The murder of Charlie Kirk came one day after the release of our new book Beyond the Politics of Contempt: Practical Steps to Build Positive Relationships in Divided Times. Sadly, this is the nation’s latest episode of political violence. But the potential for violence goes way beyond politics, including aggressive drivers giving people the finger on the highway, situations that can lead to road rage. Another example is violence in medical settings.
Read MoreDo you speak with disdain about “those people” on the other side of politics or with whom you disagree? If so, is this impacting your personal health and relationships? We remember television’s Mr. Fred Rogers telling children to be kind to one another, but many think it is perfectly OK these days to demean or even threaten other people. We need to do better in the spirit of these words from Tenzin Gyatso: “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”
Read MoreThese are difficult times in our country with wide-ranging polarization and distrust of others.
Benjamin Franklin once said, “No one cares what you know until they know that you care!” Finding ways to connect with others can create light and grace. People are hungry for something better, and we can each model a better way. Ongoing self-reflection can be coupled with a commitment to personal development and relationship building.
Read MoreI was honored to be interviewed with my co-author Beth Malow on two recent podcasts about our upcoming book. The “How Do We Fix It” interview expanded on what we’ve learned as bridge builders and Braver Angels volunteers. The “Derate the Hate” podcast included a hopeful message and practical ways we can each play a part in mending our fractured communities. Ironically, the title of the second podcast offers an answer to the title of the first.
Read MoreI first met Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul, and Mary fame in 2010 in Ukraine. We reconnected in 2019 and he greeted me with a warm hug and told me about Braver Angels. I have been involved ever since and this led to my writing Beyond the Politics of Contempt which will be published this summer. Thank you, Peter! If you are willing help promote our book, please let me know.
Read MoreOne of the big challenges in our country right now is that people are so siloed and disconnected from others who think differently. Many people are concerned about the country and are protesting, writing letters to the editor, and attending public hearings and town hall meetings. I suspect that a more impactful way to benefit our country might be to build a relationship with someone who voted on the other side of the political divide.
Read MoreHow are you being affected by events in our nation? Are you losing sleep after watching the national news? Is your health and well-being being affected? Are you finding you can’t talk with your brother-in-law or other relatives, friends, and neighbors? In our upcoming book, we make the case for embracing hope in these challenging times. You can see the book cover in the “Together Across Differences” newsletter https://togethernow.substack.com/
Read MoreBraver Angels volunteers have been working with the NH House of Representatives since 2021. On December 19, 2024, more than 90 state representatives attended our sixth workshop, focused on skills for managing difficult conversations with colleagues. Speaker Sherman Packard told participants, “Even when we disagree, we must always strive to engage with understanding and respect.”
Read MoreTaking on new projects is a great way to learn, grow, and make a difference, but we need to prepare mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for the challenges required. As we begin the new year, I encourage you to consider: Is there something new you want to do this year? What are you willing to let go of? What can you do to prepare for the challenges required?
Read MoreI don’t know about you, but I often find myself frustrated by the holiday season. The commercialization of Christmas can obliterate its deeper meaning. But I have learned to look for special moments that my therapist calls glimmers. A glimmer is something special that pops up amid everyday life, moments that bring pause and a sense of awe. They can happen at any time, not just at Christmas, but maybe I appreciate them more this time of year.
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