Breaking through division

We live in an interesting era to say the least. We have overwhelming visibility to what is beyond our region, yet lack substantial truth. After speaking with those in my close circle and acquaintances, from my hometown and around the world, I've noticed a consistent sentiment. Division.

If there is one thing everyone might agree on, it’s that we do not agree on anything at all. An off-color statement has the potential to divide a group like a hot knife on a stick of butter. I'm not suggesting that conflict is always unjustified, but rather highlighting that our social environment seems to foster increased hostility and reaction, rather than understanding and self-control.

Fully recognizing the limits of my own perspective, I resolutely seek to understand the minds of everyone I can. I will likely never comprehend the full story but it will not be for lack of valiant effort. How do we respond when encountering friction or division in our daily lives?

I’ve noticed a tendency to cling to personal beliefs, especially in states of confusion. This is something I must actively work to tame within myself, and it often feels easier to double down on what we infer than it is to admit when we don’t have the answers. Could it be ego protection or cognitive dissonance? This list may go on as to why we hold on, but the danger arises in assuming ill intent in another being before facing our own incongruencies.

If division is one detail we might agree on, what steps can be proactively taken to create a greater sense of unity?

One must comprehend the intricacies of any problem before attempting to create a viable solution; deeply understanding the problem is imperative, without it we run the risk of solving from a myopic perspective; not seeing the forest for the trees. 

Before envisioning a fully realized state of existence, perhaps it's best to understand the many angles. Many of us learn as children to ‘put yourself in someone else's shoes’, but how often do we actually do it? Not just say that we are, but feel it, smell it, hear it, and truly use our senses to imagine the essence of another’s experience? I will be first to admit that I tell myself that I understand more than I actually do, and think I am more empathetic than I truly am, but the more we come to understand these parts of ourselves, the more truth will radiate from us. 

Our power is in truth, and change comes through awareness followed by action. Lying to ourselves holds us back; not just at an individual level, but as a collective. 

By focusing on fighting issues instead of each other, we may come to actually solve some of them. If we focus on the things within our control, then we may discover greater intelligence amongst ourselves- intelligence with honest reason. 

At what collective expense are we denying altruism? 

Thank you for reading as always, these are my raw thoughts and may lack full cohesion, but if even one thing resonates, I consider it a win. I wish you well, and that you illuminate your world.