Practical Wisdom: How to Build a Bridge

Last week, I asked a question on my Facebook page:

“Without mentioning political parties, tell me one thing you want for our country. Please do so without attack or insult.”

What I received in response was a quiet rising of values. A collective yearning. A chorus of clarity that came from all directions, lifestyles, geographies, and perspectives.

And what emerged felt like a blueprint for healing.
A map of shared humanity.
A beginning place.

Here’s what rose to the surface:

Unity, Peace, and Respect.
The word unity showed up again and again, as did compassion, civility, and the longing for civil discourse. People want to talk and be heard from a listening that desires connection.

Basic Human Rights.
So many asked for healthcare, housing, food, safety, education, and fair wages. Not luxuries. Just what it takes to live with dignity.

Truth and Integrity.
Calls for truth, ethical leadership, and a return to respectful debate were heartfelt and clear.

Equity.
Voices called for a world that values every person, regardless of background, wealth, or ability, where bias is acknowledged and love leads.

A Sustainable Future.
From clean soil and healthy food to care for the Earth, many lifted up the sacredness of the planet and the need to live in balance with it.

Consciousness and Creativity.
People dreamed of a culture that elevates wisdom, art, joy, and spiritual awakening over profit or fear.

Love Over Fear.
Again and again, love was named as the guiding force we need now, for ourselves, each other, and the world.

Did everyone agree with everything others wrote? I didn’t ask – but I’m fairly certain there are differences of opinion. However, although some expressed pain and grief, questioning how to get beyond the challenges at hand, there was no arguing or insulting (at least at the time of this writing). Instead, there was visioning. It was obvious by the likes shared that many people did more than respond. They read what others wrote. 

As I sat with the words shared, I kept thinking: This is how a bridge is built.

When we talk about healing division, we often say, “We need to build a bridge.” But what does that really mean?

A bridge is both a structure and a symbol.

A bridge can span a gap, like a river, a canyon, or a road, to connect two sides. It allows people, vehicles, or goods to cross from one place to another where it would otherwise be difficult or impossible.

A bridge can also be anything that connects separated people, ideas, cultures, or experiences.

• In relationships, a bridge might be a conversation that brings understanding after conflict.
• In leadership, it might be a shared vision that unites people across different roles or backgrounds.
• In society, it might be a value like love, dignity, or truth that helps people come together despite disagreement.

Let’s look at how a bridge is built:

It Needs a Foundation.

A bridge can’t be built on shaky ground. It must be anchored into something solid. When we’re talking about healing communities, our foundation is shared values like dignity, truth, love, and respect. We often have more in common than we think. We just haven’t named it out loud.

Design and Intention is Next.

No bridge is accidental. It takes vision, care, and planning. In human relationships, this means conscious dialogue. It means choosing words that connect rather than divide. It means asking questions that open the space between us, rather than closing it.

Supports and Span must be Deteremined.

A bridge needs strong supports and a long enough span to reach the other side. Those supports in human connection are curiosity, patience, and mutual care. The span is our willingness to stretch to meet someone across a chasm of difference, without needing to be right.

Collaboration will be Required.

No one builds a bridge alone. It takes many roles. And in community, that means we need listeners, healers, leaders, artists, activists, teachers, and elders. Everyone brings something sacred to the work.

We need to Maintain our Bridge

Even the strongest bridge wears down over time. Relationships need maintenance too. That means returning to shared values, repairing misunderstandings, and recommitting to the work of connection. It means not giving up when the weight of the world gets heavy.

The Bridge Is the Work Ahead

What I witnessed in those Facebook comments wasn’t just hope, it was instruction. It was proof that despite the noise, most people are not enemies. We are neighbors. And if we want to move forward in a positive way, we don’t need to win arguments. We need to build bridges.

We begin with what we share – and how we share it.
We stay grounded in respect.
We stretch toward one another with courage.
And we remember that unity isn’t uniformity. It’s a choice to care even when we don’t agree.

Crossing a bridge requires courage, openness, and a belief that connection is worth it.

I believe it’s time we become bridge builders. 

Would you like to join me? If so, send me a message with your ideas. If you don’t know how yet, that’s okay. We can figure it out together!