Ben Stich knows some Jedi tricks for resolving marital conflicts.
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So, I am one of those cheesy people that draw meaning from the original classic sci-fi Star Wars trilogy.
I know it is mostly over-simplified messages packaged with light sabers, cool characters, mystical forces, and huge spaceships. But what can I tell you? I love it.
Why am I telling you this? To set the stage for one of my favorite movie lines. A line that I think has profound relevance to marital conflict that I see time and again in mediation.
Star Wars & Conflict Resolution Strategies?
Remember in Return of the Jedi when Luke confronted Obi-Wan for lying to him about his father’s true identity? Luke was furious – even betrayed – by Obi-Wan’s omission.
Obi-Wan did not get defensive. He did not make excuses.
He simply, and wisely, told him, “Luke, you will find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view.”
Wow!
The truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view.
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The truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view. Isn’t that so true? Especially when it comes to the difficulties we have resolving conflict with our spouse?
In other words, the storylines we play in our heads shape our interpretation of events and experiences. In a recent post I shared a story of a wife who made false assumptions about her husband due to her point of view. The truth she clung to made resolving conflict with her husband very difficult.
Obi-Wan is implying that if Luke had opened his eyes to view things from alternative perspectives – or perhaps embrace the force more fully – he may have figured out the truth about his father earlier.
Jedi Tricks Are Great Conflict Resolution Strategies
Resolving relationship conflicts are always easier when multiple points of view are taken in to consideration. It can be hard for sure (after all, Luke struggled and he was a Jedi in training!), but some strategies can be helpful:
- Clear your mind and step outside of yourself to reflect on the situation as a spectator
- Keep an open mind to the possibility of different truths
- Avoid jumping to conclusions and instead listen to forces surrounding you
- Remain patient and take time to think things through
- Slow down and breathe…deeply
These strategies are easier said than done.
Padawan train for years to develop the skills needed to earn Jedi Master status. Luke was not able to lift his X-Wing from the swamp when he first tried. Likewise, learning each of these strategies requires practice, patience, and a commitment to improving your approach to conflict.
What other Jedi mind tricks can you suggest to keep an open mind to alternative points of view?
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This article originally appeared in www.benstich.com.
If you liked this article, read more from Ben Stich:
Marriage, Divorce, & Marketing Fear to Men
How to Better Understand Your Partner
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Image: Stéfan/Flickr
Thanks Ryan! So glad it’s helpful and I couldn’t agree more — it is so much easier to change when it’s small, concrete and incremental. One step at a time. Good luck!
Good stuff Ben. As you said it’s alway easier said than done. My wife and I are in a stage where we really have to reconnect and build again. Kids and family changes everything. I’m all about starting little—picking one thing and trying to initiate tiny changes. From this article I’ll focus on looking in as a spectator when things start to ‘heat up’ instead of playing the argument game. Cheers. Ryan
I pull Jedi mind tricks all the time.
Me: “I am going surfing. I am going surfing now…”
dWife: “You are going surfing. You will go right now…”
His name is Obi-WAN, not Obi-WON. Other than that, good post.
Thanks for catching that – my mistake! All fixed now.
Thanks Ben!