Embracing the Shadow: 5 Ways to Cultivate Political Compassion

By Mo Edjlali, Mindful Leader Founder & CEO

In today's fractured political landscape, disagreements have escalated beyond mere differences of opinion. People live in entirely different realities, a divide tearing at the fabric of society. This polarization isn't just about winning arguments anymore – it's affecting mental health, relationships, and even physical well-being.

However, there's hope. We’ve put together a set of practices, many that you might already be familiar with, that can help bridge this ever-widening gap. While not magic bullets, these techniques offer a starting point for those seeking to navigate our increasingly divided world.

What is Political Shadow Work?

Political shadow work is a term we made up, and while it might sound esoteric, it is rooted in a straightforward concept: confronting the aspects of ourselves we'd rather not acknowledge. It's about recognizing that gut reaction when hearing an opposing political view and understanding where it comes from.

The idea stems from Carl Jung's concept of the "shadow" – the parts of ourselves we repress or deny. In politics, this often manifests as the qualities we despise in our opponents. The irony? We often possess these same qualities but are unwilling to admit it.

Key Principles:

Before delving into the practices, it's crucial to understand the underlying principles:

• Self-reflection: Examining oneself, even when it's uncomfortable.
• Perspective-taking: Attempting to understand viewpoints one might instinctively reject.
• Empathy: Developing genuine feelings for those on "the other side."
• Critical thinking: Questioning everything, especially one's own beliefs.
• Open-mindedness: Being willing to admit when one is wrong, which happens more often than most realize.

The Practices:

#1 The Shadow Integration Practice: This practice involves confronting the aspects of oneself that are seen in political opponents. It's undeniably uncomfortable but potentially transformative.

1. Identify three specific behaviors or attitudes that are particularly irksome about political opponents.
2. Reflect on instances where one has exhibited similar behaviors or attitudes, even in minor ways.
3. Choose one of these qualities and embody it in a small, ethical way daily.
4. Journal about the experience, exploring feelings and insights gained.

# 2. Diverse Media Consumption: This exercise is about bursting one's information bubble and genuinely engaging with diverse perspectives.

1. List regular news sources, including social media feeds and discussion groups.
2. Identify three reputable sources with different political leanings.
3. For a week, read one in-depth article from each new source daily.
4. Journal about new insights or perspectives gained, noting any surprises or challenges.

# 3. Daily Perspective-Taking Reflection: This practice is about developing empathy muscles through regular exercise.

1. Each evening, recall a political interaction or observation from the day.
2. Write down initial, unfiltered reactions.
3. Imagine being the person disagreed with. Consider their fears, values, and motivations.
4. Write a paragraph from their perspective, striving for genuine empathy.

# 4. Shared Values Dialogue: This practice is founded on the belief that political opponents often share more common ground than they realize.

1. List five core personal values.
2. Research how these values are expressed across the political spectrum.
3. Choose a contentious issue and prepare arguments based on these shared values for both sides.
4. Engage in a conversation with someone of differing views, focusing on these shared values.

# 5. Mindful Listening in Conversations: This practice is about truly listening to those with differing views rather than simply waiting for a turn to speak.

1. Before a political discussion, set an intention to listen without judgment.
2. During the conversation, focus on the speaker's actual words and underlying emotions.
3. Before responding, summarize what was heard to ensure accurate understanding.
4. Reflect on the conversation later, noting new insights or changes in perception.

Why Practice this?

These practices, while challenging, address a critical need in our increasingly polarized society. They draw inspiration from enduring philosophical traditions, notably John Stuart Mill's seminal work "On Liberty" (1859). Mill argued that engaging with opposing viewpoints is essential for both individual and societal growth, famously stating, "He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that."

By actively seeking to understand diverse perspectives, we broaden our understanding and contribute to a more robust public discourse. This approach aligns with Mill's vision of a society where the free exchange of ideas leads to advancing knowledge and social progress.

Recent research supports the efficacy of such practices. A 2018 study by Simonovits, Kézdi, and Kardos, published in the American Political Science Review, found that an online perspective-taking game targeting anti-Roma sentiment in Hungary significantly reduced prejudice. The effects persisted for at least a month and even decreased vote intentions for Hungary's far-right party by 10%.

In an era where political discussions often widen the divide rather than bridge them, these practices offer a path towards more productive and empathetic civic interaction. They embody Mill's ideals of free and open debate while fostering greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence on a personal level.

By confronting our biases and attempting to understand diverse perspectives, we become better citizens and more well-rounded individuals. This fulfills Mill's vision of personal development through engagement with diverse ideas, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more understanding society.

Final Thoughts:

In our rapidly changing world, we navigate an increasingly complex political landscape. As Mindful Leaders, we are responsible for modeling understanding and empathy, even when it challenges our core beliefs. By embracing this challenge, we can foster more humane and cohesive communities.

This approach honors the diversity of our world, including the often-overlooked diversity of political thought. By recognizing this, we enrich our collective discourse and decision-making processes. We cultivate environments that embrace the dialectical relationship between unity and pluralism, where these seemingly opposing forces actually strengthen our democratic foundations through their dynamic interplay.

Through these practices, we can help take concrete steps towards bridging divides and nurturing a society that values diversity in all its forms, including the spectrum of political ideologies. This approach allows us to hold our principles firmly while remaining open to constructive dialogue and mutual understanding.

Please share your experiences with these practices. What worked? What didn't? What other strategies have you found effective in navigating political differences?