If you don’t feed me the “facts” as I want to hear them or tell me the “truth” which matches what I feel to be true, then you are clearly not playing for my team. And if you are not playing for my team, which is clearly the only right one, then you are definitely NOT on my side. And if you are not on my side, then I have absolutely no use for you, your opinions, your views, your input based on what is obviously “fake news” which does not serve me and my beliefs.
This is the tribal mind and how it thinks. In this mindset, which is fueled by fear mongering, propaganda and conspiratorial innuendo, OBJECTIVITY no longer exists. “Truth” in the tribal mind has no middle ground on which to agree, no turf on which to find neutral ground.
When tribalism takes on a religious zealousness, then everyone who isn’t part of the tribe is subsequently labeled as the enemy. The enemy is evil and might persuade you to veer from your tribal code. Mind you, this is all because the other team dares to have different views, beliefs and filters.
Some folks have become so tribal in their thinking, that they will only allow themselves to watch one news station. Buying into the propaganda that all other newsfeeds are biased, they are actually afraid to listen to any other broadcasts, fearing they might hear something that would confuse their already deeply embedded beliefs. This is because the tribal mindset is both rigid not wishing to be challenged and fragile needing constant reassurance that it is indeed . . . right.
So, what are we to do? How can you and I guard against tribal thinking in ourselves? I believe, as always, it starts with being self-aware. In order to remain objective, open and logical, I must first examine myself, my inner motivations, my own biases, propensities and ideological leanings.
I must ask the tough questions beginning with “why do I believe what I believe?” Is it based on facts or feelings? Am I doing the due diligence required to legitimize a story? Am I willing to listen to both sides of all stories to determine the facts? Am I willing to step out of my comfort zone, venture out into uncomfortable territory and expose myself to different views? Do I demonize others who don’t see things the way I do – and if so, why?
The truth is if I am unwilling to open my mind and explore everything that is out there, I am also in danger of becoming tribal in my thinking. So I must constantly seek out the truth, listen to all sides of all current conversations, not succumb to shallow thinking and resist pre-judging any information based on my own filters and biases.
Imagine what would happen if each of us were more SELF AWARE of our beliefs and why we hold them, more EMPATHETIC to listen to others the way we like to be heard, and more willing to seek COMMON ground. Imagine what a world we could create together.
The Zen Den
Hello and welcome to The Zen Den. My name is Alison and while I am passionate about many things, my most inspiring driving force is human connection. Blogger, content writer, orthopedic exercise specialist, motivational speaker, international yoga pro, published songwriter, avid poker player, mom and wife are just a few of my titles. But when I do my job at NASA, I am known simply as “The Fairy Zenmother” a role I deeply love because people invite me into their space to help them find their center, relax and stretch their muscles and destress their mind. Here in the blogosphere version of The Zen Den, I invite you into my world where I will explore ideas for creating a better tomorrow and a kinder today. And hopefully, with insight, authenticity and humor; my words, observations and experiences will help you feel calm, centered, intellectually challenged and spiritually enlightened. Alternatively, if you have something you would like to see covered in The Zen Den, just let me know. Your feedback is welcome and valuable to the success of this blog. Finally, my heart is filled with gratitude to have this opportunity to share with all of you.
