7 Tips to Free Your Mind From Polarization in Society by John A. Hearn

I attended a funeral this past weekend. Two of the eulogists referenced the same Jackie Robinson quote, a favorite of the deceased:

“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” 

After hearing the quote, I thought to myself about deep, abiding relationships and how the development of such is at risk due to emerging polarization in society. 

We all feel it. 

We all hear it.  

Polarization within our country is on the march – within social and other media circles, and amongst the politically involved. If not already present, it will bleed into workplaces, our families, and it will impact our health and well-being.

The key to stopping it is to free your mind.

The Balanced Center is Lost Amongst Extremes

Our society has always embraced spirited debate. However, these times appear different ─ more anger, name-calling, and tribalism. 

Disagreement is increasingly incompatible with respect. To disagree is now worthy of placement in a permanently discounted category of irrelevance. 

Potential relationships are blocked, current friendships are hurt, the balanced center is lost amongst extremes, and prosperity is placed at risk. 

Aren’t we all fatigued with all of the mindless, unchanged bickerings, wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Practical Ideas to Deal With Polarization in Society

Below are seven practical ideas to deal with the dynamics of polarization in our society:

1. Seek Diversity in Your Life  

If everyone you hang around agrees with you 100% of the time, be on high alert. You are likely missing an opportunity to hone your own hard edges. 

When around others who view the world differently, seek first to understand their life experiences and perspectives. Try to never question the motives of an otherwise genuine person.

We should all test our understanding and perspective of the world against our current beliefs.

2. Control What You Can Control 

If you have a different opinion, debate the viewpoint versus attacking the person. 

Don’t name call, because the person you just called an unforgivable name isn’t going to listen to a word you say thereafter.  Assuming your grandmother was a nice person, act how you’d act in front of her!    

3. Take All of “It” With a Grain of Salt  

Social Media is trying to get us to remain engaged with their Apps by pitting us against one another. 

The news media highlights conflict to motivate our tuning in. 

Let’s face it, conflict sells! Don’t provide more mental weight to these “in your face” outlets than they deserve.  

4. Be a Leader More Than a Bystander  

If someone calls another an unforgivable name, call them out on it. 

I believe we are “hearing” a great deal more from the fringes than we are from the middle majority.  Be an advocate for civil debate. 

As Voltaire (and others) stated, 

“I wholly disapprove of what you say and will defend to the death your right to say it.”

5. Build Deep and Meaningful Relationships 

Many suggested actions are worthy of mention in this list.

However, choose close friends who will disagree with you respectfully and provide a powerful pathway to becoming better. Invest in these relationships.    

6. Focus on an Agreeable Rally Point

 Focus on ideal or common missions, especially with those whom you disagree with the most.

7. Show Grace

Forgive.  

Be nice.  

Don’t take everything you hear personally.

Final Thoughts ─ Free Your Mind

• Peace, joy and mental prosperity are linked. 

• Free your mind to focus on what truly matters, as well as the things you have control to change.

• Work hard against the trends of polarization in society. 

The effort is worth it when considering the impact we can have on the lives of others. If more people have this mindset, the result will include continued prosperity for our families, co-workers, businesses and society.  

Do you have this kind of mindset or are you still working toward it? Don’t feel bad if you’re still working on it, freeing our minds can be a difficult challenge. 

Remember, the freedom to focus on what truly matters is worth it all in the end. 

Let me know your story in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you.

Be prosperous! Think nice!

Tom