Patience is Zen; Forgiving is Taoist

Allowing things to run their course, others to do their thing can bring inner peace. Nodding to affirm we are listening and present, without responding can even result in unpleasant situations being shorter in duration. Closing our eyes, using other senses may provide solace when we have a long wait. Even when time seems to stand still, reflection can be it's own reward. Restraint actually strengthens our resolve.

Everyone has a dark side- to love someone or be a friend means accepting this. A balance over time occurs in all but the worst sociopaths. Perhaps nurturing the good in others is a way to bridge the current political divide. Fostering humanness and forgiving ignorance could bring some folks back from the angry edge. The courage to be vulnerable by being humble might allow us to lay down our arms. We can let our loving selves see the innocent side of those we might otherwise damn or disregard.