Post-Debate Communication Tools To Stay Calm & Connected, Even when Divided

There was said to be 73 million viewers tuning in the 1st Presidential debate this week.  There has been acute and palpable polarization due to the wide range of perspectives on the issues relevant in this election, including preference of political leadership, economic strain, environmental concerns, current world-wide health pandemic, as well as issues concerning diversity, equity and inclusion and civil liberties.  This barrage and cacophony of stressors calls us, as a collective, more then ever to learn to stay above the fray of what has felt uncertain, chaotic, and downright frightening for countless Americans.

I’ve heard so may stories from friends and clients bringing up different divisive scenarios about the upcoming election, between siblings, lovers, parent and child, and dear friends.   Both sides dogmatic and unwavering with palpable tension and discord, many of us have felt challenged at one time or another to figure out how to navigate this time in our world and this very sensitive subject matter especially between those closest to us.

Neuroscience has taught us that when our central nervous system is taxed or anxious it sends a flight or flight response to the brain.  There are far too many people in good relationships who are either avoiding this situation totally or arguing about it.   So during this time of heightened uncertainty and unrest, how do we “stay in the room” and conversation…generously listen, engage, and communicate with the people in our lives we care about, from opposite sides of the political divide?

I shared a few ideas with Maria Shriver’s subscribers in her Sunday Paper.  CLICK HERE to read the article 🙂