When handled poorly, conflict resolution results in long-simmering, tense or broken working and personal relationships. However, if dealt with mindfully, conflicts can improve our understanding of ourselves and others, and build our relationships.
How do you manage conflict? Do you get angry easily and express it, but with little control? Or do you stockpile complaints, only to act out angry feelings in passive ways?
Negative emotions, such as feeling let down, feeling put down or feeling shut down, bolster stress and resentment. When these feelings continue, due to unsuccessfully managed conflicts, they lead to chronic stress, which in turn leads to chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, depression, as well as anxiety and chronic pain.
The first step to better deal with conflict is to become more mindful…
