There are three key words recur in this book: mediation, the unconscious and the Bible.
1 - Mediation. It leads to a better understanding of oneself and others. It allows you to reflect on the origins of the conflict, the reasons for it and the resulting relationship problems. It is based on the in-depth listening to each of the parties.
2 - The individual and collective "unconscious", as defined by Jung. This 'descent' of the individual into the unconscious sometimes reveals a part of his past, often forgotten, which makes him act and which he did not suspect. Even if they never go all the way, this journey towards the unconscious sheds light on a part of themselves.
By exploring the unconscious, we can bring to light the hidden aspects of our being and better understand our motivations, behaviours and reactions.
3 - "Bible". The reality of certain texts may seem implausible, such as Noah's Ark, the crossing of the Red Sea by Moses and the Hebrews, the stories of Abraham, Job, Jacob, Jonah in the belly of a whale, Peter walking on water or Jesus turning water into wine, to name but a few. Why and how have they survived the millennia? What other meanings could the bare facts of these stories, which could be likened to fairy tales, reveal? Even if it is difficult to interpret them, some of the writings raise questions about the message they might convey between the lines.
A fourth keyword links the other three: "transformation":
Mediation by a third party can transform the relationship between the parties.
The unconscious, even if it remains only partially discovered, tends to transform the way we perceive ourselves, and to help us better understand our reactions and those of others.
The Bible seems to invite us to use its stories as a basis for an inner journey that will transform our lives.
This book examines the subtle relationships between these words.
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To improve the judicial response, the legislator opened up a new way in 1995: the mediation. The mediation makes it possible to manage conflicts, no longer with the sole aim of putting an end to them by the authority of the judge, but by proposing a lasting and peaceful solution. The mediator is not a communication mechanic, but helps to bring about change. He adapts to each person and each relationship so that mediation can evolve.
The advent of psychological and sociological knowledge in the 20th century has enabled us to better understand various aspects of the human reality, both the individual and the collective one. In this way, the human sciences can help us to descend into the depths of our unconscious
and identify the old wounds often rekindled by the dispute. They emphasise the importance of man's inner self: the work of transformation through self-discovery and the discovery of others. In this way, individuals can try to take their destiny back into their own hands.
But isn't it precisely the message of the Bible that invites us to Passover, that is to say, to "pass over" so that man can rediscover his divine essence, lost since the fall of Adam and Eve!
The Bible is a collection of books written by Jewish scribes or scholars between 500 and 150 BC. They come from oral sources or various writings. Most of the events recounted in the Bible are supposed to have taken place in the 2nd millennium BC, in the case of the Old Testament. The New Testament is said to have been written between the middle of the 1st and the beginning of the 2nd century. These texts invite us to embark on an inner journey to transform ourselves and move towards our own fulfilment.
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At first sight, everything seems to oppose the Bible and mediation. On the one hand, a sacred word comes from above: a single truth, revealed in a space governed by an all-powerful Being. On the other, in mediation, a profane word coming from below that contains a plurality of truths under construction, in a space animated by a neutral and impartial person.
However, there are a number of points of convergence. The Bible and mediation offer ways of accessing inner wisdom, greater clarity and a deeper state of awareness. Both focus on inner peace, and contain answers or keys to solving personal and interpersonal conflicts. Their teachings can help everyone rediscover their "inner child".
Over the centuries, the Bible and mediation have shaped societies and cultures. Mediation has been practised for thousands of years under other names, from the "palaver tree" to Confucius' search for "harmony". It continues to evolve today under different approaches.
The oldest mediators are to be found in the Bible, in the Old and New Testaments. The Bible is a path to awakening, a path to freedom: Moses, mediator between God and his people, receives and transmits the Tables of the Law, the Decalogue; Jesus, mediator between God and man, transmits the divine word and intercedes for mankind before God.
The Bible emphasises the importance of words: "In the beginning was the Word". It is the mediator's tool par excellence. Finally, all the human values of humility, openness, benevolence, non-violence, listening, forgiveness, reconciliation and peace are advocated both in the Bible and in mediation.
Provided you don't limit yourself to a primary reading,
new keys to understanding shed new light on the biblical text. It is conceived as an inner journey that enables us to stand up straight and connect with our deepest roots. On his feet, he can set out on his journey. From the time of Adam onwards, all his descendants seem to have been invited to search for their identity and to undergo a transformation. How does this transformation take place?
Mediation must not be reduced to a set of techniques. Mediators are not communication mechanics. Repositioning mediation within spirituality gives it its true dimension. Aimed at re-establishing social peace by restoring dialogue, communication and openness, it takes into account the whole person: body, soul and spirit. Everything is linked: actions, words, thoughts and gestures interact.
The mediation can shed light on the deep, human dimension behind every conflict. In this, it is in line with the Bible, which leads man to discover his true identity. This aspiration towards spirituality does not happen overnight. It requires a journey, and the Bible and mediation can provide the pathway for that journey.