Conflict

Conflict – whether between people, nations or religions – is always the failure to see through the eyes of the other. When our own sense of integrity, self-worth or identity is challenged, we react, either defensively or aggressively. It’s always the fault of the other: they provoked us, they accused us, they insulted us, they attacked us. As the warrior rises within us, we fuel the fire of righteous indignation, of perceived injustice, of emotional pain. We are self-absorbed, unable to step into the other’s shoes, to hear their voice, to feel their pain. The first step beyond conflict is humility.

— Wayne Visser

From Purpose Inspired: Reflections on Conscious Living, Volume 1. Buy on Lulu ↗