Managing Politics and Relationships, with Kessonga

(soft music) Headspace Studios. Hi friends. I'm joined today by Kessonga and Headspace therapist Ryan, and we have a very special episode for y'all today. We're answering questions from folks who have concerns about the current political environment, both locally and globally. So we have a question about how to maintain family relationships when you disagree with their politics and values. We have one about how to be hopeful when you're concerned about any outcome in an election year. And then, we also have a question that is about how to stand on your own after leaving a toxic family. So we have lots to unpack today. I just say, let's get started. (soft music) Have you ever wished you had a wise meditation teacher on speed dial? Or a therapist you can call after a long day? Or a mental health coach you can lean on for advice? Someone to help you see things differently? Welcome to "Dear Headspace", a podcast where I sit down with Headspace experts and we answer your questions. Hi Kess, Hi, Ryan. Hello, Robin. Greetings, greetings, Robin. How you doing, Ryan? Are you two all buckled up? 'Cause we are talking politics today. Oh, great, great. It's actually one of my favorite topics. I don't understand what the big fuss is. Well, what's funny is we're actually, we're not really talking about politics because this isn't a political show, but we are talking about how to manage relationships in ourselves in the midst of a global unrest. And, you know, it's a lot. I don't think it's ever not a lot. That's a really good point. Well, to kick it off, all right, we have our first question from Sarah, and it's about a divide that's happening in her family. So I'm gonna get right to it. Hi, Dear Headspace, I love the show. So I figure I'd reach out for some advice. I have an issue with my family, specifically with my dad. It feels like him and I are just super divided politically, and sometimes I get worried about actually being able to maintain a relationship with him since he just believes and thinks so differently from the way that I do. It's really difficult to ever have like an open, constructive dialogue. I feel like whenever we talk politics or it comes up around the table, it turns into a bit of a screaming match. Voices end up getting raised and it just never ends up productive or in a good place. And I really wish we could just have open conversations around how we feel and our different perspectives, and I am not even looking for us to agree, but just to be able to have open conversations around our different political beliefs. So what do you think are the best ways to go about figuring out how to do that? Ooh, what's interesting is, I don't think that Sarah, that you're alone. Like, I think there are many, many,...