The Art of Conflict Transformation

Autoethnography can be understood as part of an integrated continuum within a narrative conflict resolution framework. Narrative methods have been shown to increase narrative coherency and generate transformation processes. Conflict transformation goes beyond conflict resolution by engaging people, families and communities in constructive social change processes. Even pedagogy can be used to elicit transformation processes. Guiding metaphors provide symbols that reinforce our ability to imagine a more desirable situation as we identify the changes we seek. When practicing holistic approaches, life-o-grams become transformagrams.
 
In this way, conflict is a gift when it is understood to be a vehicle for change. When conflict is perceived as a gift, conflict transformation opens to a passageway toward more life-giving opportunities and fulfilling relationships. Social change processes that increase social justice bring forth justicepeace, or peace rooted in justice. When we map our conflicts, we can better understand the processes-structures that are shaping conflict. We can see the patterns that give form to conflict. Our conscious awareness acts on these relational patterns. Mapping conflict transforms our perception of conflict as we explore the connections. This in turn allows us to behold our conflict narratives using Appreciative Inquiry.
 
We are living in glovircal landscapes, experiencing the global and local through virtual landscapes that offer increased interconnectedness. Conflict transformation allows us to enter constructive change process that lift our lives through creative endeavors, allowing our life stories to become works of art within the larger picture. Conflict transformation lifts our conflict narratives to the level of the aesthetic oeuvre, especially when our metaphors guide our questing process.
 
The Hero’s Journey becomes a form of ‘creative mythology’ that unfolds within our storylines, as we connect to our inner compass, homing in to our brave hearts. We must envision and respond with response-ability to our conflicts, understanding conflict as a gift that is inviting us to beautify our story mandalas. The place of art in conflict uses metaphors to enhance significance and bridging. This puts art in a central place in conflict transformation.

Listen to Jean Paul Lederach’s keynote presentation “Art in the place of Conflict”: