Introduction
In today’s world, fragmentation and an often polarized culture dominate our media and politics, making it challenging to hold onto our principles while also engaging constructively with those we disagree with. In my last solo episode of the Space in Between podcast, I explored the importance of knowing our boiling points. Today, I dive into another tactic that helps us maintain our sanity, navigate polarization, and build bridges: seeking other seekers.
The Inspiration
A recent conversation with a friend inspired the podcast theme of seeking other seekers. My friend asked about my experience interviewing Lemon Price, my March 19th podcast guest. Lemon, an avid Trump supporter, provided insights about her political evolution from a two-time Obama supporter to a two-time Trump voter. Despite differing views, our conversation invigorated me as I learned about her thinking, her values, and her hopes for the United States. And, our conversation deepened our friendship.
Building a Connection with a Fellow Seeker
Lemon cares deeply about her family, the communities she is a part of, and wants politics to be more responsive to citizens. She is thoughtful and curious, and I found common ground with her introspective and intelligent nature. We are both seekers. Through her stories, I learned about her family and why politics matters to her, which further solidified our connection. Despite our differences in faith, geography, and where we turn for news, we created a safe environment to ask questions and see each other as fully human.
Joseph Campbell’s Insight
This approach echoes a quote by Joseph Campbell that I revisited recently: “When the world seems to be falling apart, stick to your own trajectory. Hang onto your own ideals and find kindred spirits. This is the rule of life.” This profound insight encapsulates our podcast’s mission and highlights two essential tactics for navigating the tumultuous times we live in, and which my conversation with Lemon demonstrated.
Tactic 1: Stick to Your Own Trajectory
Holding onto our ideals involves surrounding ourselves with people who respect our views and who embrace us for who we are. Such communities provide a meaningful respite from the negative effects of polarization.
Tactic 2: Find Kindred Spirits – aka other seekers
When bridging divides, seek others who are also seekers, even from the “other side.” This tactic requires knowing when we’re at our boiling points and ensuring we have the capacity to hold space open-heartedly and open-mindedly.
The Importance of seekers
While kindred spirits may not always share our ideals, they do share an interest in listening and storytelling. The richness of life lies in connecting with people who both share and differ from our experiences and views. The world needs more of this openness than ever before.
Conclusion
One of our tasks as global citizens is to stand firm against discrimination, violence, and policies that undermine democracy and human rights. We can do this AND ALSO be able to also bridging divides in unexpected, delightful, and engaging ways. Knowing your boiling points and seeking other seekers are tools that bridge divides. This dual approach represents the great work of our lifetime.
I hope you enjoyed the insights shared in this episode of the “Space in Between” podcast. Please like, review, send me a message via the website, and share the episode with a friend. I look forward to our next episode and continuing this journey together.
