Navigating CONFLICT
May 26, 2026
Early childhood conditions, made me avoid conflict. Sensitive by nature, displays of anger and harsh vocal tones sent me into freeze mode. I would shut down, and my mind would stop and my heart race. As a survival practice, I mastered navigating conflict by becoming either invisible, mute or perfect in all behaviours.
I kept this up well into my adult life, and was engaged professionally in many conflict resolution scenarios. However, as life unfolded I learnt that there are other ways to view conflict. On my spiritual journey, I discovered Sun Tsu’s Art of War. I’ve returned to it again, as we witness global conflict of unprecedented proportions.
How then can I, as one individual be a warrior in such times I ask myself ?
Sun Tsu states that the key to leading effectively is knowing the things that make up your environment and then helping arrange them so that their power becomes available. We must consider victory without battle and know ourselves, the other and the environment.
This all requires that we see that the world is interconnected and dynamic. Always changing which gives rise to possibilities. If we are interconnected then we must find a response to the conflict which leaves everyone in tact. Two wrongs cannot make a right. We must also use our intellect and intuition to discern the elements and patterns in the system. Thus allowing our skilled action. Victory is therefore found, not made. We can achieve our goals without resorting to aggression or engendering further conflict.
I am reminded of the 23rd Psalm…. which I cite here. It is my own personal mantra for my inner spiritual warrior as I navigate the conflicts in the world - both small and large. I also call up the spirit of St Michael and his holy sword of protection. These are my daily disciplines of virtue, to help me be a master in times of chaos and uncertainty.
Julia
