I’ve had the fortune to work with and study for many years with Dr Arnold Mindell who originated this approach, also known as ‘Process Work’ and, together with his partner Amy Mindell and colleagues, developed its theory and application in the areas of dreaming and illness, relationship and family work, extreme states and mental health, and organizational development and conflict resolution. Originally a Jungian analyst and physicist, Mindell developed far-reaching methods of working with field dynamics and the deepest creativity in us, whether the innermost tensions of an individual, an organization or communities dealing with political and social conflict.

Throughout this book, I look at how dynamics of justice, terror and trauma, and such experiences as sacrifice and love can be turned into violent conflict and how our awareness of these dynamics, personally and collectively, can influence its prevention. There are examples from many conflict zones, past and present, around the world. I particularly focus on the Balkans, because of my work there over several years. As I grew up and lived for many years in the USA, I also refer to violent conflicts of my country, including the oppression of Native Americans and African Americans in its history and still present, the war in Vietnam, and the current ‘war on terror’. I also call on examples from Hitler’s Third Reich, the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, South Africa and its Truth and Reconciliation process after Apartheid, Rwanda, communism and its collapse in Europe, and more. From 1996 to 2002, I went to Croatia many times with my colleague Lane Arye, to facilitate forums in a project of post-war reconciliation and community building. The project was supported by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and other sources, and was organized by a non-governmental organization in Croatia, Udruga Mi. Several stories from our project in Croatia are woven throughout the book and the idea for the book originated there.

I hope that some of the ideas in this book add to dialogue that rouses heart and understanding along with heat between people, as well as hope in the possibility of transforming serious conflict. Reading about violent conflict, traumatic, unresolved issues and points of serious contention can set off outrage, grief, anxiety and hopelessness – even jadedness. It can be important to find people to talk to about these experiences. I apologize for any hurt that may be triggered by the limits of my views and formulation. I’ve written this book based on the belief and experience that communities are in need and are capable of reckoning with and transforming the tragedies and atrocities that influence our lives together. Collectively, we may be able to face the dynamics of community trauma and accountability, and our deepest feelings for life, to find our way into a different future.

Charlie Rose interviewed Desmond Tutu and spoke about the 10-year anniversary of the end of Apartheid in South Africa. With a beaming smile, Tutu said that, whenever things look their bleakest, he stops to remember that we are in the process of creation.