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How do you be aware of major issues in the world and locally without becoming deeply depressed and cynical? (lemmy.dbzer0.com)

submitted 2 weeks ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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cross-posted from: https://lemmy.dbzer0.com/post/33816821

As someone in the US it’s so easy to see so many depressing issues from the ravages of capitalism, to war, imperialism, and genocide. How can one care about these issues and hope for change without allowing themselves to be affected mentally?

I’ve been considering this for the past week, connecting it with Buddhist compassion towards the world and a need for mindfulness. But it’s so easy to fall into emotionlessness.

I’ve also thought through the world has always had issues and though some are getting much worse some are getting better.

I have gone to counseling before but they just make it an individual problem when it’s the world.

Edit: doesn’t have to be US centric. Just I’m writing from that pov

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[–] [email protected] 7 points 2 weeks ago

It's the first noble truth that there is suffering and it is unavoidable. Buddhism is all about allowing yourself to be present and recognize that but also remove yourself. So, especially in the context of this community, reading and practice.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 weeks ago

My solution is not to.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I really don't know what to think when it comes to the United Healthcare CEO thing that happened recently. On one end I don't believe in violence. On the other it's been a wakeup call for the industry. I never realized how many claims were denied.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Great points! I think you articulate well what many Buddhist who hope to a better world feel. I also take the Buddhadharma seriously but it’s hard not to see the violence happening against the common person via poor healthcare.

It’s also given me a lot of stress.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 2 weeks ago

I think the problem is we can't condone violence from either side. War has no winners. That's how I feel this is now.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 weeks ago

That's the neat part! I don't!

[–] [email protected] 0 points 2 weeks ago

With varying levels of success.

At my best, I remember my bad feelings bend the moral arc of the universe towards anger instead of clarity, the opposite of how it feels, and just sort of picture a fire hose blasting through a sieve, and then try to be that.