About this book
The second edition of this popular reference covers the basic transformative concepts that are vital for resolving environmental conflicts. This updated edition includes discussions on the inviolate biophysical principles, how the English language is changing, as well as the critical principles of social behavior. It considers new dynamics in making decisions along with the effects of the younger generations shifting their interests from nature-oriented interest to technologically-oriented interests and their subsequent lack of understanding the importance of the natural environment to a sustainable society.
Contents
Introduction
Approaches to Mediation
- Mediation at the Crossroads
- A Brief Look at the Mediation Process We Practice It
Conflict is a Choice
- What Is A "Right"?
- The Equality of Differences
- Environmental Justice Is Predicated On Human Equality
- Perceived Resource Scarcity Accentuates Environmental Conflict
- Resource Overexploitation: A Matter of Perceived Loss
- Conflict is a Mistake
- Conflict is Usually Based on the Misjudgment of Appearances
Biophysical Principles of Sustainability
- The Waterbed Principle
- Understanding the Law of Cosmic Unification
- The Inviolate Biophysical Principles
Social Principles of Sustainability
- The Paradox of Life
- Air: The Breath of Life-And Of Death
- Soil: The Great Placenta
- Water: A Captive of Gravity
- Biodiversity: The Variety of Life
- Sunlight: The Source of Global Energy
- Human Population: A Matter of Gender Equality
- How the Commons Usufruct Law Arose
- The Precursor of Today's Environmental Conflicts
- Social Principles of Engagement in a Sustainable Society
The Human Equation
- A Child's Gift
- We Take Our Family With Us
- Dysfunctional Family Dynamics Lead To Ongoing Destructive
- Conflict
- Homeostasis Is Designed To Hide Dysfunction
- Boundaries, The Silent Language
- Coping Mechanisms: Unconscious Thoughts That Manifest As Regonizable Behaviors
- The Capacity For Rational Thought
- Everyone Is Right From Their Point of View
- Acceptance of Circumstances Offers the Choices of What Might Be
Communication: The Interpersonal Element
- Language as a Tool
- The Use of Silence In Communication
- The Need to Be Heard
- The Basic Elements of Communication
- Changes in the Children's Oxford Dictionary
- Nature Deficit Disorder in Children
- Barriers to Communication
- Inability to Transfer Experiences from One Situation to Another
The Process Is The Decision
- Faith in the Process is Belief in the Outcome
- The Primacy of Process
- Perception is Truth; Facts Are Relative
- Reframing the Issue
Conflict Is a Learning Partnership
- A Mediator Is At All Times a Guest And A Leader Simultaneously
- The Fallacy of Rescuing
- A Mediator's Role in Participant Relationships
- Mediation Means Total Participation
- Detachment and Equanimity
- As A Mediator, You Must Be A Sieve, Not A Sponge
- As A Mediator, You Are The Keeper Of Each Participant's Dignity
- Have A Beginner's Mind
- Being Oneself
- The Continual Learning Curve
Practicing the Mediation of Conscience
- Compromise and the Point of Balance
- A Curriculum of Compassion and Justice
- Mediation as a Gift is Free, But as a Trade Has a Cost
Resolution: Social-Environmental Conflict Brought To A Shared Vision
- Who Are We As A Culture?
- What Legacy Do We Want To Leave Our Children?
- Vision, Goals, and Objectives
Modifying Our Belief Systems Regarding Change
Customer Reviews
Biography
Chris Maser is an Author and Consultant in Corvallis, Oregon.
Carol A. Pollio is a Consultant and Professor at American Public University, Amherst, Massachusetts.
