In the week ahead, we will almost all face conflict – over politics, within families, at the shopping mall, in school, at work and more. People are on edge. We can protect ourselves from conflict with these simple lessons I picked up from various Indian sources.
Conflict within Yourself:
For most of us, conflict within ourselves is the most long-standing conflict in our life. There is another way. The moment you befriend yourself, everything changes.
Here’s one way to start – what can you forgive yourself for right now?
Conflict with Others:
A massive lesson from India is that relationships are central – they might even be everything. Looking back at the end of your life (if you can imagine) what will matter most is your relationships with the people you love. Do something simple to reinforce this feeling – make someone a cup of tea, reach out to someone you have neglected.
Conflict for The World:
It can get on top of us. Conflict everywhere – Ukraine war, climate change, election battles, communal violence – how can we cope? Pay some attention; you are part of the entire web of life. But try not to follow these conflicts minute by minute. Thinking constructively is a good alternative – for example, how is your lifestyle in conflict with the needs of our planet and the natural world?
In this week ahead, choose connection and relationships. It will lift the weight of conflict off your shoulders.
Into India 