A Personal Reflection on News Consumption and Social Division

This morning, I woke up dizzy. Dizzy as in the room was spinning and I could not get out of bed. My tummy was upset, and I felt nauseous. First thought — Was this food poisoning? With eyes closed, I asked Siri to call my friend with whom I shared lunch yesterday to see how she was feeling. “Great!” was my friend’s reply. OK, likely not food poisoning.

So, what happened?

Just prior to going to sleep I watched the news. Even though I caution against this, I sometimes forget about my own good counsel, and watch anyway. I’m not just watching; I am fully engaged. What hurts me the most is the hate, the lying, the vitriol, the repetition of conspiracy theories, the excuses for inexcusable behavior and rhetoric, and the despicable chants of exuberant citizens determined to harm others.

I am reminded of how terrifying a “mob mentality” can be. A mob mentality occurs when, as part of a group, our own sense of self-awareness diminishes. When this happens, we lose a sense of our individual identity and can feel emboldened by the group. This is often accompanied by a rush of heightened emotions such as hostility and anger toward others. The danger is that the rhetoric and actions that would never be acceptable to the individual are condoned when we are part of the group. Once we lose our sense of self, our sense of personal responsibility diminishes, resulting in our belief that the unacceptable is now acceptable. Our own moral compass can be hijacked. This usually occurs in crowds where a small group within the crowd make decisions that everyone follows without question, or that a leader with strong charisma fuels the emotional fire within the crowd.

We have witnessed this within our own, our parents’ and our ancestors’ lifetime.

When we observe that history is repeating itself, we are doing it with concern and caution because we are surely referencing a terrible time. This is not an observation or reflection of “the good old days”. Our scrutiny is more likely to happen when we are ignorant of history or deny proven history, and we feel afraid or threatened. It is then that we are more likely to be influenced and enticed to behave in ways that would normally be indefensible. We make up reasons why heinous language and acts are okay because we believe, at our core, we are doing the right thing.

I am not certain that watching the news before going to sleep last night was the cause of such disturbance that my entire being was shaken, but it’s possible. It may be the frequent alerts on my phone when acts of hate are reported at universities, town councils, and elementary schools. Or maybe it is that I am feeling overwhelmed by the apparent ease with which people spew hate at each other.

What I am certain of is that my body is giving me a message related to what I see as the division and fracture of decency, respect, and kindness within our society.

The remainder of this newsletter offers ways to deal with these kinds of responses as we attempt to take care of ourselves during these fraught times. I believe if we care for ourselves and each other instead of dehumanizing others, we can get through this moment, NOT have history repeat itself and heal as a society.

Navigating Election Season with Friends and Family

As the election season intensifies, many of us find ourselves navigating a minefield

of heated debates, conflicting information, and strained relationships. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or frustrated, but there are ways to stay grounded and maintain our connections with others, even amid political differences. I offer here practical strategies to guide in staying calm, informed, and respectful during these turbulent times. Whether we’re engaging in political discussions or simply trying to keep the peace at family gatherings, these tips can help approach the election season with grace, empathy, and wisdom.

Here are some tips for navigating the election season with grace and composure:

Stay Informed, Not Overwhelmed. Research candidates and issues using reputable sources but set healthy limits on news consumption. Choose 1–2 trusted outlets and check them at set times rather than constantly scrolling. This allows us to stay informed without becoming overwhelmed.

Practice Active Listening. When discussing politics, focus on truly hearing others rather than just waiting for our turn to speak. We can ask thoughtful follow-up questions to understand their perspective more deeply. Reflect back what we’ve heard to ensure we’ve interpreted correctly.

Express Opinions with Nuance. We can share our views by focusing on the issues rather than attacking people or parties. Use “I” statements to frame our opinions as personal beliefs rather than absolute truths. For example, “I’m concerned about X policy because…” rather than “Only an idiot would support Y.”

Find Common Ground. Look for areas of agreement, even with those who hold different views. Most people want similar things — safety, opportunity, fairness — even if they disagree on how to achieve them. We can strive to highlight shared values and defuse tension.

Set Healthy Boundaries. It’s okay to decline political discussions if we’re not in the right headspace at the time. Suggest changing the subject or taking a break if conversations become heated. The important thing is to protect our mental wellbeing.

Practice Empathy. We can try to understand why others hold their views, even if we disagree. Consider their life experiences, values, and concerns. This doesn’t mean we have to agree, but it can foster compassion.

Focus on What We Can Control. Channel election anxiety into positive action. Volunteer, donate, or help others register to vote. Taking concrete steps, however small, can provide a sense of action and independence.

Prioritize Relationships. Remember that our bonds with family and friends are more important than any single election. Try to avoid saying things in the heat of the moment that could damage long-term relationships.

Take Care of Ourselves. Maintain perspective by engaging in stress-relieving activities like exercise, meditation, or time in nature. A calm mind is better equipped to handle difficult conversations.

By approaching this election season mindfully, we can engage in meaningful dialogue while preserving our inner peace and cherished relationships. The goal is not to change minds, but to foster understanding and maintain our shared humanity amidst differing views.

Election Season Mindfulness Moment

As election season intensifies, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant stream of information and heightened emotions. To stay grounded and maintain well-being and balance, we can adopt this simple yet effective daily practice.

Each day, take one minute to pause and reflect. Find a quiet spot, set a timer for 60 seconds, and follow these steps:

1. Take three deep breaths, focusing on the sensation of air entering and leaving the body.

2. Acknowledge any election-related thoughts or feelings without judgment. Simply observe them.

3. Remind ourselves of one personal value or goal that’s important to us, regardless of election outcomes.

4. Visualize responding to election news or discussions with calm and empathy.

5. Set an intention for how we want to engage with political information for the rest of the day.

This brief daily ritual can help maintain perspective, manage stress, and approach political engagement more mindfully.

Remember, the goal isn’t to disengage completely, but to engage in a way that aligns with our values and promotes understanding. This simple habit can serve as an anchor, helping us stay centered amidst the turbulence of election season.

Dr. Dale Atkins
dale@drdaleatkins.com
www.drdaleatkins.com