Embracing Conflict: Why It's A Crucial Part Of Life's Journey

Conflict is an unavoidable part of our lives, yet it often carries a negative tone. We often equate it with discomfort, stress, and discord. If we choose to embrace  conflict, it can serve as a powerful catalyst for personal and community growth.

 A conflict is a situation in which unacceptable differences in interests, values, expectations and opinions occur in our between individuals or groups.

This was the basic definition of a conflict but just knowing it won't help as you need to understand what exactly is a conflict, why do they take place and how can we use it in our favour (most important).

Conflicts are an unavoidable and frequently misunderstood aspect of human existence. Whether they arise in personal relationships, professional settings, or inside ourselves, conflicts have the potential to mould our experiences and catalyze personal progress.

"But it sounds so negative then how is it useful to us?"

While many people try to avoid confrontation , accepting them as a natural part of life can lead to  valuable insights and  transforming outcomes.

As we have understood what exactly is a conflict now comes the second phase of the blog i.e why do they take place .

•  Conflict often emerges from conflicting wants and interests. Humans have a wide range of needs and desires, from fundamental necessities like food and shelter to more complicated goals such as recognition and self-actualisation.                      
• Conflict arises from differences – differing viewpoints, values, beliefs, attitudes and disparities, while initially unsettling, provide rich ground for investigation and  comprehension.                                                        
• Communication breakdowns are also a significant cause of conflict. Effective communication is key to understanding and resolving disagreements. However, miscommunication or lack of communication can escalate tensions.                
•  Emotions, resource scarcity, personality clashes along with certainty and uncertainty factors (as it's life) are also important sources of conflict.                 

Rather than shying away from conflict, we can choose to engage with it constructively, recognizing the potential for learning and evolution it offers.

Now comes the most important and last phase of the blog i.e how can we use it in our favour but before we come to that let's look at the two verses from Shrimad Bhagavad Gita.

 Chapter 3, Verse 35:

"It is far better to discharge one’s prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duties perfectly. Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous."

Explanation:-

The Bhagavad Gita verse, Chapter 3, Verse 35, suggests that performing one's own tasks, even if performed poorly, is preferable to taking on others' responsibilities perfectly. Applied to conflicts, it implies that addressing our own conflicts even if it means making mistakes, is better than avoiding them or interfering in others' conflicts. This highlights the importance of facing challenges, promoting personal growth, and remaining loyal to oneself in conflict resolution attempts.

Chapter 4, Verse 47 

"Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an increase in unrighteousness, O Arjuna, at that time I manifest myself."

Explanation:-

In this passage, Lord Krishna promises heavenly intervention to restore righteousness and harmony in times of imbalance. Individuals facing problems can find peace and encouragement in this idea, as it reminds them that the cosmos has a higher purpose and a bigger power at work.

The verse highlights the cyclical nature of conflict and its resolution. It implies that conflicts are not permanent, but rather part of a broader cosmic cycle in which righteousness ultimately triumphs over unrighteousness. This viewpoint encourages people to confront disputes with tenacity and trust, understanding that they are part of a broader evolutionary process towards harmony and spiritual development.

Now coming back to how can we use 'conflicts' in our favour.

One of the most significant advantages of overcoming conflict is the opportunity for reflection and self-discovery. When confronted with opposition or disagreement, we are frequently encouraged to investigate our own views and motivations further. This process of self-reflection can result in increased self-awareness and a better understanding of our own values and boundaries. 

Furthermore, conflict can act as a spur for constructive discourse and collaboration. Individuals who communicate openly and honestly can heal divides, build empathy, and establish common ground. In this approach, disputes have the potential to improve relationships and foster trust, establishing the groundwork for more durable ties. 

However, it is critical to understand that not all conflicts are created equal. While some may result from genuine differences and provide possibilities for growth, others may stem from unhealthy dynamics or unresolved issues. In such instances, obtaining assistance from trusted persons or professionals can provide valuable counsel and insight.

 Finally, accepting conflict necessitates a shift in perspective, from perceiving it as a danger to seeing it as an opportunity. By rethinking our connection with conflict, we may unlock its transforming power and navigate life's obstacles with courage and resilience. As we accept the intricacies of human interaction, we open up new avenues for personal and collective development, enriching our lives in ways we never imagined imaginable. So let us not avoid conflict, but rather embrace it as an essential component of life's complex tapestry.