Because the amount of research on the impact of music on the brain continues to grow, as does the collaboration between musicians and neuroscientists, I grow ever more optimistic about the benefits and usefulness of music in the resolution of disputes. (Click to read some of my past posts about music and dispute resolution.)
We are already learning that knowledge about the brain can help us in resolving conflict. The number of conflict resolution practitioners utilizing brain knowledge has grown since I first started this blog nearly five years ago. The use of music in our arena is not yet common but I don't think that scarcity will continue much longer. Music affects most of the brain and I firmly believe it can be harnessed to facilitate agreement, or help make wise decisions not to agree.
From "Scientists study music's effects on our brains and bodies" (Isthmus-The Daily Page):
[I]t turns out that music is a good subject for brain research because it affects so many neurological pathways.
The combination of music and neuroscience is a hot topic these days, and there is an exciting convergence happening between neuroscientists and musicians. Old walls have broken down, and the bridge between the disciplines can be crossed without suspicion. Researchers use music to give us insight into time, emotion, healing and language — a glimpse into our human nature.
And that's what is at the heart of conflict and its resolution: Time, emotion, healing, language, human nature. Music may be able to yield insight about why we disagree, and will likely help to quell tension and lessen contention, disharmony, and discord.
In addition to the research I've been doing about music in the last couple of years, I am in conversation with a few people who are experts in both music and conflict to create some musical tools for conflict professionals. 2012 will be the birth year of music playing a big part in mediation. Listen for it!
Note: Here is a blog post with a link to the program mentioned in the article linked to above: In this program, neuroscience meets jazz, mindfulness, and improv (idealawg).
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