Unexpected Inspiration From A War Zone

Hi folks,

Every now and then, in this line of work, we encounter acts of courage, resilience and commitment that cause us to step back and marvel at the human spirit.?

We had one of those moments last week,?when a member of our community reached out?from Ukraine.?Nikita wrote asking if?we might support?him?to study CINERGY??Conflict Management Coaching.?A student of coaching in?a?Russian coaching program, his?learning was disrupted by the war -?one of many losses he's experienced.

My initial reaction was one of surprise that Nikita, who's?remained in Iviv,?could focus on such things in the?midst?of a warzone.??However, over the coming days?he explained the powerlessness of being unable to plan?and the importance of having a focus.?His intent was to?prepare?himself for the role he would play?when the war eventually ends.?Well .... you get it......?I get goosebumps even as I write?this!

As I read Nikita's?words, I was struck by his sense of vision, his capacity to see beyond the drama of the moment to the world he wants to co-create.?Rather than descend into the pain and agony of conflict and uncertainty, he set his sights on a different outcome.??

As a conflict management coach, I recognise the power of her future-focus. It's so easy to descend into the chaos that is conflict. With brains that are hardwired to remember negative experiences, to keep us safe (in a short-term fight or flight sort of way), it's tempting to focus on self-defense and revenge. Nikita is choosing a path that is both more empowered and empowering (of self and others).?

One of the powerful aspects of the CINERGY? model is its capacity to help people consider what might be happening for the 'other party'. Long-term peace will only be possible between Russia and Ukraine, if the parties caught on both sides of the conflict can discover compassion for their counterparts. That is true for all of us, in all of our day-day skirmishes. It is brought into stark relief in times of war.?

Nikita will no doubt play an important role in the healing of his region. I know a little of his background. As a Processwork practitioner, he's held a commitment to conflict resolution for years. And it's this foundational commitment - to walking the talk, to conflict management muscle building, that serves us when the drama hits.

On reading of Nikita's experience I was struck by my own privilege. It's a privilege, that most who read this post will share. We are not being shelled or facing forced migration. Our futures are more certain than those of the people of the Ukraine. And for me, that begs the question .... how are we using that privilege? Where are we placing our focus? What are we committing our energy to?

I'm extremely grateful to Cinnie Noble, the founder and creator of CINERGY? Conflict Management Coaching, for her commitment to building peace in the world, one conversation at a time. I'm inspired by Nikita's gentle and determined focus. I know many of our readers bring a similar commitment and generosity of spirit within their own communities.?

We are all needed folks, let's remember that.

Interested in joining our next?CINERGY? Conflict Management Coach Program??You'll find details of our July 19 program here.

Or to find out more about our internationally ICF Accredited?Executive & Systems Coaching programs -?Connect with Us?

You can also join our next complimentary Introduction to Process-oriented coaching session. USA timezone Australasia and Europe timezone.

Take care of yourselves and each other.

Rho