To get past this week's divisive presidential election – some people are choosing to move forward and work together as a community. So, WUSF News reached out to an expert in conflict resolution for some ideas.
Holy Name Monastery is nestled in the rolling hills of Pasco County. It was founded by the Benedictine Sisters of Florida 127 years ago, and has a tradition of offering a “welcoming hand, kind heart and listening ear” to those who seek harmony with others.
Sister Mary David said a good start is to look inward.
“You need to know yourself first of all," she said. "Why does this bug me?”
The nun is an expert in conflict resolution, with experience teaching students from 2nd grade to college and suggests that anyone can be open and listen to others.
“That doesn’t mean you have to agree with them, and being respectful, showing the human dignity that you have as a person rather than being a little bratty kid,” she said.
And she added to use the pronoun “we.”
“Each of us has a responsibility to do our best.” And she said that means becoming active and not relying on elected officials for resolution.
In addition to running “reflection retreats” at the monastery, Sister Mary David is part of the Benedictine Sisters’ Peace and Justice Campaign.
And, she’s a poet who agreed to share three of her poems written on election night.
