We will never end all conflict, and we wouldn't want to. Conflict often acts like life's sandpaper helping us to smooth out the rough spots. Yet, we don't look forward to or want to exasperate conflict in ways that harm and hurt people. How can we avoid that kind of conflict--what can we do?
In most cases, repeated right action will mitigate conflict. If we fill our lives with right action, conflict will be less. What right actions lead to this?
Reflection
Making time to reflect on who you are and how you act leads to right action. Make time for reflection.
Careful use of language
How we use words can serve us well and mitigate conflict. Be discerning when it comes to how you use words.
Humility
Acknowledging our role as one of many, no better or worse than others, brings humility, and that humility gives us a perspective that mitigates conflict.
Knowledge
Make time to know the facts of a sitution. Knowing the truth and facts protects us from the conflicts that can arise from propaganda, lies, and misinformation.
Do the hard work
Good, diligent work in any area helps to quell conflict. When you do your part, not only do you contribute good work which earns you respect, but you also make situations better.
Get to know people
Too often we jump to conjecture, projection, and judgement rather than making the time to get to know people. Knowing people well helps us to reduce conflict and move towards greater peace.
Find common ground
Too often we may focus on what differentiates us, what makes us different from one another. If we look for common ground instead, we will likely mitigate conflict that occurs.
Be responsible
Take care of your home and property. Follow the rules of your community or peacefully work to change those rules if you think they are unfair. Responsible action is right action which leads to less conflict.
Ask for help
Sometimes our needs back us into a corner which leads to conflict. If your needs are great, seek help--there are countless agencies and people ready to help when you are stuck. Seek the help you need as another way to reduce conflict.
Put children first
Typically if you think about what's best for children and act in that way, you will greatly reduce conflict in your life. What's best for children generally leads to peaceful living.
Don't conjecture, judge, or project
Rather than guessing about a situation, find the facts. Knowing and sharing the facts will reduce conflict.
Let people live their own lives
When we get over involved in others' lives, we risk greater conflict. It is important that people can live the lives that they are called to live.
Contribution
Make time to give to others in ways that are meaningful, beneficial, and uplifting. This will quell conflicts.
Patience
Give people the time they need to make decisions and sort out any confusion that exists. When we rush people, we create conflict. To be patient, quells conflict.
Joy
Make time for activities and people that bring you joy. Be purposeful about planning and interacting in joyful events. Joy trumps conflict.
Laugh
Adding respectful, healthy humor to situations mitigates any potential conflict. Smiling and laughter are essential to good living.
Repeated right action quells conflict. The more we can identify what that repeated right action is and looks like in our lives, the more peaceful, conflict-free lives we will have. What would you add to this list?