It’s been a week a since the violent breach of the Capitol Building. Most of the coverage and response has moved us towards increased anxiety and divisiveness. In the face of chaos, what can a caring person committed to finding common ground do? First, let’s examine what’s not working.
When I listen to the news, whether from the right or left, there is a major focus on calling out the hypocrisy of the other side. “If we would have done that, there would have been outrage,” or “When they did that it was fine, but when we do it all of a sudden there’s an outcry.”
Calling out injustice, calling out hypocrisy are powerful tools. Used rightly, they help us grow into a more just and compassionate society. Yet if these tools are to really work, we must use them in tandem with another powerful tool in our toolbox: self-awareness.
If we call out the hypocrisy in our opponents, yet fail to turn this same critical eye to our own beliefs, that’s not justice. Its justification. “We” appear more and more right and “they” appear more and more wrong. Such misperception leads to further polarization, cynicism and violence.
When we see chaos erupt at the societal level it can feel overwhelming. Emotional contagion is real. Yet there is hope. What do we know about the breach of the Capitol so far? Was there a lack of resources or forewarning? No. There was a lack of leadership, inadequate planning, and false assumptions.
As with the Capitol, so with out mind. No one can breach our mind unless we allow it. We have the resources. Do we have the awareness? Awareness is where healing begins. I invite you to reflect: When you observed the events of January 6, 2021, what value felt most threatened? Can you give that value to yourself? What does it feel like when you do? What does it look like to embody? Can you give this value even to those who oppose you? What would it feel like to live in a society in accord with that value? What is one step you can take towards such a society?
Photo Credit: Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
