The Power of Conflict

By Linda Hart Streeter

Conflict leads us through paths where we either thrive in our relationships, or we strive one against the other. Relationships thrive, promote growth, and expand creativity if problems are resolved in meaningful ways. Opposite of thriving is striving. When conflict is used as a chasm for control over others, violence, threats, and selfish gain, it’s harmful to everyone involved. Conflict must be laced with love as in the yin and yang concept. They coexist. While love does not always mean agreement, it is the gateway to compassion and understanding. The interconnectedness of love and conflict is meaningful yet complex in their unique enjoining. Although complex and of sometimes uncomfortable, maximized potential is interwoven in conflict and the struggles of life. It is through the struggle that loves guides one to achievements. Through conflict, love is tested, and commitment is defined.

The Power of Conflict is a holistic approach to conflict and dispels the myths that (a) conflict must be hostile, (b) conflict must be confrontational, or (c) conflict must be physical, verbal, and/or emotional aggressive to get what you want. The Power of Conflict teaches us that during disagreement, positive expressions can emerge, unleashing innovative solutions and brilliance. The information herein will help you (a) become intentional about your decisions, thoughts, and actions, (b) harness your unlimited spiritual virtues, (c) develop inner peace, (d) empower you with traits to build healthy relationships with others, and (e) view problems as an opportunity to create solutions for yourself and the universe. To get you, there are practical skill-building exercises to guide you through each of the twelve commandments for resolving conflict and manifesting your relationship dreams.

Lastly, understand that conflict simply conveys it is time for a change. Change is inevitable, so don’t be afraid of it. Through change, you maximize your personal power and potential, thereby allowing your brilliance to shine as you cultivate inner peace and intimacy in your relationship.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9781647012632

Book preview

What Is Conflict?

Conflict can be defined as a collision of ideas and disagreements. It is to act contradictory to perceived norms of speech, interest, ideas, and behavior or be in a state of opposition—clash, fight, or do battle with. Conflict is a prolonged struggle, controversial, and quarrelsome mind-set that leads to strife discord in action, feelings, antagonism, and opposition over self-interest and principles. Thus, conflict can manifest in the incompatibility of values, ideas, desires, events, or activity with others. Inherent in conflict is a mental struggle, driven by incongruent feelings of opposing demands or impulses. When opposing ideas and actions from different entities clash, antagonistic attitudes and behaviors are sometimes inevitable.

Accepting conflict as a natural part of life minimizes the thoughts that your partner is crazy or problematic. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, ideas, values, and belief systems. However, you must exhibit understanding and compassion regardless of differences because each individual has his/her own way of perceiving things. Reactions and responses are typically based upon individual perceived truths. In light of individual differences and life experiences, conflicting internal struggles manifest in the relationship.

There are four types of conflict: intrapersonal conflict, interpersonal conflict, intragroup conflict, and intergroup conflict. While I will discuss each briefly, my focus primarily is on intrapersonal and interpersonal conflict.

Intrapersonal conflict arises within one’s self, embedded in the human psyche. The conflict occurs when thoughts, values, principles, and emotions are split and incongruent. It can be difficult to manage your life and relationships if you can’t decipher or label your feelings. As inner struggles intensify, there is outward frustration. You will find that it is difficult to discover meaning to your struggle, which in turn leads to restlessness. Uneasiness promotes anxiety and depression. Keep in mind that intrapersonal conflict could vary from the mundane to confusion over major decisions such as intimate relationships, social settings, ideas about love and hate, education, and/or career decision. A person will typically struggle with basic life skills,