Actively spend time with individuals who hold different views or come from different backgrounds to foster understanding, reduce blind rage, and potentially build compassion and even find the experience thrilling and fun.
When engaging in conversations with those you disagree with, focus on learning their perspective rather than trying to reach an agreement, as this approach fosters understanding without requiring a change of mind.
When discussing disagreements, adopt the cardinal rule of not trying to change the other person’s mind; instead, aim for ‘accurate disagreement’ to foster understanding.
Cultivate a mindset of being ‘unoffendable’ in discussions, recognizing that others’ beliefs and opinions do not inherently threaten your own core convictions.
Practice compassion, defined as feeling others’ feelings combined with a desire to help, as this inner posture is ennobling, empowering, and provides a ‘cleaner burning fuel’ for effective action in the world.
Strive to understand that a person’s life experiences and background significantly shape their views, recognizing that if you had lived their life, you might hold similar opinions, which is distinct from endorsing or agreeing with them.
Actively counter societal forces that isolate by prioritizing social connection not just with close friends and family, but also with the wider world, as this is in your best interest as a deeply social human animal.
Expand your media consumption beyond a single outlet or type of podcast to expose yourself to diverse viewpoints, which can be illuminating and helpful for cognitive flexibility.
Actively cross-check and cross-reference information from various news sources, and if consuming television news, counterbalance it with different perspectives to avoid echo chambers and develop critical thinking.
Actively seek out and follow individuals or sources that challenge your existing ideology and make you slightly uncomfortable, as this encourages branching out and avoiding narrow-mindedness.
Diversify your media consumption and the people you follow to open yourself up to different perspectives, while also striving to be ‘unoffendable’ to foster broader understanding.
When encountering images of suffering, mentally offer a phrase like ‘may you be free from suffering’ or a similar prayer from your own faith tradition, as this small act can shift your inner posture towards compassion.
Recognize the difference between your opinions, which can change, and your core values, which you are not expected to abandon, as understanding this distinction can create more ease in discussions.
Actively engage in your child’s interests, even if they differ from your own, as this can open up your world, create shared experiences, and strengthen your connection.
Foster critical thinking by asking questions and leaning into curiosity, especially when presented with different viewpoints or information.
Remember the adage of having two ears and one mouth, encouraging you to listen attentively and speak less, especially when trying to understand others’ perspectives.
Teach children the importance of listening by reminding them that they have two ears and one mouth, encouraging them to be quiet and truly listen to others.
Consider reading news rather than watching it constantly on television, as reading can help lower anxiety compared to the sensationalism often found in continuous TV news coverage.
Consider bringing together two ideologically opposed individuals to engage in a shared hobby or activity, as finding common ground through mutual interests can foster understanding and bridge divides.
Consider taking your children on business trips and traveling with them frequently, even if it means pulling them out of school, to expose them to the world and create shared experiences.
If you are an active journalist, consider refraining from voting as a personal conviction to maintain perceived neutrality and objectivity in your reporting.