It seems that Americans agree on very few things today. But one thing 80% of us believe is that we are more divided than ever before. Up from 77% in 2016, this is a record-high consensus that we are a fractured nation indeed.
Polarization of a New Kind
Certainly, this country has experienced vast division before. The Civil War, the 1960s civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, even the 18th century founding era when the first political parties emerged all caused intense conflict among fellow citizens.
However, the rise of social media in our culture has given every person an immediate, viral mouthpiece, and partisan platforms on opposite ends of the spectrum have polarized us to a unique extent. Topics that used to count as casual conversation have become fodder for discord – even permanent splits – among friends and family.
So, how are we to find any peace or stability in such times?
While it may seem impossible to influence the current climate, there are measures we can take to bring about small changes around us and big changes within us.
Foster Inner Peace
Quite literally, peace begins with us. Cultivating an individual sense of calm prepares us to approach external stressors with less angst, anger and anxiety. This also helps us to become more gentle, diplomatic communicators as we navigate the discourse around us. Here are some ways to achieve greater inner peace in contentious times:
- Adopt an attitude of gratitude. It’s so easy to get caught up in all that’s wrong in the world. Practicing gratitude, however, shifts the focus to all that’s good in our lives.
- Take care of yourself. In these divisive times, it’s never been more important to tend to our physical, mental and emotional well-being. Eating right, exercising, getting adequate sleep and engaging in activities that bring joy are paramount to combatting the toll of external rancor.
- Practice mindfulness. Focusing on the moment, what we can see, hear, smell, taste and touch now, centers us in tranquility. Meditation or prayer can also build emotional resilience in the face of outward chaos.
Know When to Speak Out and When to Listen Up
If you feel passionate about something, by all means, express your thoughts and opinions. But be careful to do it respectfully and compassionately, listening as much as talking and considering the feelings and personal circumstances of others. There may be a perfectly understandable reason someone believes as they do. Opening our hearts, ears and minds to other perspectives is not only a lesson in constructive conversations, but in peacemaking as well.
If things get heated, take a pause and concede that you can agree to disagree. Remember, too, some things just aren’t worth arguing over.
Limit Social Media Exposure
According to a study in Science, scholars overwhelmingly contend that “in recent years, social media [has] played an influential role in political discourse, intensifying political sectarianism.”
One has only to spend a few minutes on Facebook or X to see the truth in that statement. Problem is, the average American spends nearly two and a half hours per day on social media, often consuming content that makes them angry, frustrated, depressed, despondent or all of the above.
In addition to the negative mental and emotional effects, excessive time on social media can also cause high blood pressure, heart problems, weight gain or loss, sleep issues and substance abuse.
Limiting exposure to social media or partisan news platforms can free up time for healthier pursuits and bring greater overall calm and well-being. Consuming news from reputable, impartial sources grounds us in objectivity, not opinion. Conversely, take care to post content rooted in facts, and include trustworthy sources.
The Courage to Change
While it’s easy to feel at a loss for what to do amidst the maelstrom of discontent in our country today, there are ways we can promote good will in our sphere of influence:
- Engage in peaceful activism. Contribute to causes that promote justice, equality and social harmony. Seek out organizations that share these values and find out how you can participate in peaceful action in your community and beyond.
- Practice random acts of kindness. We may not be able to change the world, but we can certainly bring a smile to someone’s face. Small gestures of kindness go a long way toward reminding our neighbors of the good in humanity. The more intentional we are, the less random our actions really are.
- Seek community. While the current political climate may make us want to pull up the covers and hide, now is the time to seek connection with others. We may choose to spend time with those who share our thoughts and values, reaffirming a sense of community and solidarity. Or we may seek out those with differing views for the sake of open, respectful conversations that can engender empathy and reduce misunderstandings.
The Serenity to Accept
Hard as it may be to accept, uncertainty is a fact of life, and there are some things that we simply cannot change. Acceptance does not mean apathy or inaction, but it can mean the difference between personal outrage and relative peace while we are hoping for a better, more united state of affairs.
A Safe Haven 
At Collington, residents are among like-minded friends who live by the Quaker-inspired principles of inclusivity, respect and equality for all. Here, diverse people of all kinds feel valued, understood and free to express their authentic selves without judgment. In a time fraught with division and strife, Collington is a safe haven of mutual affinity and genuine acceptance.
