Dis-Solving Conflict from Within: an Inner Path for Conflict Transformation with Henry Yampolsky, J.D.

Thinking Through with LJ

In this conversation, Henry Yampolsky, J.D., through his book (Dis-Solving Conflict from Within: an Inner Path for Conflict Transformation), shares his journey from being a refugee to becoming an advocate for conflict resolution and social justice. He discusses the nature of conflict, emphasizing that it is not merely an external issue but a reflection of our internal state. Yampolsky introduces the concept of 'dissolving conflict from within' and outlines principles for conflict transformation, including the importance of mindfulness, creating space for response, and understanding the triggers of conflict. Through personal stories and insights, he highlights the need for inner work to effect change in the world.

Henry Yampolsky is a mediator, educator, TEDx speaker, and lawyer who serves as the Assistant Director for Education, Outreach, and Conflict Resolution at Virginia Tech’s Office for Equity and Accessibility.

Takeaways

• Henry Yampolsky's journey from refugee to advocate is inspiring.
• Conflict is often viewed too narrowly in a binary way.
• Understanding the nature of conflict is crucial for resolution.
• Inner work is essential for external change.
• Triggers of conflict often stem from conditioning and trauma.
• Creating space allows for better responses to conflict.
• Observation without evaluation can transform interactions.
• Mindfulness is about getting better at feeling, not just feeling better.
• Engaging with complexity is necessary for conflict resolution.
• Peace is a space that allows for clarity and compassion.

Sound Bites

· Conflict is not separate from us.

· All change begins from within us.

· Peace is ultimately space.

Chapters

00:00Henry Yampolsky's Background and Motivation

05:14Understanding Conflict as a Reflection of Our Internal State

06:35The Mistaken View of Conflict as a Competition of Narratives

08:00The Three Elements of Conflict: Story, Attachment, and Emotion

09:28Dissolving Conflict from Within: Going Beyond Solving

11:59Internal and External Conflicts: All Change Begins from Within

15:17Triggers of Conflict and the Importance of Tuning Inward

15:47The Story of Henry Yampolsky's Mother and the Injustice She Faced

24:08The Accumulation of Ideas and the Confusion Between 'Ours' and 'Us'

31:05The Four Principles of Conflict Transformation: Tuning Inward, Observation without Evaluation, Expansion, and Exploration

37:54The Importance of Creating Space and Responding with Strength and Compassion

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