Being kind in divisive times
August is National Wellness Month, a time when numerous articles are written on how to take better care of ourselves. Some recommendations are proven, such as spending time in nature, practicing deep breathing, and adding a vegetable to your daily diet. The jury is out on others, like red light therapy and cold water plunges.
A lesser-known, but important wellness practice revolves around kindness, specifically kindness toward those whose views differ from our own. It can be easy to harbor ill will and judge those who disagree with us, but this does no good for our health and wellness.
In recent years, our nation has grown more divisive and intolerant of those on the “other side” who don’t align with our perspective, making compromise and any degree of unity, whether in government or our own families, feel like ancient history.
Genuinely listening to others is necessary to begin closing the gaps between us. In this article from Fierce Kindness, you’ll learn ways to bring self-awareness, curiosity, and patience to potentially difficult conversations, increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes.
https://fiercekindness.com/being-kind-in-divisive-times-tips-ideas-from-...
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Wonderland
This is such an important topic, and the tips and ideas are excellent. If more people operated like this, we would have a much healthier society.
Slipstream
My cousin called me today. We've never been in the same voting column, so it's an area we don't wander into. My love for her, and her love for me is what matters to us, and there's nothing in this dumb world that's worth losing that love...nothing.
Thank you for finding and sharing this article. We need more positive outcomes that's for sure.
Wonderland
Nothing my cousins could say or do could make me stop loving them either. There is something so awesome about a shared childhood. I LOVE my cousins!
Evangel
I agree with Wonderland's comment. I used to see old men in both Italy and Greece argue loudly over politics in the town square, each insulting the other for their stupidity and ignorance, but once they exhausted themselves, they'd get up and leave amicably, slapping each other on the back fully satisfied they got to spar with the other and even score some points.
I'll also add that we could solve a lot of our division if we could all agree that it's good to treat others as we'd like to be treated--and that treatment should extend to all of humanity. If we could agree on just that one value, we might also agree to elect future office holders who demonstrate the ability and willingness to hold themselves to that higher standard.
Kindness is essential in any society, and those at the top who fail to role model it, give permission to all others to negate it, which in turn sows chaos.
Wonderland
Your ears should have been burning today. Aside from the fact that it is a special day, (wink wink) Cousin John and I were talking about this subject. The guides must have been listening, because he described the Greeks and their political debates pretty much the same way. He said sometimes two people who totally agree with take on the other position just to spar! After loud discourse, they’ll laugh and have a drink!