Quieting the mind: aspects of neuroscience in reconciliation

Abstract

The reconciliation of conflicting parties by the mediator has to deal with high levels of emotional arousal. She or he has to lower these levels for reconciliation to succeed. In this paper two approaches to accomplish this and to quiet the mind are presented, a Buddhist one (anapanasati) and a Western one (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, commonly known as MBSR). In order for the mediator to comprehend emotional arousal and the practices of quieting the mind, some underlying aspects of neuroscience are discussed, specifically, the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system. In contrast to mindfulness-based stress reduction, anapanasati, in its definition of mindfulness as well as in its practice, seems compatible with neuroscience. Recommendations are made to the mediator to facilitate the process of reconciliation.