Practicing Courage #28: A powerful way to find common ground

Over the next four weeks on the Courageous Life podcast we will be re releasing a 4-part series on the Power of Compassion.

Yesterday we began with Part One, a powerful and moving conversation with Positive Psychology Pioneer Dr. Barbara Fredrickson and world renowned meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg.

To complement these conversations over the coming weeks I will be sharing some of the most potent practices I’ve come across for opening the heart, and accessing more courage and compassion. 

And if you are interested in a deeper more experiential dive into these insights and practices I  would encourage you to join me on July 12th, as I will be teaching an 8 week course on cultivating compassion. Learn more by heading to practicingcourage.com/cct

Today's practice is is the first of these and is all about finding common ground when it's hard.

This may include times where we are engaged in heated conversations over divisive issues, or simply find ourselves in conversations where vastly different and conflicting views are present.

The big questions are:

When these moments arise, how can we practice with them?

How might we get better at recognizing the patterns of thoughts and sensations that may be leading to separation, isolation, and othering?

And when we do, how might we find common ground again as we increase our capacity to connect with others when it’s difficult?

These are questions with no easy answers. 

And yet with intentionality, and a willingness to practice there is a possibility of opening to greater empathy, civility, and compassion as we return to our shared common humanity. 

Today's practice will offer one way to realize this possibility in our lives, our work, and our relationships.

Curious to explore this topic further? Here are some conversations on the podcast we think you'll love:

• Building Bridges Back to Each Other | Juliana Tafur
• Finding Our Way Home to Belonging | Jerry Colonna
• Rediscovering the Art of Constructive Dialogue | Dr. Mylien Duong

Thank you for your practice today!

I look forward to continuing together next Thursday!

-Joshua

Want these practices delivered via text?

If you are located in the U.S. text the word COURAGE to 805-430-6801 to join Joshua's text community and you'll get a text once/week with a link directly to the practice.

Looking for more practice opportunities? 

Check out:

• Free Meditation Events - 60 minute community gatherings with Joshua held 2x a month over zoom.
• The Practice Pass - An annual membership that gives you on-demand access to robust practice experiences including the 28-Day Practicing Courage Challenge, The 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge and the brand NEW Creativity Challenge.
• Past Practicing Courage episodes in the podcast feed
• The FREE Practice Library

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