Horse Whispering & training in Mediation

An interesting article by Robert Benjamin: From The Horses Mouth: On The Nature Of Equine And Human Negotiations:

This alternative gentling approach strategically uses their emotional energy constructively. A comment such as, “This has got to be difficult for you and I know you are doing what you can to make sense of things”, acknowledges the difficulty and giving support to their own efforts to manage themselves. A parties’ self imposed restraint is worth 100 admonitions by a mediator.

Managing the natural energy of the conflict, not unlike horse whispering, requires the use of strategic empathy---entering the reality of the prey horse or fearful party---and shifting that energy to trust.