As a Mediator, I Just Must Believe in Santa Claus

keep-calm-mediatorIn a conversation with a friend, where we were speaking about gift ideas for our families, I asked her, “How do wrap, or present, the Santa Claus gifts to your young children?” She gave me a face and said, “Huh? What you mean by presenting a Santa Claus gift?” I stated, “Well, I wrap most of the gifts in generic holiday paper, but I wrap the Santa presents in bright distinct paper.  This shows the appearance and importance of the gift.  They may see other gifts under the tree, but it is not until the morning of Christmas do they see the Santa present.  I try to show them that Santa presents are different, and are usually something that is more thoughtful and heart-felt.” She looked at me bewildered, chuckled and said, “I don’t believe in Santa. And I just give my kids gifts. You know, I give them what they ask for… they look under the tree and there the presents are. There is no need to pretend that there is a Santa Claus.”  I, gently arranged my posture to lean in and said, “Hmmm. Think of Santa Claus, not as a person, but as a symbol. In today’s world, we are living in a time where there is just too much stuff going on.  Too much ugliness. Too much hate. Too much REAL violence and selfishness.  Our humanity is deteriorating.  Our children’s innocence is being robbed.  Would it not be wonderful to show them that, although they need to be aware of the harshness of these times, they can still believe in something grand and magical?  They can close their eyes and wish.  They can create a joyous fantasy that turns into realty once they unwrap a magnificently wrapped present.  This is almost like “willing” a success future, willing joy and a positive outcome, envisioning and creating a reality that is possible to achieve when practicing positive behavior. Behavior like respect, adherence to the rules of being a good boy/girl, being good to others…etc. Would it not be fun to witness the build-up of anticipation, and to watch the shear release of joy when their desires are fulfilled as they unwrap the Santa present? Or most importantly, would it not be awesome, to encourage giving of yourself to others and showing the importance of serving others?  What can be more joyous than that? The giving to others and/or, to those who may be less fortunate than you. All this can be taught through the symbol of Santa Claus.

See, Santa Claus needs to be real. I know, I know. How can I still believe in Santa Claus? Well, given the recent assassination of the Russian Ambassador, the Berlin truck incident claiming 12 lives, plus our (America’s) usual domestic sociopolitical ugliness, I just need to. Maybe it is also the occupational hazard of being a professional mediator/arbitrator, where I believe in transforming conflict into solutions, creating resolve and peace, where no one else believes resolve/peace is possible. AND maybe it is my belief in serving others. I believe in helping others, having empathy for others, creating opportunities of success for others, being that pillar of strength, standing for others, fighting for others, crying and sharing with others. Giving from the heart to others. And that is what the symbol of Santa Claus is supposed to be about; giving of yourself with no expectation of receiving. Even though the commercialization of Christmas disappoints me. And the lack of religious focus and care for the season is lessened at times… I look passed that and focus on the wonder, anticipation and the joy of giving. So, I choose to believe in the symbol of giving, generosity, selflessness, heart-felt gifts, and serving others… I choose to believe in Santa Claus.  And most importantly, for me, this is the season of the birth of LOVE, Jesus.”

Her face seemed a bit, saddened, she then replied, “Wow. Thank you for that.  When I was still married to my children’s father the holiday season brought us more stress than joy. So I guess I never focused on what it could be or should be…”.

As a mediator is seems that if we are to encourage resolution and peace-bridge building, believing in a symbol like Santa Claus and what this winter season is supposed to be in paramount.  So, I believe in Santa, because I believe we need more selflessness, love, and service to others.

 

Are Mediators/ADR Professionals Uncomfortable w/ Conflict Outside Their Conference Room?

Appeared in “The Caucus” a publication from The Florida Academy of Professional Mediators Fall 2016 ed.

I AM Just Asking. Are Mediators/ADR Professionals Uncomfortable with Conflict Outside Their Conference Room?

In Brief: Where are my fellow Mediators/ADR Professionals? I expected to see/hear more from my colleagues hoping to uplift their communities as our country suffers from a deteriorated Law Enforcement & comUncomfortabl picmunity trust, ignorance, hate and violence. Why is it that when I ask established colleagues for their insight on addressing the current turmoil found with Law Enforcement-Community divides they give me the “I’m uncomfortable look”, they start to blink a lot and avoid eye contact, or they mumble “…they’re not my clients…” WOW!? I just shake my head and say “We don’t have clients. We service individuals, businesses, communities in varying stages of conflict and we help these participants through these difficult issues…”.

It is increasingly clear when the world is being turned upside down and communities are at odds, Mediators/ADR professionals should feel the duty to actively step-in and step-up by offering their conflict resolution skills and to assist with brainstorming solutions and peacebuilding. Are we not the Bridge-Builders of dialogue? Instigators of open honest/transparent communication? Encouragers of respectful cross-cultural, racial and religious background acceptance? Why are so many of my colleagues not comfortable with conflict outside of their conference room walls. I sometimes don’t get it. But then again, I guess for many, this is just a profession and not a calling.

For those who see themselves going beyond the conference room, being uncomfortable while creating an impact, and working on sustainable solutions, I would love to hear from you szamor@i-mediateconsulting.com

Fla. Supreme Court Appointments Stanley Zamor to Mediator Ethics Advisory Committee (MEAC)

I am proud to have been recognized and appointed by the Florida Supreme Court to serve on the Mediator Ethics Advisory Committee (MEAC) till 6/30/2020. The MEAC is responsible for rendering ethical opinions based upon written questions from mediators who are subject to the Rules for Certified and Court-Appointed Mediators, rules 10.200-10.690.  View the appointment.MEAC Appointment AOSC16-36    MEAC opinions are published on the Courts website at www.flcourts.org

MEAC Appointment June 2016