Meditating Through Divides: Healing Brexit’s Emotional Rift

Introduction: Healing Divisions with a Simple Practice

The 2016 Brexit referendum had the UK starkly divided, not just at the political ballot boxes, but also on a deeply emotional level. These divisions aren’t simply about politics—they have become personal, forging identities around whether one is a ‘Remainer’ or a ‘Leaver’. The rift has caused family arguments, friend dissensions, and societal upheavals, resonating with the emotional ferocity of a feud. But what if a simple meditation could help mend these emotional divides?

A recent research paper explored this profound question. The study, ‘Bridging the (Brexit) divide: Effects of a brief befriending meditation on affective polarization’, examines whether a short meditation could lessen the emotional intensity—the ‘affective polarization’—between these groups. The idea isn’t just theoretical; it’s a practical exploration motivated by previous findings in the US where similar meditative practices softened the tensions between Democrats and Republicans. Now, researchers are keen to see if similar effects can be found across the pond.

Key Findings: Meditation as a Bridge Builder

Imagine sitting quietly, eyes closed, and letting a gentle voice help you visualize friendliness towards others, even those with whom you fiercely disagree. This is ‘befriending meditation’, an exercise tested among 922 divided Britons. Fascinatingly, the study found that this short exercise led to modest reductions in affective polarization, easing some of the emotional hostilities between Remainers and Leavers.

In practical terms, participants who engaged in the befriending meditation reported feeling slightly less antagonistic towards members of the opposing group compared to those in a control condition. But how does this happen? The mechanisms appear tied to developing a sense of perceived commonality—participants began to recognize that they shared more common ground with their opponents than previously thought.

To put it in perspective, consider Jane, a staunch Remainer. She constantly felt tension with her Leaver neighbor, Tom. However, after participating in this meditation, Jane started to perceive Tom through a broader lens of shared human experience rather than just through their political differences. Jane didn’t become best friends with Tom overnight, but she felt less distressed by their opposing views.

Critical Discussion: Why This Matters More Than Ever

Given the stark divisions wrought by Brexit, it’s crucial to ask: can meditation truly make a difference? This research offers an intriguing beginning. Compared to past explorations which similarly found meditation effective in reducing political divides in the US, this study provides fresh insights into Europe’s unique sociopolitical climate. It puts forth the idea that fostering emotional connectivity can transcend geographical and cultural borders.

One theory that weaves through this study is the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions, which suggests that fostering positive emotions—like friendliness—can expand people’s thought processes and build meaningful social connections over time. Similar studies in the US have seen mindfulness practices reduce not just political hostilities but also enhance cooperation. Applying these findings to a UK context sheds light on how shared human experiences could be pivotal in healing Brexit’s emotional scarring.

Another critical discussion point stems from scalability. Can this ‘befriending meditation’ be widely adopted? The study suggests it can. Delivered through easily accessible audio guides, the practice bypasses geographic and logistic barriers, potentially reaching large audiences. Yet, skepticism remains regarding the modest effect size—a reminder that while promising, this is not a miraculous cure but a small step towards empathy.

Real-World Applications: Beyond Brexit

The modest successes of befriending meditation present practical implications far beyond Brexit divisions. In workplaces, where polarized opinions often stifle communication, this practice could nurture a more inclusive environment. Similarly, in areas of public conflict or community tension, deploying such meditative exercises could alleviate emotional strife, fostering dialogues grounded in understanding rather than hostility.

Consider the role of this meditation in educational settings, where young minds are often shaped by familial or societal biases. Introducing befriending practices could cultivate a generation more attuned to empathy and less bound by rigid stereotypes. Imagine classrooms where students learn to approach differences with curiosity rather than judgment, building social resilience from an early age.

Moreover, the commercial sector could benefit. Companies seeking to enhance diversity and inclusion initiatives might incorporate befriending meditation into their training programs. Not only does it promise to smooth internal dynamics, but it also aligns with broader CSR goals of promoting community well-being. By embracing these simple, scalable practices, organizations can create more harmonious environments at both internal and external levels.

Conclusion: A Step Towards Peace, One Thought at a Time

In a world rife with division, the humble power of meditation beckons us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what binds us: our shared humanity. ‘Bridging the (Brexit) divide: Effects of a brief befriending meditation on affective polarization’ offers a beacon of hope, illuminating how small, conscious steps can mend frayed social fabrics. As we navigate complex worldviews, let us ponder: could embracing empathy, through meditation or otherwise, be the key to silencing the din of discord?

Ultimately, while no single solution will resolve all societal fractures, fostering dialogue through simplicity and mindfulness signals a promising pathway toward collective healing. The journey may begin with a single breath, yet its impact could resonate through lifetimes.

Data in this article is provided by PLOS.

Michael Carter

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