Scanning through the latest issue of a professional newsletter, I was fascinated to read about studies showing how our brain exhibits differing biological responses based on what we perceive is “fair” or “equitable.” Seems that neuroscience has been interested in examining the relationship between brain activity and perceived fairness. It’s true - if something is perceived long enough it becomes reality. Scientists set up “games” to test their theories and were amazed to confirm the reward areas of the brain were stimulated during a perceived condition of fairness. Anyway, the whole point of the story was to illustrate how working with a conflict resolution specialist might help maintain some sort of emotional equilibrium.
Maybe this is how the idea of the village elder (or witch doctor) came into anthropological popularity. Someone had to take the reins during volatile situations of group conflict. As long as all parties felt that the elder or neutral was acting in the best interest of the group and being above all – fair, people got through the squabbling and screaming and maybe even some fighting to get on with their lives. Perhaps along that line of thought, certain people are drawn to the field of conflict resolution. Acting as a guiding force for agreement among disputing parties may also create a similar sense of contentment/reward feelings in the brain of the mediator. That can’t be bad. I know from personal experience that helping by guiding others to communicate their way to an agreeable solution is a truly enriching feeling.
Recalling my own experiences (even back to childhood) I felt calmer, lighter in spirit and less “down” when someone showed empathy for me, whatever my current reason for being blue. If I felt I was being treated fairly and didn’t have to worry about some school bully or workplace psycho, I felt stronger and more able to stand up to whomever for whatever reason. Seems to me that while the human brain’s various amazing functions are being discovered daily, we will soon be able to pinpoint exactly what section controls what kind of emotional response. I know one place for sure that could benefit from an atmosphere where everyone feels like they’d get a fair shake, and that would be where people go to work every day. With all of those “contentment neurons” lighting up all over the place, you’d think a lot of work would get done in record time with everybody happily humming away.
Add to that merry thought, neuroscientists have published findings, which encourage the antiquated habit of napping. That’s right, a lil’ snoozie midday has proven to boost memory, comprehension and creativity. OK, perhaps not at your desk or on the break room table, but why not in your car with the seat in full recline. Keep a yoga mat and blanket in your drawer. Just that little bit of refreshment could make the world seem like a kinder, fairer place.
