We live in a world of stress. Reading the newspaper is a hazardous occupation. War, strife, hunger, poverty and desperation fill the headlines and it is heart-breaking.
Although we can support worthy causes by making donations, it seems that there is little else we can do as individuals.
Although we can support worthy causes by making donations, it seems that there is little else we can do as individuals.
What is our world view?
If we see ourselves as separate from those who are suffering, then we can contain our feelings of sadness and overwhelm. But this is an illusion. We are all one; everything that occurs, affects all of us. We are all citizens of this planet, for better or for worse.
If we see ourselves as separate from those who are suffering, then we can contain our feelings of sadness and overwhelm. But this is an illusion. We are all one; everything that occurs, affects all of us. We are all citizens of this planet, for better or for worse.
What can we do?
Mindfulness practices encourage compassionate behaviors. They help us navigate through stressful times, allowing us to respond in constructive and beneficial ways to each other. The ability to compromise, to be empathic, to set appropriate limits to harmful behavior and develop healthy relationships is enabled.
We do not need permission
No prescription is needed. This is something anyone can do to make the world a better place. If only our world leaders were practitioners!
As my teacher Thich Nhat Hanh said " We have a statue of Liberty on the East coast. We need a statue of Responsibility on the West." Mindfulness practices are one way to take responsibility and contribute to the well-being of those we love, those we know, and all the inhabitants of our world.
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