TRANSFORMATIVE PHRASES
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Transformative Justice Phrases for Hard Conversations
This document was put together years ago while supporting a group moving through deep-seated conflict. Members of the group noticed that even as they simply read over the phrases, their bodies felt softer and more spacious. They began to use the phrases in our work together, as well as in other parts of their lives, and in all cases it was immensely helpful.
When we are in conflict, we often forget how to stop and take a beat before responding. We are often pulled into the reactive dynamics of the conflict before we even notice that we are reacting. The speed at which our conversation can escalate can feel like we are in a whirlwind. We can forget any intentions or values we had going into the interaction and often are at a loss at how things got so bad. Having a list of useful phrases can help to aid us in having more options to slow things down and shift the tide. In addition, these phrases can also help to prevent conflict. We can use these in our everyday interactions so that small things such as hurt, disagreements or misunderstandings do not escalate into conflicts or even harm.