The ability to agree to disagree without losing connection seems to be slipping away.
We live in a time marked by division and distrust. Wars, Climate Change, Migration, Globalism and Nationalism, Genders, Sexuality, Discrimination, Technology, COVID and much more ... Political conflicts have evolved into deep social rifts that are now shaping our private relationships. In consequence, some people withdraw from difficult conversations altogether, others experience strong alienation and even break-ups with colleagues, friends and families. And those discussions still taking place (online and offline) are often marked by hostile and aggressive behavior - seemingly without a constructive path out. But maybe there is?
This event invites you into a guided group experience that doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable. Because good conflicts allow us to transform tense situations into relations of collaboration, growth and connection.
Disclaimer: There will be active provocation and triggering topics might arise—not to shock, but to help you notice your patterns, your triggers, and your stance within conflict. Also, for fun and learning, you may be invited to argue a viewpoint different from your own.
We’ll explore:
- How your own understanding of yourself and your behavior is shaped by social and political contexts.
- Why different people react so differently in moments of tension—and how no one “right way” exists to respond.
- Practical methods and strategies to navigate heated moments with more clarity and compassion.
- What an ideal way of engaging with conflict could look like for you.
- How to hold space for difference, without needing to change or fix it.
Through shared group dynamics, we’ll build the ability to:
- Recognize common ground even when views clash.
- Develop respect without agreement.
- Embrace ambiguity and complexity—and even value it.
- Avoid dehumanization, and instead, practice rehumanizing each other in the process.
This is not about finding the perfect consensus—it’s about discovering how we can still meet despite our differences. Together, we’ll build a capacity for dialogue that honors both connection and distinction.
Who is it for?
This is a core skill for every human, but especially valuable for those who strive to make an impact in the world. If your professional path involves people, this is for you.
Let’s experience conflict not as a threat—but as a doorway.
To understanding, to transformation, and to real impact.
Your host:
Jakob Sonnenholzner is a peace and conflict researcher as well as a mediator. In this role, he supports people through both personal and professional conflicts.
His worldview is shaped by experiences in humanitarian emergency aid for refugees in Greece and Turkey, European party politics, civil society engagement, and the strategic development of NGOs.
Photo by Pierre Bernard on Unsplash
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