From Conflict to Understanding - Led by Dr. Ariane David

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We live in a time when political, cultural, and religious divisions can seem impossible to cross. As Albert Einstein observed, “The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.”What then is the thinking that keeps us stuck in our thinking; unable to move on; unable to find lasting solutions to our differences; unable even to “hear” each other?

The problem isn’t simply what we think. It’s how we think.This presentation examines the mental habits that keep individuals and societies stuck in conflict. Drawing on evidence from systems thinking, ethics, and human behavior, Ariane introduces practical cognitive and spiritual exercises designed to help participants develop new ways of thinking about persistent human problems.

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What We've Learned So Far

Positional thinking is the deeply ingrained belief that our own perspective is the only valid one—the truth. In part 1 we learned to recognize positional thinking and begin letting go of the automatic impulse to judge or blame those who see things differently. Grounded in cognitive science and lived experience, it is a practical tool for anyone who wants to help build a more compassionate society, renew a divided church community, or heal a struggling relationship.

 

Now It's Time For The Second Part on 8 October

 Ariane will guide us through a series of experiential exercises. You’ll have an opportunity to put Non-Positional Thinking into practice and experience how it can change the quality of a difficult conversation, whilst still holding to our principles. 

Genuine curiosity can engender meaningful communication and increase understanding.

These skills can be used in political and religious discussions, as well as in the everyday conversations we have with family members, friends, colleagues, and neighbours.

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Why It Matters Now

We need to use our time and energy wisely- how do we best create change in the Catholic Church? Maybe we can find new ways of talking with and challenging people whose views differ radically from our own?     

 

IF YOU'VE ALREADY REGISTERED FOR ARIANE'S FIRST TALK ON 17 SEPTEMBER, PLEASE USE THE SAME LINK. NO NEED TO RE-REGISTER