I started a post about avoiding contention, but it just didn't come out how I wanted. So, I began to write about giving our best to others--being kind, looking for common ground, showing up for people in their suffering. But it wasn't quite right. I wanted to write about helping others to feel seen and heard and loved, but I feel too sad about all of the divisiveness, contention, and sickness in the world, and I’m not sure of the right way to help. There are a lot of issues to discuss lately—politics, religion, racism, immigration, health care—honestly, almost anything can turn into a debate. When I feel a discussion brewing, I suddenly remember the laundry that needs to be switched or the plants that need watering. Lately, the kids always have clean underwear and my plants are growing like weeds. I feel guilty about my need to disappear during these discussions because it's not like I don't have opinions to share, and I do like to be educated about relevant issues. I...