From Conflict to Connection: Navigating Political Differences with Compassion

Political differences can be a hard test of our relationships.

Have you ever seen the picture that can be perceived differently based on who is

looking at it? To one person, it is a duck, to the other, a rabbit. It sparks the never-

ending debate as to what the picture actually is, and people spend so much energy

making their point just to have it devalued by the other. When in reality, neither person is

necessarily wrong because they are just speaking on things from their own perspective

and what they believe. The picture is designed to pull from two opposing perspectives,

so why do people fight so hard to disprove one another?

I think a lot about this with the election coming up. People have opposing views and

fight with one another to prove their point is superior to the counter point, and the back

and forth creates a lot of division between one another because we seemingly cannot

agree on what is right or wrong. We each develop beliefs throughout our lives that

motivate choices and opinions in the present, and we penalize each other based on

these views and perspectives. When everyone is trying their best to be their own

version of what it means to be a good person in today’s society. There are so many

choices and challenges in life, and we all manage them the best way that we know how

to. That also means that we might handle them differently due to the different

experiences we have to draw from.

Imagine for a moment, a world where we accept opposing views and beliefs. A world

where we discuss beliefs without inherently becoming enemies when they do not agree.

A world where we come as we are and are accepted based on who we are as people. A

world where we work together instead of focusing on what makes us different.

It is possible for us to get there. It starts with taking judgements out when talking with

others and standing firm in your own beliefs without having to have someone agree or

disagree. Showing respect for the other person because we know that they are making

decisions based on their experiences and upbringing, which may be different from ours.

Trying to see the perspective from the other person’s side instead of shooting them

down and saying they are wrong.

I ask that we consider this and carry it into the days leading up to the election and the

days that may follow, regardless of outcome. We are all doing our best with what we

have, so let’s show up and sit with each other with kindness.