Practicing mindfulness in the middle of a conflict demands a willingness to stay present, to feel intensely, to override our negative thoughts, and to engage our breath to maintain presence with the body. Like any skill, it takes practice.
~ Diane Musho Hamilton

Emotional triggers--they get me every time. Values tread upon, injustices overlooked, or just plain wrongheadedness! It takes continual awareness to notice myself being hijacked and to choose a different path. 

I do practice what I teach, however, and over the years, I've  become more centered in times like this. Or let me say, I've learned to travel the path from uncentered to centered more quickly and, generally, lead a calmer and more focused life. But ask my husband, sisters, brother and mom--I hope they'll say the same. 

Recently, I found an article in the Harvard Business Review by Diane Musho Hamilton, internationally recognized mediator, facilitator and the author of Everything is Workable. The article opens with one of the easiest-to-understand descriptions I've seen of just how and why we get triggered and the consequences that follow from being unconsciously reactive.

Four Steps

The article also sums up Aikido principles I use personally in my life and professionally in my work. It doesn't mention Aikido. but it doesn't have to. These principles are universal. Aikido happens to be their martial embodiment, leading to four simple elements for returning to center that Diane Hamilton describes well.

I thought it might be fun to hear from you about whether, in fact, the HBS article does reflect what you know about my work. I hope you'll leave a comment.

Diane's four steps are: 

1. Stay present
2. Let go of the story
3. Focus on the body
4. Finally, breathe

But I'll let you read on for yourself. Let me know your thoughts!