BRAIN WAVES & CONFLICT

 

 

 

This diagram shows some of the different brain states and their relationship to thought processes.  We can experience each of these states with awareness and also find ways to cultivate them. It is even suggested that we benefit from spending time experiencing all of these different states.

 

However, when in conflict or under stress, our brain states can become stuck and we spend more time in the "Beta" state. This can limit our ability to think and work creatively.  Fortunately, different physical and mental activities can induce such changes in brain states.  One of the suggested benefits of these variations is that they can give a fresh perspective on situations - a crucial part of working productively with conflict.

 

We experience such changes nearly everyday: One of the purposes of sleeping, dreaming and even day-dreaming, is to give the brain a chance to change its thought-patterns.  And there are also ways to change these brain states consciously. Finding methods that do this in a supportive way is part of the practice of facilitating change. By exploring activities that foster changes in thinking processes, we can support people experiencing and working with conflict and bring new opportunities to people seeking change.

 

For more information, see my dissertation -