Ruleen kicked off the session by establishing common agreements. The audience was invited to approach the session with an open mind, willing to embrace new ideas and be open to change. Ruleen emphasized the importance of treating ourselves with compassion before extending it to others. The key to working together effectively lies in respecting diversity, fostering creativity, and being open to discovery.

Conflict is an inevitable part of life – it happens every day. Whether at school, with family, or in the workplace, it’s crucial to develop conflict management skills early. These skills help us navigate disagreements in a healthy way, building stronger relationships both as youth and as adults.

Ruleen and Eugene introduced different conflict management styles. The group was invited to reflect on their own experiences by answering:

• What is conflict to you?
• What conflicts have you faced before?
• How did it make you feel?
• What steps did you take to manage it?

After a 20-minute discussion, the groups shared their experiences, with one group even staging a dramatic reenactment of a conflict. The creativity displayed was remarkable, and through these discussions, it became clear that family conflicts, particularly between parents and siblings, are a common issue. The need for understanding and compassion was highlighted by the participants.

Conflicts often evoke anger, which is a natural and valid emotion. The challenge is not to avoid anger, but to learn how to manage it effectively.

The group explored the “anger iceberg”, understanding that beneath the surface of anger, there are often deeper emotions that we need to address.

Conflict can be both positive and negative. While some participants expressed a tendency to avoid conflict, it was explained that avoiding the issue only prolongs the problem. Conflict needs to be addressed directly—not through social media, text messages, or gossip. Misunderstandings often happen in these spaces, and we must be mindful of how it feels to be on the receiving end of a miscommunication.

Key Conflict Management Strategies:

• Focus on the issue, not the person.
• Understand the root cause of the conflict to resolve it more effectively.
• Check your emotions. If you are angry, it’s hard to manage the conflict calmly.
• Use “I” statements like, “I feel frustrated when I’m not heard,” to express your feelings without blaming the other person.
• Reacting gives away power, but responding allows you to stay in control.

We also discussed the importance of focusing on what’s within our control (our own reactions) rather than things outside of our control (other people’s behavior).

Active listening is crucial when managing conflict. The group explored how listening empathetically can help resolve tensions.

Here are key points for effective listening:

• Make eye contact and show that you care about what the other person is saying.
• Don’t interrupt. Let the speaker finish their thoughts.
• Ask questions to show you understand their perspective.
• Listen to understand, not to respond.

A short video titled “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” was shown to illustrate valuable life lessons. After watching, groups discussed the video’s meaning, with many participants sharing deeply personal reflections.

The most impactful moment in the video was when the boy asked the horse:

“What is the bravest thing you’ve ever done?”
The horse replied:
“Asking for help.”

This resonated with the group, highlighting the importance of vulnerability and asking for help when needed.

The group also reflected on the idea that we all feel lost at times, but it’s important to remember that we are loved and important. Our external circumstances don’t define us; it’s our internal strength and beliefs that truly shape us. We must learn to listen to our dreams, not our fears.

The session concluded with a profound sense of connection and engagement. The energy and insights shared by the youth were incredible, reinforcing the need for more opportunities for these kinds of meaningful interactions. Empathy, active listening, and self-awareness are vital tools for building a peaceful and compassionate world.