Mark here. Here’s what we have in store for this week…
WHAT I’M WRITING ABOUT
The Opportunity Polarization Presents for Growth
Politics and the Covid crisis have polarized families, communities, and even nations. Navigating intensely polarized conversations can be daunting, but they can also be turned into a positive opportunity for growth. Staying open and nonjudgemental when ambushed by a polarizing moment is key to fostering greater connection and understanding. It is important to approach polarizing conversations with curiosity about what you can learn instead of rigidly gripping your point of view and judging the other side as wrong. Recall the late Stephen Covey’s recommendation to “seek first to understand, and then to be understood.”
When you genuinely seek to understand the perspectives of those with whom you may disagree, you create space for meaningful dialogue and connection. Active listening plays a crucial role here. Active listening is to practice hearing more than the spoken words. It requires you to engage with body language, emotions, and values, backing and powering the words. In a tense discussion, observe the individuals upset and acknowledge their feelings, even if you disagree. This simple act will often diffuse tension and create a space for a less charged and more interesting exchange.
Try to appreciate the shared experiences as well as unique experiences. Humans have many common interests and experiences, yet life’s juice is in the variety. Judging another for their experience because it is different from yours is like judging a flower as bad because you don’t like its color. Engaging in polarizing conversations requires patience and practice; most of us avoid it like the plague. But by remaining curious, open, and nonjudgemental, you can turn polarized dialogues into opportunities for empowerment and growth—both for ourselves and those around us.
The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance. – Alan Watts
NEW EPISODE – THE MARK DIVINE SHOW
Genuine Expression Episode # 489
Mark Divine is a New York Times best-selling author, philanthropist, and one of the world’s leading experts in leadership and change. Mark is the author of six best-selling books, including Uncommon: Simple Principles for an Extraordinary Life, and hosts the popular Mark Divine Show, featuring transformative change agents. With a PhD in Global Leadership and over 30 years of Zen meditation practice, Mark is dedicated to helping individuals unlock their potential through whole-person development through his Unbeatable Mind and SEALFIT trainings.
Catherine Divine is a leadership coach, author, and yoga instructor with over 20 years of experience helping leaders unlock their full potential. Coauthor of Kokoro Yoga with her stepfather, Mark Divine, and author of Sacred Silence, Catherine holds a Master’s in Transformative Leadership from CIIS and is pursuing a PhD in East-West Psychology. As a Master Unbeatable Mind Coach, she has trained C-suite executives, Special Ops candidates, and high-performance leaders, guiding them to integrate mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and resilience. Catherine combines intuitive healing with strategic insight to help leaders overcome challenges, heal from trauma, and strengthen their mind-body-soul connection.
Podcast Highlights:
In this week’s episode, we delve into the complexities of shame and the pitfalls of toxic positivity. You will learn to balance positivity with emotional challenges, discover how false gurus have diluted Western spiritual teachings, and how becoming more present can lead to more profound emotional development, which is essential for effective leadership. We’ll also explore the impact of childhood experiences on our perceptions and the intricate relationship between past narratives and our current emotional landscape.
The work of groups advocating for veterans’ care is a powerful reminder of the impact that purposeful action can have. As entrepreneurs and athletes, we’re used to overcoming challenges, yet veterans face battles far beyond the battlefield. Supporting these advocacy efforts reflects the same drive and discipline that fuel our journeys, reminding us of our shared responsibility to ensure those who have served have the resources they need to thrive.
PRACTICE OR HABIT TO TRY
The Pomodoro Technique: This week, select a skill or habit you want to develop—specific exercise, playing an instrument, learning a language, or journaling. Set a timer for 25 minutes and dedicate yourself fully to that task, eliminating distractions. After the 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break to recharge—stretch, breathe, or relax your mind. Commit to every day this week to see how this method helps you stay focused without feeling overwhelmed. By using this technique regularly, you’ll improve discipline and steadily progress toward your goals.
P.S. If you enjoyed this email, reply here and let me know what you thought. I’d love to hear from you.
MOMENTOUS
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DEFENDER
The highest achievers among us are the people still striving, still reaching for something. The people who aren’t satisfied to stay where they are. The ones who want to keep climbing higher. And it’s those people who approach the impossible and embrace it. There’s a vehicle for people like that. It’s called the Defender. Design yours at LandRoverUSA.com
Mark Divine is a New York Times best-selling author, leadership expert, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and retired U.S. Navy SEAL Commander. He is also the founder and CEO of Unbeatable and SEALFIT.
