By practicing mindfulness and other principles, we become more aware of and present to our fears and others’ fears, bearing witness as a way of healing andempowering. We see the spiritual path as intertwined with the path of social action, with contemplation and action parts of the same whole, each nourishing andguiding the other. Acknowledging that our well-being depends on others makes caring for others’ well-being a moral responsibility.Through a “mindful citizen” exercise, we create a story articulating who we are as individuals who are also part of communities. Th is exercise helps us move beyondcynicism, complacency, and despair, instead infusing us with a sense of purpose. We embrace our gifts, resolving to do our part to promote a sense of commonhumanity as a means toward social justice.With this exercise, I believe we can help stu dents bridge their divides and replace anger and distrust with compassionate connections – just as I witnessed betweenShirley and Tiffany.Shirley returned to c lass after a brief hiatus, keeping a cool distance from Tiffany. But over the weeks spent together they gradually came to know each other. Theypracticed seeing and listening, sharing stories so different that they felt bewildered as to how they could overcome the gap. But they found that acknowledging theirdifferences led them to discover a place of deep connection in commonalities, such as being raised by grandmothers, and even wounds, including childhood trauma,that they never imagined existed.In assessments of these classes, s tudents say that these small groups become “healing communities,” where we overcome victimization and claim agency. Healingoccurs as we transcend an “us vs. them” mentality, crossing borders and forging connections. These communities show a way of reducing intergroup prejudice andfostering inclusion based in psychology research and pedagogical practice.How students can replace their anger and distrust?1). With the help of compassionate connections.2). By diverting their mind.3). By going into deep meditation.4). By doing some physical exercise