Spectra Mediation… what’s in a name?
Mardi March 2nd, 2014
Spectra (n) a show of the diversity of component elements in a wave, like colours or perspectives; a broad range of related values, qualities, ideas and solutions.
“We know what the stars are made of, know of their structures and their lives, only because we are able to observe and analyze their spectra. Unbroken starlight allows us to admire a star’s external characteristics; its spectrum allows us to look into its very soul.”
~J.B. Kaler Professor Emeritus of Astronomy, U of Illinois
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When I was in grade school, we had a weighty, large-faceted glass candy dish on the coffee table and each day I would come home after school, sit myself down in front of it and wait for the afternoon sun to enter the living room. When it struck the star-like dish it sent a spectrum of colour around the walls – my own private light show and my eventual analogy for the nature of truth…and perspective.
We know that when pure colourless light hits the atmosphere, a raindrop, dust particle or any filter, it is refracted into its component parts or colours. Similarly, reality is broken up and seen, remembered and interpreted through the filter of the mind’s eye, our experiences, histories, beliefs and interests, to reveal our own unique spectrum of ‘truths’ or perspectives.
As individuals we are getting better at realizing that we only hold a part of the spectrum of reality… in our own colours or filters. And as we grow, we get that by travelling around the prism, by listening, empathy, perspective-taking, or by experiencing other cultures or environments – we can get a glimpse into another’s hue of reality.
For those of us who specialize in communication and conflict resolution, the astronomical definition above – at once scientific and soulful – is also key … that each component and discovered part of a person’s spectrum of thought returns information to us about their deeper values and interests – their needs, wants, fears, concerns and aspirations – which reveal the true soul and essence of what is driving that person in that conflict.
This deeper level of information in turn reveals a more elegant and resourceful world of connection, complement and commonality or mutuality, which then allows us to more meaningfully gather the components together toward solutions that satisfy the true and essential needs of all concerned.
Room light may have revealed the outline and shape of my candy dish. But the searching afternoon light revealed its true and vital components and essence…a full spectrum of colour and hue.
In our work at Spectra Mediation, we are dedicated to using the best objective light – asking the most illuminating questions, using the best and most human & respectful approaches to effectively and joyfully get to the core and essence of each conflict, to power meaningful conversations and reach resourceful, informed and lasting agreements.
Every colour reveals a quality or value which informs us about the essence of a star. And every interest, aspiration and belief discovered in mediation reveals a key leading back to a true and meaningful solution.
The science and art of mediation, and its particular kind of searching light can yield meaningful and creative parenting plans, empowering and joyous workplace solutions and resourceful commercial agreements… as personal, unique and elegant as those patterns on the wall.
Welcome to Spectra Mediation. We’re glad you’re here!
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Please add your perspectives below to this, and future conversations on the nature of communication and relationship, mediation and problem-solving, values, perspectives and issues of concern to families, family businesses, communities, businesses – profit and non, and the workplace.
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