Yesterday saw another attempt on former President Donald Trump’s life. The first attack on Trump sent the public and the media reeling. The attempt symbolized rising and uncontrolled political violence in the United States.
It’s easy to dismiss these acts as the work of lone, unstable individuals. Yet, the reality is more complex. Yesterday’s events confirmed that political violence is escalating.
Mindfulness could play a vital role in healing American society and culture. It improves emotional regulation, empathy, and open-mindedness. By cultivating these qualities, the American public could reverse current dangerous trends.
What Happened in the Second Assassination Attempt?
The second attempt occurred on September 15th. Donald Trump was golfing at his Florida resort. A Secret Service agent noticed a gun muzzle protruding from nearby foliage.
The agent fired at the suspect, who fled the scene by car but was later arrested. Trump remained unharmed.
Just two months ago, the former president survived an attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania. The brief timeline between these attacks shows the fragility of civility in the US. Political violence remains a grave, ongoing risk to officials and the public.
Why is Political Violence Escalating in the United States?
Political violence benefits aggressive policymakers. Combative politicians are more likely to get elected and hold high-level positions.
The public also contributes to this escalation. In 2021, over one-third of Americans said violence against the government is justifiable. A recent poll showed one in five agree, “Americans may have to resort to violence…to get the country back on track.”
Elections are flashpoints. A majority of experts believe political violence is compromising the electoral process. Many also predict a likelihood of future US elections failing.
How Can Mindfulness Help Heal Political Violence?
Mindfulness entails paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Research indicates it can reduce aggression and improves emotional regulation. Being mindful fosters thoughtfulness and self-awareness.
The nonjudgmental nature of mindfulness negates hostility and suppresses volatile reactions. By confronting negative thoughts, mindful people can adjust their beliefs and behaviors.
The practice of mindfulness also fosters compassion, inhibiting violence. Even when it doesn’t enhance executive functioning, being mindful reduces harmful impulses.
Applying Mindfulness to Politics
Mindfulness reduces stress and increases awareness and compassion in politicians. Governments would benefit from the implementation of mindful programs for political leaders. Of course, the people they govern would see great benefits, too.
For the last decade, US Congressman Tim Ryan has promoted mindfulness on Capitol Hill. In 2012, he published A Mindful Nation, later republished as Healing America. The book details research and personal accounts of mindfulness’ effect on politics.
The UK provides another clear example of the application of mindfulness to politics. The UK parliament held eight hearings about considering mindfulness in several policy sectors. In 2015, it published “Mindful Nation UK,” a “policy review of mindfulness training.”
The adoption of a mindful perspective benefits the public’s political domain, as well. It makes people more aware of others, including their perspectives and attitudes. Mindfulness erodes prejudice, facilitates cooperation, and promotes ecological awareness.
How to Practice Mindfulness
Anyone can practice mindfulness in the same way. Sit in a comfortable, upright position, and pay attention to the present moment. Common anchors for the mind include the sensations of the body and breath going in and out.
Your mind will wander, and that’s OK. Take note and return to your object of attention: your body, breath, or something else that works for you. Don’t judge yourself for this tendency to wander, just return to the present.
Mindfulness seems almost too simple a solution for the US’s political violence problem. Yet, it offers a way for politicians and the public to reconcile and work together. Awareness, compassion, and openness can stem America’s rising tide of rage and recklessness.