Meditation before MEDIATION

“MEDIATION” follows “meditation” in every case, except in the dictionary.  The words are spelled exactly the same, with the exception for the addition of one letter “T”.  Each of the words also follow a similar function, to promote healing and protect peace.

Let’s first look at the concept of meditation and its benefits.  A research study reported in the Psychosomatic Medicine: A Journal of Biobehavioral Medicine found that people who practice the skill of meditation have increased health, happiness, and calmness.  After a period of structured meditation, “Neuroscientist have found that meditators shift their brain activity to different areas of the cortex – brain waves in the stress-prone right frontal cortex move to the calmer left frontal cortex.  This mental shift decreases the negative effects of stress, mild depression and anxiety.  There is also less activity in the amygdala, where the brain processes fear” (July 2003).

Meditation is a mental and spiritual process that focuses thoughts and controls emotions.  The Psalmist says that he depended on meditation to produce wisdom and understanding (Psalm 49:3).  Meditation uses introspective reflection to create an inner calmness that resists outside influences and strengthens the individual.

Mediation is the process where a third-party neutral is present to assist others to move toward healing of damaged relationships and resolve emotional tensions.  Most mediation training focuses on the external methods of ground rules, reading body language, self-determination, and compromised results.

The most skillful mediator will additionally bring to the table an ability to communicate in such a way as to transfer a sense of calmness and peace.  Without words, the MEDIATOR who has personally learned the benefits of meditation can affect the environment to influence a PEACE-FULL SOLUTION: Beyond Resolution.

Terry W. Petty, CPM

www.peace-full.com