Cultivating Connection Across Difference

Overcoming division, hate, and polarization requires intentional effort from all of us, especially during these difficult times.

But how do we activate the power of connection in a world that seems to be driving us further apart?

You can strengthen your sense of shared humanity by engaging in practices that remind you of the kinship you share with others. The point of this work is to increase our connection with people from other social groups and backgrounds, NOT to deny difference or social inequalities.

Tapping into our shared humanity helps us to increase empathy, navigate conflict productively, and strengthen relationships and teams.

Here are 3 strategies I recommend:

1. Take the Shared Humanity Quiz to gauge how deeply you identify with all of humanity. The quiz is from the Greater Good Science Center and just takes a few minutes to do.
https://tinyurl.com/y28cadmj

2. Engage in a Shared Identity practice by thinking of someone who seems very different from you. Then list the things you have in common. Repeat this exercise with a different person every week. This is also a great exercise to do when you're experiencing conflict with someone.
https://tinyurl.com/4fnbnzbe

3. Embrace the power of shared values & action. Working collaboratively to achieve common goals enables us to bridge divides between disparate groups.

How can I help your team to engage positively across difference?

[Image description: Photograph of the sun setting over a mountain range accompanied by a quote, “Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.” -by Pema Chödrön]