Many among us have a maladaptive relationship with conflict. Some of us use conflict as a means of control within our relationships and environments which works especially well with those who will twist themselves into any form of pretzel to avoid confrontation. These poor skills are trained into us as a feature of a social and economic world that rewards domination and winning vague status competitions above all merits of character.
Achieving a kind of resigned neutrality toward disagreement and general conflict will open our minds and bodies to being receptive to strategies that seek equally to protect one’s self and simultaneously behave with fairness and open-mindedness toward others. If we fall into extreme behavior in the face of conflict will become either a bully or a victim and neither of those roles is worthy of our otherwise beautiful lives.
Conflict within aligned groups or between allied forces is not necessarily made of irresolvable points of impasse, but often makes the fertile soil in which deep growth and powerful, positive tensions can grow.
We might understand the Five of Wands best in the case of a group of people struggling against the excesses of an outside force but disagreeing with the best way to go about doing so. If you have ever attempted to unionize with your fellow workers to create a collective bargaining tool, you will know the internal disagreements that exist despite a common goal. One common goal between people does not mean that all other differences will magically disappear. Conflict within aligned groups or between allied forces is not necessarily made of irresolvable points of impasse, but often makes the fertile soil in which deep growth and powerful, positive tensions can grow.
A naturally occurring conflict erupts from the basic inequities of society that remain part of the aligned group. Those organizing for their collective rights as workers will still be dealing with misogyny, racism, homophobia, and even classism because we internalize the bias we survive. This is a Five of Wands conflict in that one is not at odds with the goals of the others in the group but with the preexisting and unexamined social prejudices held by individuals. This is a worthy conflict that furthers the lofty goals of equity throughout society and it must be taken head-on with skill, strategy, and resolve.
Elaine Brown faced countless odds from within her own ranks because society has a misogyny problem that stands strong to the very moment of this writing.
A fascinating figure to learn more about is Elaine Brown. She is a writer, a musician, and a prison activist who once served as a leader for the powerful Oakland chapter of The Black Panther Party. She instituted the first free breakfast for kids program and free legal aid program among other stunning accomplishments as chairperson. Elaine Brown faced countless odds from within her own ranks because society has a misogyny problem that stands strong to the very moment of this writing. It is imperative that we confront such matters everywhere they exist and they exist everywhere, they are the air we breathe.
Conflict is necessary. It is the center of all change. If we learn to accept its proper place in our lives we can and will overcome great odds both personal and societal.
Learn more about Elaine Brown because she is the child of her own history and that is a powerful, powerful thing to be.
A Taste of Power: A Black Woman’s Story
May we choose conflict over complacency.
By Michelle Embree
Author of: DAYDREAM TAROT: A Basic Guide for Visionaries
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