Neuroscientists are coming to understand far more deeply the functioning of the brain and nervous system and its relationship to conflict. This understanding has tremendous relevance to the work of mediators and conflict resolution professionals.

• Appreciation of the commonality of our human experience, and its role in building sustainable peace. 
• Understanding that talking about our differences arouses the nervous system, creating excitement and provoking defensive patterning. 
• Entrainment of our nervous systems to identify the distinct experiences of sameness and difference.
• Learning how to change our defensive patterning by breathing, relaxing, and staying open to many perspectives.
• Fostering constructive dialogue which includes the skillful engagement of difference and excitement, noticing when difference becomes threat and reducing it.

I loved getting to bring my co-authors Diane and Gabriel to a community I used to be closer to on the East Coast of the States. I hope you enjoy listening to it.