I've found I have rationed news feeds to the absolute bare minimum. I'm meditating with more depth and my husband and I have turned the TV off in the evenings, preferring the silence of the night, of shore birds and of waves down at the beach. I feel much more a part of the world now - the real world, the natural world, than I ever did when sweating through news bulletins and worrying about wars. It's now possible to fine tune and focus. Should I feel guilty for pulling back? I hope not. A psychologist said to me once: 'Keep your goalposts close.'
Thank you for sharing All of this… it allows me to continue my withdrawal from the news … I’m deeply moved by the little pup … May she be healed and surrounded by love … 💕
Thank you David, Re Election season, prefer not to vote unless I believe someone is best for the job of President here in America…sounds judgmental I suppose…but neither candidate this time
holds my heart…my way of living has never been associated by who holds a political office but rather who seems to care most about humanity with the power they hold… have enough to do to keep me very busy with out time to follow who is spewing hatred or fear trusting God, that the person who is elected will be the right one for the times we are living in and in the meantime I’ll work quietly and most happily in my own community to make a contribution to LOVE, Harmony and Beauty working with animals, domestic and wild in the peaceful sanctuary I am happiest living in and feel SO blessed to live where I do, in a democracy with all its issues, instead of the alternative of course…🌲🐕🌷
Thank you David, I try to limit my news intake to a quick look at the newspaper and the headlines on the BBC news website and maybe look for a heartwarming story.
This was a beautiful post this week. Thoughtful and needed. I am taking a news break and appreciate the wisdom in doing so. I am so pleased to be affiliated in some small way with the compassionate care of people and animals from across the globe. I hope the puppy survives and rebounds.
I wasn't able to attend the retreat David...but I do fall into the silvery and crepey skinned bracket...it is amazing how quickly one reaches that point! And yes politics are a constant background irritation - ultimately I don't think it matters who "wins" - they only think they are in control - generally it seems the world carries on o.k. - despite the pollies best efforts.
Hi David, Well written but when caress about people being abused and killed on can’t help oneself to comment,
I was a supporter of LinkedIn and finally got blocked for reacting to some pretty provocative information that they feel free to publish but then block people for their
reactions.
I can’t believe how happy it has made me. I don’t have to be drawn into the commentary that goes on, I don’t even miss it anymore.
I am happy that they
Blocked me
Because I can’t stand double standards.
I should have withdrawn on
My own but was attacked to other gentler persuasions like re-wilding parts of the UK and Europe.
Now that I am blocked I am at peace.
Concentrate on the real world. Making comments will not resolve the world conflicts. Just meditate
War and killing has been the way of the world since the beginning of time, Elaine. Look at Tibet. While political activism may help, in reality the only thing we really have control over is our own minds. This is the focus of Dharma and, if we believe that consciousness continues after death, and in the possibility of enlightenment, it is ultimately the best way we may help bring killing to an end.
How moving and inspiring - a golden thread of sanity and love amidst these very painful times. I was also very moved by your poem; thank you for sharing that with us. 🙏🏼 Many blessings always to Sarah and her team. 💖💓
But what to do if you live not in the democracy and your govt do not treat you as a human being with rights? When you basically have no protection. I cannot leave because I can't imagine leaving my parents and grandparents behind. It seems like a vicious circle and I'm trapped inside!
Thank you for your books. They are life saving. I'm desperately waiting for new adventures of the belived HHC))). Have a great day!
If we live in an autocracy of some kind, there is all the more reason to focus on what is within our control - i.e. our own mind. I know this from my Dharma brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe , and in the time I spend there I am always interested by the starkly different perspectives they have on the same situation. I am so glad that you find my work helpful! Wishing youequanimity, resilience, peace and joy!
I've found I have rationed news feeds to the absolute bare minimum. I'm meditating with more depth and my husband and I have turned the TV off in the evenings, preferring the silence of the night, of shore birds and of waves down at the beach. I feel much more a part of the world now - the real world, the natural world, than I ever did when sweating through news bulletins and worrying about wars. It's now possible to fine tune and focus. Should I feel guilty for pulling back? I hope not. A psychologist said to me once: 'Keep your goalposts close.'
Beautiful message, Prue, thank you for sharing. I think we'd all do well to emulate your example.
Thank you for sharing All of this… it allows me to continue my withdrawal from the news … I’m deeply moved by the little pup … May she be healed and surrounded by love … 💕
My heartfelt thanks Carol.
This is just what the Dr ordered; a reminder and remedy for these times. Thank you deeply for this and the wisdom of “we’ll see”
Thanks, Catherine. "We'll see' is a so much wiser than neurotic reactivity.
I always read your blog with gratitude for your perspective & wisdom. I'm so grateful to be joining you in the solutions. You make Saturdays special.
You are too kind, thank you Penelope!
Thank you David, Re Election season, prefer not to vote unless I believe someone is best for the job of President here in America…sounds judgmental I suppose…but neither candidate this time
holds my heart…my way of living has never been associated by who holds a political office but rather who seems to care most about humanity with the power they hold… have enough to do to keep me very busy with out time to follow who is spewing hatred or fear trusting God, that the person who is elected will be the right one for the times we are living in and in the meantime I’ll work quietly and most happily in my own community to make a contribution to LOVE, Harmony and Beauty working with animals, domestic and wild in the peaceful sanctuary I am happiest living in and feel SO blessed to live where I do, in a democracy with all its issues, instead of the alternative of course…🌲🐕🌷
My sincere thanks as always for your support, Adrienne.
Thank you David, I try to limit my news intake to a quick look at the newspaper and the headlines on the BBC news website and maybe look for a heartwarming story.
Sounds like a good policy, Wendy.
David, this was very timely and very helpful. I will save this for the future and re-read it periodically. Thank you for what you do. SC
I appreciate your kind support, Sheila!
This was a beautiful post this week. Thoughtful and needed. I am taking a news break and appreciate the wisdom in doing so. I am so pleased to be affiliated in some small way with the compassionate care of people and animals from across the globe. I hope the puppy survives and rebounds.
Really glad that you found it helpful, Ellen!
I wasn't able to attend the retreat David...but I do fall into the silvery and crepey skinned bracket...it is amazing how quickly one reaches that point! And yes politics are a constant background irritation - ultimately I don't think it matters who "wins" - they only think they are in control - generally it seems the world carries on o.k. - despite the pollies best efforts.
Yes, useful to keep political power in perspective, thanks Kate.
So timely indeed. I limit my exposure to all news and try to focus on people. Prayers for the little puppy!
Quite right too, thanks Elaine!
Thanks, David, for your useful advice. Even just mindfulness of the current moment in one's life helps restore calm and dispel worry.
Peace -
Judy
So true, thank you Judy!
Hi David, Well written but when caress about people being abused and killed on can’t help oneself to comment,
I was a supporter of LinkedIn and finally got blocked for reacting to some pretty provocative information that they feel free to publish but then block people for their
reactions.
I can’t believe how happy it has made me. I don’t have to be drawn into the commentary that goes on, I don’t even miss it anymore.
I am happy that they
Blocked me
Because I can’t stand double standards.
I should have withdrawn on
My own but was attacked to other gentler persuasions like re-wilding parts of the UK and Europe.
Now that I am blocked I am at peace.
Concentrate on the real world. Making comments will not resolve the world conflicts. Just meditate
on tonglen.
Thank you David
I agree that social media is no place for rational debate, Peter!
David thank you for the above - so badly needed. But what about all the tens of thousands of people who have been killed? How do we cope with that?
War and killing has been the way of the world since the beginning of time, Elaine. Look at Tibet. While political activism may help, in reality the only thing we really have control over is our own minds. This is the focus of Dharma and, if we believe that consciousness continues after death, and in the possibility of enlightenment, it is ultimately the best way we may help bring killing to an end.
How moving and inspiring - a golden thread of sanity and love amidst these very painful times. I was also very moved by your poem; thank you for sharing that with us. 🙏🏼 Many blessings always to Sarah and her team. 💖💓
Thank you Sharadha, and so glad that you liked the poem!
Very apt and helpful. Thank you David.
Very glad to hear it, thanks Lisa!
Thanks AGAIN for reminding US
to focus on our goals and skills
..."the one who pays the piper
calls the tune!"...so we sing to the
oligarchy about THEIR legacy
and our joy to enable them to
help us heal the planet...and
do so RESPECTFULLY
Nice to hear from you, thanks Manuel.
Hi David!
But what to do if you live not in the democracy and your govt do not treat you as a human being with rights? When you basically have no protection. I cannot leave because I can't imagine leaving my parents and grandparents behind. It seems like a vicious circle and I'm trapped inside!
Thank you for your books. They are life saving. I'm desperately waiting for new adventures of the belived HHC))). Have a great day!
If we live in an autocracy of some kind, there is all the more reason to focus on what is within our control - i.e. our own mind. I know this from my Dharma brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe , and in the time I spend there I am always interested by the starkly different perspectives they have on the same situation. I am so glad that you find my work helpful! Wishing youequanimity, resilience, peace and joy!