Hearing is a physical act in which sound is amplified in the ear and disseminated to the brain for interpretation and response. Listening, however, is an act of cognition in which what is heard is interpreted and understood by the body/mind. In between the sound of what we hear and the interpretation of what is heard is a meditative space where the peacemaker’s focused attention is drawn.

A popular tee shirt shows Sir Isaac Newton, sitting under a tree holding an apple. Under the depiction of Sir Isaac is a caption: "Obey Gravity. It’s not just the law; it’s a good idea." Much the same might be said about mediation in domestic law matters.