, and staying engaged in difficult conversations. He shares insights on building trust, finding common ground, and the power of modeling empathy and respect. He talks about his experiences traveling across the country, meeting people from different backgrounds, and seeking out stories that challenge divisive narratives, with the goal of helping us all to rediscover what connects us as human beings, and promoting understanding and empathy. Key takeaways you won’t want to miss include: A gifted storyteller, John Noltner has worked on four continents, gathering stories of human courage, grace, and resilience. He has produced projects for national magazines, Fortune 500 companies, and non-profit organizations. A Peace of My Mind reflects his belief that art and storytelling can help individuals, organizations and communities articulate their deepest values and encourage action toward building social capital and community connections. John hopes that “Lessons on the Road to Peace” can serve as a model for how to encounter differences, how to challenge our expectations and how to see the common humanity that is all around us. This book is intended to encourage and inspire the peacemakers of the world To learn more about John’s project “A Peace of My Mind”, and to get his book, “Lessons on the Road to Peace”, visit: apeaceofmymind.net or apomm.net Please support Co-creating Peace: tell the world about Co-creating Peacewww.patreon.com/CocreatingPeace Visit BridgesofPeace.com to learn more about Kathleen and her work.

Welcome to "Unlocking Harmony, Compassion, Balance, and Growth in a Divided World", Episode #133 of Co-creating Peace, a podcast series about conscious communication and conflict transformation, where we bring you insights and wisdoms from experts in mindfulness and peacemaking from around the world. In this episode, my guest, Constantin Morun and I discuss how to transform your internal monologue into a powerful tool for positive change. We delve into the art of self-forgiveness and understanding, showcasing that the path to bridging societal divides lies within our own hearts. Our conversation sheds light on the significant impact of nurturing self-compassion, as it not only aids in achieving personal peace, but also equips us with the empathy needed to foster harmony in our interactions with others. Constantin Morun is a passionate advocate of personal growth, self-discovery, and professional development with over 15 years of experience. Through his journey from a fear-ridden man hiding his authentic self to embracing vulnerability and authenticity, Constantin demonstrates that self-discovery can unlock the keys to personal and professional success. As a Holistic Life Empowerment Mentor & Coach, he inspires and empowers individuals on their unique journeys towards growth and self-discovery through both his professional and personal life, as well as his podcast, Unleash Thyself. Integrating his passion for technology, spirituality, and mentorship, Constantin helps individuals unlock their full potential, fostering a positive impact on the world around them. His mission centers on personal growth, spirituality, and self-discovery, dedicated to uplifting and empowering every member of the audience with his humble and sincere insights. Highlights you won't want to miss: Learn more about Constantin Morun and the fine work that he is doing by going to: https://linktr.ee/unleashthyself Please support Co-creating Peace: tell the world about Co-creating Peacewww.patreon.com/CocreatingPeace Visit BridgesofPeace.com to learn more about Kathleen and her work.

Welcome to “The Graceful Confrontation Guide to Empowered Communication”, Episode #132 of Co-creating Peace, a podcast series about conscious communication and conflict transformation, where we bring you insights and wisdom from experts in mindfulness and peacemaking from around the world. Today, Rebecca Whitman, bestselling author of 3 books on business mindset, an award-winning coach, and the host of the Balanced, Beautiful & Abundant podcast, joins me to talk about the importance of effective communication in relationships and in personal growth. We’ll explore the challenges of non-responsive communication and the fear of confrontation that often leads to ghosting. One of the things that Rebecca emphasizes is the need for positive confrontation, direct communication, and setting boundaries, which can actually prevent conflicts. Key Takeaways: To easily connect with Rebecca, learn about her upcoming events and other resources she has to offer, use click here: https://linktr.ee/rebeccaewhitman. Additional resources and information can be found on her website: rebeccaelizabethwhitman.com Please support Co-creating Peace: tell the world about Co-creating Peacewww.patreon.com/CocreatingPeace Visit BridgesofPeace.com to learn more about Kathleen and her work.

Welcome to “Empathy is Needed When Things Get Heated”, Episode #131 of Co-creating Peace, a podcast series about conscious communication and conflict transformation. I have a great story to share with you, told by the three men who lived it, about how an unattended fire that could have been a catastrophe at multiple levels, instead became a powerful wisdom opportunity and a relationship-strengthening experience. Highlights you won’t want to miss: Joining me to tell you this story are the 3 men who were involved in the incident, Edwin Rutsch, Zak Wear, and Daniel Hirtz. Zak Wear and Daniel Hirtz are active members of the Empathy Movement who were at the Empathy Center for the Empathy Facilitator training. You may remember Edwin Rutsch from Episode #103, when he shared some truly inspiring information about the Empathy Movement with us. Edwin's the founding director of the Center for Building a Culture of Empathy. The center’s website, cultureofempathy.com, is a comprehensive portal for empathy-related material. There’s an in-person Empathy Circle Facilitator Training happening at the Empathy Center in Santa Barbara CA Jan. 27-28, 2024, and online trainings every couple of months. To learn more about the Empathy Circle Facilitator Training and to register go to: www.bestempathytraining.com See the Empathy Summits schedule and register at: www.empathysummit.com. The next one is a multi-Saturday one beginning January 6th. Learn about the Center for Building a Culture of Empathy at cultureofempathy.com. Online empathy circles happen every week. Visit www.empathycircle.com/schedule to find the best one for you. The next episode of Co-creating Peace airs the weekend of January 13, 2024. Tuesday, Jan. 16th, my flagship 34-hour professional development course “Facilitating with Finesse in Today’s World” begins, hosted live online by University of New Mexico’s Anderson School of Management. Are you looking for new skills to support your success as a leader and increase your potential to reach new heights in your career? Do you wish the meetings you lead or participate in could be more focused, efficient, collaborative, and productive? Are you eager to start the new year with new tools to help you manage group processes? Then this is the opportunity for you! Learn more about the “Facilitating with Finesse in Today’s World”, live online program by visiting my website Bridgesofpeace.c Please support Co-creating Peace: tell the world about Co-creating Peacewww.patreon.com/CocreatingPeace Visit BridgesofPeace.com to learn more about Kathleen and her work.

With the holidays coming up, we often have high emotion, covering a wide range from love and joy, to anger & frustration, celebration of blessings and grieving for lost ones, old family wounds & grudges, and political tensions – you name it! I want to provide you with as many tools and understandings as possible to bring peace and harmony to your holidays... and to your life. Welcome to Part 2 of “Holding the Calm”, Episode #130 of Co-creating Peace, a series about conscious communication and conflict transformation. In the last episode of this podcast – Episode #129, “Holding the Calm”, Part 1 – you heard the first half of a very interesting conversation I had with mediator and author of “Holding the Calm: The Secret to Resolving Conflict and Defusing Tension”, Hesha Abrams, who shared with us several practical and effective tools to diffuse tension and resolve conflicts in a wide variety of contexts. Among the many wonderful things Hesha shared with us in Part 1 are: Today, Hesha shares some great information about how tackling smaller issues can evolve into solving bigger problems. Highlights include: Hesha Abrams is the founder of Hesha Abrams Mediation and is an internationally renowned mediator who has successfully resolved thousands of cases over the past thirty years, from simple car accidents to multibillion-dollar disputes involving titans of industry. Hesha Abrams is a master at turning high conflict into amicable resolutions and resolving delicate matters with diplomacy and skill. She is renowned for her success in resolving complicated and high-stakes disputes from corporate disagreements to political conflicts. Her strategic ability to remain cool-headed and balanced in complex situations leads to successful outcomes making her a leading name in her field, and an invaluable resource in any dispute resolution process. You can find “Holding the Calm: The Secret to Resolving Conflict and Defusing Tension”, and learn more about Hesha and her work by visiting: www.holdingthecalm.com Please support Co-creating Peace: tell the world about Co-creating Peacewww.patreon.com/CocreatingPeace Visit BridgesofPeace.com to learn more about Kathleen and her work.

Ever find yourself feeling stuck in an increasingly tense situation, perhaps with someone you find difficult to deal with, unable to find a resolution, and unsure of how to diffuse the growing tension? Welcome to Part 1 of “Holding the Calm”, Episode #129 of Co-creating Peace, a series about conscious communication and conflict transformation. As a follow-on to the last episode of this podcast – Episode #128, “Navigating Family Tensions”, I want to continue the theme of how to navigate tensions, regardless of who it is with, and what better time to do it than now, as we enter the holiday season, which brings with it the wide variety of emotional dynamics that seem inevitable at this time of year. In today’s episode, you’ll hear the first of a 2-part dynamic and enlightening conversation I had with mediator and author, Hesha Abrams, who gives us several practical and effective tools to diffuse tension and resolve conflicts in a wide variety of contexts. She shares the intriguing concept of motivational rationalization; how humans perceive and process information, how scarcity mentality can affect our decision-making, and how we can use all this information to have more peaceful, productive interactions with others. Don’t miss these highlights: Hesha Abrams is the founder of Hesha Abrams Mediation and is an internationally renowned mediator who has successfully resolved thousands of cases over the past thirty years, from simple car accidents to multibillion-dollar disputes involving titans of industry. Hesha Abrams is a master at turning high conflict into amicable resolutions and resolving delicate matters with diplomacy and skill. She is renowned for her success in resolving complicated and high-stakes disputes from corporate disagreements to political conflicts. Her strategic ability to remain cool-headed and balanced in complex situations leads to successful outcomes making her a leading name in her field, and an invaluable resource in any dispute resolution process. Join us for part 2 of my conversation with Hesha, airing on Sunday Dec. 10th. when Hesha provides some great insights about: In the meantime, check out Hesha’s book, “Holding the Calm: The Secret to Resolving Conflict and Defusing Tension”, which contains all these insights and tools and a whole bunch more at: https://www.holdingthecalm.com. It might just be the perfect stocking stuffer for your entire family! Please support Co-creating Peace: tell the world about Co-creating Peacewww.patreon.com/CocreatingPeace Visit BridgesofPeace.com to learn more about Kathleen and her work.

Picture this: You're at your family's holiday gathering, and suddenly a heated argument breaks out. The festive atmosphere quickly turns tense, and you find yourself wishing you had a mediator on speed dial. For a wide variety of reasons, holiday family gatherings can sometimes feel like ground zero for conflict. Welcome to “Navigating Family Tensions: Lessons from Mediation”, Episode #128 of Co-creating Peace, a podcast about conscious communication and conflict transformation. Joining me today is my good friend and colleague, David Levin, a long-time mediator, to share some insightful tips on navigating those tricky family conflicts that can often arise during the holidays. David offers gems of wisdom and lessons learned from mediation, advising us to tread lightly and avoid direct intervention, while stressing the impact of individual, meaningful interactions, and nurturing our relationships to create a peaceful dynamic where we can. Highlights you won’t want to miss include: David has provided us with brief synopsis of the insights he shared in our conversation, which includes a diagram of the communication tool called “looping”, that he described to us: “Navigating Family Tensions: Lessons from Mediation” Handout Here are just a few of the past episodes of this podcast which describe other tools you may find useful when navigating family conflict: Episode #3 – “When the Need Arises”Episode #5 ­ – “Breaking the Chain of Conflict”Episode #18 – “Re-humanizing One Another”Episode #43 – “Using Nonviolent Communication® to Speak Your Truth”, Part 1Episode #44 – “Using NVC® to Speak Your Truth”, Part 2David Levin graduated from the University of New Mexico School of Law, in 1977 and has been a trained mediator since 1987. David began his legal career as a civil litigator and a general practitioner, later becoming a Board Recognized Specialist in Family Law and establishing a general private mediation practice. He is currently practicing mediation, providing mediation training and education, and serving as a resource for alternative dispute resolution programs. To connect with David or learn more about his work, email him at: davidlevin@mindspring.com Please support Co-creating Peace: tell the world about Co-creating Peacewww.patreon.com/CocreatingPeace Visit BridgesofPeace.com to learn more about Kathleen and her work.

What does one do to co-create peace in times like these? Are we powerless to alter the direction and momentum in which humanity seems to be propelling itself helter-skelter into the abyss of mutual destruction? Are we destined to drown in the tsunami of hatred that threatens to wash away all that is good and beautiful in the world? Or, could we somehow, some way, transcend the tsunami of hatred, help others to do the same, and alter the dark & terrifying path we are heading down? Welcome to “Transcending the Tsunami of Hatred”, Episode #127 of Co-creating Peace, a podcast about conscious communication and conflict transformation. What if I told you that you, yes YOU, could be the single spark that ignites a global movement towards peace? Imagine a world where each individual can counteract the tide of hatred and violence, simply by embracing kindness, compassion, and collaboration. This episode of Co-Creating Peace is all about empowering you to make that profound impact. I’ll share practical strategies for resisting hatred and fostering peace, even when it feels like an uphill battle. Highlights include specific ways you can implement these four techniques to help you transcend hatred: Join me on a journey toward co-creating a more peaceful world, one person, one deep connection at a time. You can hear additional information on mindfulness in my conversation with mindfulness expert and teacher, Andrew Safer in Episodes #71 & #72. Learn about my living mindfully learning retreat here. Please support Co-creating Peace: tell the world about Co-creating Peacewww.patreon.com/CocreatingPeace Visit BridgesofPeace.com to learn more about Kathleen and her work.

If ever there were a need for empathy, it is now. Listening to the news about what’s going on around the world, it feels as though humanity is fragmenting right before our eyes. Empathy is the glue that holds humanity together. Empathy reminds us to nurture life through connecting with one another in kindness and compassion. Empathy is one of the most powerful tools we have to transform conflict into harmony. Welcome to "Scaling the Empathy Wall”, Episode #126 of Co-creating Peace, a podcast about conscious communication and conflict transformation. On Nov. 4th, I will host the 3rd in a series of Empathy Summits produced by the Center for Building a Culture of Empathy. Please join me for this free online Empathy Summit – "Why is Empathy Essential in Conflict Resolution?" We’ll hear from 5 international conflict resolution experts, then participate in Empathy Circles dialogues with other summit participants. To learn more and to register, visit https://www.empathysummit.com Denise Blanc, joins me to talk about how curiosity and inquiry can help us to scale that invisible, but oh-so-daunting wall that seems to divide us from the people around us so that we can discover and remember the beauty of our shared humanity. Together we explore how we can find the commonalities that are the foundation for empathy by starting conversations with clear intentions, asking questions that take us beneath the superficial, and acknowledging others to help them to feel seen and appreciated. Gems you’ll want to harvest: Denise Blanc, MA, EQCC, ACC is a communication expert, Certified Emotional Intelligence Coach, Facilitator, and Mediator. She coaches, teaches, and writes at the intersection of Emotional Intelligence, Conflict Transformation, and Mindfulness. Denise is the founder and CEO of River Logic Partners, a leadership coaching and consulting firm. She is the author of RiverLogic: Tools to Transform Resistance and Create Flow in all of our Relationships described as “a deeply insightful guide to living in the presence of conflict - fluidly, with equanimity, caring and skill.” Denise’s commitment is to inspire candor, courage, and compassionate communication in creating a more caring world. You can learn more about Denise Blanc and her book “RiverLogic: Tools to Transform Resistance and Create Flow in all of our Relationships” by visiting www.riverlogictools.com Please support Co-creating Peace: tell the world about Co-creating Peacewww.patreon.com/CocreatingPeace Visit BridgesofPeace.com to learn more about Kathleen and her work.

Imagine a world where a simple circle can create a profound sense of belonging, shift confrontational conversations to collaborative explorations, and emphasize connection and inclusion. That world exists today in Peace Circles. Because of the work of Black Women for Positive Change, and other groups such as the Listen First Coalition, Braver Angels and Living Room Conversations, dialogue circles are happening across our nation and around the world. Enjoy “Co-creating Peace in Circles”, Episode #125 of Co-creating Peace, a podcast about conscious communication and conflict transformation. Today, I’m visiting with Renata Valree and Kim Best from Black Women for Positive Change to talk about Peace Circles – an initiative focused on youth to give them opportunities to come together in a safe environment to share their experiences and feelings about this troubled world they’ve inherited. Highlights you won‘t want to miss include: Renata Valree is an Assoc. Professor at CA State University Dominguez Hills where she teaches in the Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, and Peace-building graduate studies program. Renata has a Masters in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution. She serves as E.D. of the Peace in Education Community Mediation Center, is a member of the leadership team for the Assoc. for Conflict Resolution, and is the former Dir. of the Office of the LA City Attorney's Dispute Resolution Program. Kimberly Best, RN, MA, is a Civil Mediator, Family Mediator & owner of Best Conflict Solutions, LLC, specializing in mediation and conflict resolution. She is President/Chair of the TN Assoc. of Professional Mediators and a volunteer Senior Mediator with the LA City Attorney’s office Community Police Unification Program. Kim is also a facilitator, restorative practices practitioner, trainer in dispute resolution processes, and a member of Mediators Beyond Borders, Int. Kim is committed to advancing dispute resolution practices for improving communication and finding optimal solutions for all parties. Join the 12th annual Month of Non-Violence initiative during October. Visit blackwomenforpositivechange.org and click the Month of Non-violence tab to learn more and be a part of this wonderful experience! Sign-Up: https://monthofnonviolence.org/2023-month-of-non-violence-sign-up/ Contact Renata Valree at: rvalree@csudh.edu Contact Kim Best at: Kim@bestconflictsolutions.com Please support Co-creating Peace: tell the world about Co-creating Peacewww.patreon.com/CocreatingPeace Visit BridgesofPeace.com to learn more about Kathleen and her work.

Among the most vulnerable times in a person’s life are those times when they are ill or injured and have to put their wellbeing – sometimes their very life – into the hands of healthcare professionals. We feel scared, vulnerable, alone, even when surrounded by loved ones. In many ways it is a very solitary, often terrifying journey. More than anything in the world, we need to feel nurtured, safe, and truly cared about. Melanie Sears, a retired nurse, as well as a practitioner & teacher of Non-violent Communication for over 30 years joins me again for an inspiring conversation about ways that we all can bring empathy into our conversations about mental and physical health issues with the persons who are facing them. In Episode #123, I had a great conversation with Melanie about the companion workbook to “Humanizing Healthcare”, “Choose Your Words”. Enjoy “Humanizing Healthcare”, Episode #124 of Co-creating Peace, a podcast series about conscious communication and conflict transformation. Guided by NVC principles, Melanie crafted a new approach that replaces 'power over' with 'power with', and domination with collaboration, empowering people to foster connections and nurture empathy in the healthcare arenas. Highlights you won’t want to miss include: Melanie works with couples and individuals as a coach and empath. Contact Melanie at: awakegiraffe@gmail.com. You can learn more about Melanie and her work at: https://dnadialogues.com. Find her books at: https://www.nonviolentcommunication.com/shop or on Amazon. Please support Co-creating Peace: tell the world about Co-creating Peacewww.patreon.com/CocreatingPeacePlease support Co-creating Peace: tell the world about Co-creating Peacewww.patreon.com/CocreatingPeace Visit BridgesofPeace.com to learn more about Kathleen and her work.

Our greatest power tool for building relationships, and our most devastating weapon for destroying them is our use of words. It’s not only the words themselves, but how and when they are delivered that can make the difference between the construction and the destruction of positive connection and harmony. In Episode #122, I spoke with Terre Short, author of “The Words We Choose” Your Guide to How and Why Words Matter. To continue the theme of speaking mindfully, I am joined today by Melanie Sears, a retired nurse who has been a student, practitioner, and teacher of Non-violent Communication for over 30 years, who will share wisdom about choosing our words from the perspective of Nonviolent Communication (NVC). Enjoy “Choose Your Words”, Episode #123 of Co-creating Peace, a podcast series about conscious communication and conflict transformation. Highlights you won’t want to miss include: yourselfMelanie Sears has been a student of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) for more than thirty years. She has written three books based on NVC principles. Humanizing Health Care, followed by a workbook, Choose Your Words in two versions: one geared toward professionals who work in health care and the other one geared to caregivers and family members caring for someone with a psychiatric disorder. Humanizing Health Care is translated into German, Korean, Japanese and Chinese. Choose Your Words was written as a companion workbook for Humanizing Health Care, it is also a wonderful stand-alone workbook that anyone can learn and benefit from. I want to share it with you before Humanizing Health Care because it is a great follow-up to Episode #122 in providing tools for mindful, conscious communication. Next time, in Episode #124, Melanie & I will talk about Humanizing Health Care. Melanie works with couples and individuals as a coach and empath. Contact Melanie at: awakegiraffe@gmail.com. You can learn more about Melanie and her work at: https://dnadialogues.com. Find her books at: https://www.nonviolentcommunication.com/shop/ or on Amazon. Melanie will join us again the weekend of September 9 to tell us about t Please support Co-creating Peace: tell the world about Co-creating Peacewww.patreon.com/CocreatingPeace Visit BridgesofPeace.com to learn more about Kathleen and her work.

Have you ever noticed how much chatter is going on in your head? You know what I mean – that internal narrative I spoke about in Episode #8: “Don’t Believe Everything You Think”. Sometimes that internal narrative, which today’s guest calls our “personal podcast”, can lead us down a detrimental road, one that causes us pain, upset, and conflict, and which can have that same effect on the people in our life. Join me for “Peace is an Inside Job”, Episode #122 of Co-creating Peace, a podcast series about conscious communication and conflict transformation. Author, teacher and coach, Terre Short, joins me today with some great insights into how we can better co-create peace in our lives by recognizing when our thoughts are going down what she calls “the yellow brick road” of negative thinking, and then pivot our thinking in a more constructive, non-violent direction, creating more peaceful outcomes, both internally & externally. Terre provides insights about the importance of evaluating our values and intentions, and why our personal narrative heavily influences our interactions with the world. Highlights you won’t want to miss include: Co-creating PeaceTerre Short, MBA, is an author, speaker, coach and creator of Thriving Leader Collaborative. She believes that truly authentic leadership is achieved when we embrace our inner wisdom to overcome business challenges. As a NeuroMindfulness Practitioner, Terre lives at the intersection of wellbeing and leadership and has spent the last decade advising high performing Fortune 500 leaders on how to explore intuitive pathways to success. Terre is the author of The Words We Choose: Your Guide to How and Why Words Matter. Contact Terre at: Terre@thrivingLC.com Learn more about Terre & her work (and register for her upcoming September retreat) at: www.ThrivingLeaderCollaborative.com Please support Co-creating Peace: tell the world about Co-creating Peacewww.patreon.com/CocreatingPeacePlease support Co-creating Peace: tell the world about Co-creating Peacewww.patreon.com/CocreatingPeace Visit BridgesofPeace.com to learn more about Kathleen and her work.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic gave us our first experience of health-related lock-downs in the US in current times, isolation and loneliness have been a growing problem for many people. It's gotten to the point that the U.S. surgeon general published an advisory outlining his concerns about the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection in our country earlier this year. Disconnection fundamentally affects our mental, physical & societal health. Fortunately, Coach Lee Hopkins is working diligently to help others create new relationships to bring joy and connection into their lives. Coach Lee Hopkins has been a guest on this podcast a few times in the past. He joined us in Episode #77 when he told us about a very powerful boundaries framework that he has created, which he calls 3N Boundaries. Then in Episodes #80 & #81 Coach Lee shared some important insights & tools to help us understand more about our grudges & how to constructively work with them. Coach Lee joins us again today to share some great insights & tools about ways that we can build strong, mutually beneficial connections with others. Welcome to “Building Meaningful Connections in an Era of Loneliness”, Episode #121 of Co-creating Peace. Some highlights are: Make sure you go to the Patterns of Possibility website & register for the Annual Social Connections Summit (Aug. 5 & 6) by clicking on the Annual Summit 2023 link. When you click on the “For Individuals” link on the homepage, in addition to the other great information there, you will find a Free Resources link with some really great free tools to help you build stronger connections with yourself, as well as others. The “For Organizations” link on the home page takes you to some excellent information & tools which can be tailored to almost any group, even an informal one. Please support Co-creating Peace: Please support Co-creating Peace: tell the world about Co-creating Peacewww.patreon.com/CocreatingPeace Visit BridgesofPeace.com to learn more about Kathleen and her work.

Have you ever considered how your subconscious beliefs might be affecting your relationships and communication? In this episode, Judy Kane, founder of Aligned Consciousness, and I delve into the ways our subconscious beliefs shape our communication and boundaries, and how being aware of them can help us make more equitable decisions and prioritize our own goals. We also discuss how our compliance with other people's expectations may stem from our underlying beliefs and cause potential conflicts in our relationships. We look at how these hidden beliefs can conflict with our conscious goals and shape our reality. Recognizing these beliefs can greatly benefit our interactions with others and lead to healthier connections. Judy will also share some valuable insights on aligning your conscious and subconscious beliefs to foster healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Welcome to “Journey to Deeper Connections: Aligning Conscious & Subconscious Beliefs”, Episode #120 of Co-creating Peace, a series about conscious communication and conflict transformation. Highlights you won’t want to miss include: Judy Kane, founder of Aligned Consciousness, helps people identify and transform subconscious beliefs that keep them repeating ineffective, stressful patterns. Her clients experience changes which allow them to achieve their goals —with ease and comfort. She is the author of Your4Truths: How Beliefs Impact Your Life. Judy also hosts workshops and presents in group sessions, conferences, and podcasts. To learn more about Judy Kane and aligning your consciousness, visit her website at: alignedconsciousness.com, where you can also find her book, Your4Truths – How Beliefs Impact Your Life. You can also find Judy on LinkedIn and Facebook Please support Co-creating Peace: Please support Co-creating Peace: tell the world about Co-creating Peacewww.patreon.com/CocreatingPeace Visit BridgesofPeace.com to learn more about Kathleen and her work.

Despite our best intentions and efforts, marriage doesn’t always work out exactly the way we planned; sometimes it doesn’t work out at all! Both marriage and its dissolution can be filled with rancor and conflict, or they can be opportunities for collaboration and growth; sometimes all the above. Whether it’s a marriage in progress or one that is ending, people can make a conscious choice about how they want to approach conflict and its resolution. Mediation can be an integral ingredient in a constructive outcome that builds or restructures a relationship, rather than destroying it. Welcome to “The Accidental Marriage – Re-Framing Divorce”, Episode #119 of Co-creating Peace, a series about conscious communication and conflict transformation. In this episode, Debra Oliver, a mediator with over 30 years of experience, & I explore the concept of an 'accidental marriage’: the complexities of attraction that can lead to subconscious and assumed agreements which may cause issues later in the relationship. We’ll also discuss important details negotiated in a divorce mediation that divorcing parents often overlook, such as parenting styles, long-term finances, and the legal rights of each parent. Highlights of our conversation include: Debra Oliver, founder of Common Ground Mediation Services, has been a mediator and trainer since 1989. She has served over ten thousand clients and trainees in the US, Nepal and Russia. She serves a variety of businesses, non-profits, and state agencies, as well as specializing in Restorative Justice, Family Dynamics, and Divorce. Debra has worked with law enforcement agencies and municipalities, providing training and community dialogue services. Debra was also a founding partner , along with myself and 3 others, in Community Dialogue Network, LLC, an organization that provided community-wide dialogues on public perspectives, especially in response to community crises. To learn more about Debra Oliver and her work, visit her website: www.commonground-adr.org Please support Co-creating Peace: www.patreon.com/CocreatingPeacePlease support Co-creating Peace: tell the world about Co-creating Peacewww.patreon.com/CocreatingPeace Visit BridgesofPeace.com to learn more about Kathleen and her work.