Resolving inner conflict
Dr. Paul Redekop hopes people will become their own best friends.
In his new book, Inner Peace Through Conflict Transformation, Redekop provides readers with tools to resolve their own inner conflicts.
“I apply the knowledge and skills we teach in conflict resolution for dealing with interpersonal and intergroup conflict to intrapersonal conflict,” says Redekop, Associate Professor Emeritus at Menno Simons College (MSC).
Internal conflict is as normal and natural, as conflict with others, he explains. What’s important is how we deal with our inner conflicts.
“It’s about becoming your own best friend,” he says. “Being someone who likes you for who you are—who sees you have flaws but accepts those and helps you to be the self that you really want to be.”
The book explains the basic strategies of conflict resolution—such as conflict analysis, and listening and communications skills—and applies them to inner conflict. Redekop draws on quotes, stories, and examples to demonstrate how readers can apply conflict resolution strategies in their own lives.
During his time as Director of Mediation Services, a Winnipeg organization that promotes, educates, and facilitates effective responses to conflict, Redekop learned that awareness of one’s own inner conflict can equip someone to become a better mediator.
“As you gain in self awareness and transform your own conflicts and issues, you’re able to appreciate others more,” he says. “You have a greater acceptance of others than before.”
As a Professor of Conflict Resolution Studies (CRS) at MSC, Redekop developed the course Inner Peace and Conflict Transformation, which explores the topics addressed in the book and views inner conflict transformation as an ongoing process of growth and change.
The book is available exclusively as an electronic publication, a choice Redekop made to ensure it’s easily accessible to a wide audience.
Through this publication, Redekop hopes to help people become more comfortable with their own thoughts and feelings just as the CRS program in general helps them to feel more comfortable with interpersonal conflict.
“Life is conflict. Human existence is inherently conflictual,” he says. “It’s important to acknowledge that, accept it, and move on from there.”
Readers of Inner Peace Through Conflict Transformation will be given tools to do just that.
Ellen Paulley is the Writer and Social Media Coordinator for Menno Simons College
Faculty: In Their Own Words
Karen Ridd, Teaching Associate Professor, Conflict Resolution Studies
Dr. Jonathan Sears, Associate Professor of International Development Studies
Dr. Jodi Dueck-Read, Assistant Professor of Conflict Resolution Studies
Dr. Jerry Buckland, Professor of International Development Studies
