It’s not uncommon for our egos to stir up conflict, discord and separation and one of the ways it does this is via petty fights and clashes over differences of opinion ranging everywhere from politics to inconsequential things like media & entertainment. We see these clashes far too often on social media, where people’s opinions and most antagonistic aspects of their personality come out in full force since they have the security of anonymity and privacy online. These conflicts and attempts to argue are all part of an egotistical desire to feel right and put others down for not agreeing. These are classic division tactics of our egos that always want to separate ourselves from others and feel superior.
These are also deeply rooted in negativity and pessimism as a live outlook and disposition. This is unfortunately symptomatic of a culture that is also negative, cynical and pessimistic and it breeds that manner of thinking to the general population. To make matters worse, we often see in the media and larger social/political commentary where divide and conquer tactics are utilized to keep different groups in the culture fighting against each other. We seem to be stuck in a perpetual culture war and even have prominent political leaders throwing fuel on the fire for strategic reasons that rallies up their base and throws fuel on the fire of culture war.
The ideal outcome is to break from this negative and toxic thinking. Recognize when you are leaning on looking at different situations in the worst possible light. When faced with an undesirable situation, ask yourself what’s the silver lining? What’s the best way to look at this? When discussing matters with an overzealous politico, say you agree to disagree and walk away. This is always taking the peaceful route as opposed to conflict and clashing. Your ego always wants to steer you into arguing and clashing with others, to prove others wrong and feel right. The desire to feel right is like adrenaline and a dopamine rush for your ego. Even if the disagreement and the conversation is something you feel strongly about, resist the urge to argue and debate. It is purely ego driven and you can leave that fighting to others. You can see how destructive and draining it is to others who engage in that often. It’s understandably difficult when the disagreement is something you feel very passionately and strongly about or they share their opinion in a provocative way intended to get a reaction or to troll you. So there are times you feel your sensibilities have been upset and you have a script ready to go telling them why they’re wrong, but use this as an opportunity to train yourself to accept other people’s opinions. Smile and look at your phone, nod your head, but don’t engage in a conversation, argument or debate.
The ultimate goal is unity and seeing your brothers and sisters as one with you and it’s hard to do that when you see some people as enemies over differences of opinion. Choosing the path of peace is ideal and preferable for your own sanity and spiritual health. If you’re a secular person, the psychological benefits are undeniable. Depending on your faith, choosing the path of peace is more than likely explicitly instructed and encouraged for spiritual health. The benefits are multifaceted. Try to steer clear from media and social media outlets that perpetuate cultural division and clashes. It’s worse and more toxic than anything your parents warned you against when growing up. It’s like a drug for your ego which always desires conflict, clashes, desiring to be right and superior to others.
If you find the temptation to engage in divisive and tumultuous arguments too strong to resist, this is where the “lead us not into temptation” part of your prayer becomes crucial. Seek that extra divine assistance to steer clear of these conflicts, but remember that this is ultimately a test of your willpower. The more you practice restraint, the easier it becomes to resist the urge to engage in such disputes. Take every new opportunity of someone challenging your beliefs or wanting to debate as an opportunity to dismiss them. Practice makes perfect and then it becomes automatic like all other habits.
Final Pro Tip: If you see or speak to someone different than you in some way the automatic response should be sending them your blessings and wishing them well in your mind. Every thought has a reaction, and negative thoughts and negative wishes will inevitably come back to bite you in the ass so keep it positive. Not just for the sake of peace but your own well being and happiness. The more polar opposite that person is to you, the bigger your blessing to them should be. In your mind send them all your blessings, good health, happiness, financial stability, etc. Whatever comes to mind.
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