See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil
Lately, I've been feeling out of sorts with the world. It's not unhappiness, it's more of a discomposure that won't lift.
Despite daily reminders to "smile" scheduled into my calendar along with Post-It-Notes stuck inelegantly on doors and walls, it's been hard to raise my spirits. This means I'm in a complaining mode, feeling burdened by just about everything, and exhausted by unusually small annoyances and irritations.
Well-meaning friends suggest I should opt out of watching any news which, oddly, puts a smile on my face. Growing up, a carved wood figurine of three cute monkeys offered similar advice, staring at me from the living room shelf year after year, saying, "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil."
But, turning a blind eye to the tragedies of the world is not in my DNA, though I've tried. It always feels sinful. So does hearing others say, "It's not my problem," or, "Nothing I can do about it," or, "It's their karma."
But it's silly to blame others for my state of mind. I know it's up to me to pull myself up and out of negativity.
Last night, in the midst of folding laundry, I said to myself, "I just need to be more cheerful!" Without missing a beat, I heard a surprising retort: "It's not about cheerfulness."
That stopped me. I sat down and wondered: if feeling better is not about being cheery and uplifted, then what's it about?
"Right thinking," echoed back.
As I went about finishing my chores, I fixated on "right thinking." Had I gone off the rails?
I remembered previous admonitions. Hold fast to faith, to patience, and love. Trust the Divine, and keep in mind Newton's Third Law of Motion: for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Appreciate all the beauty in my life, and love it. Remember that goodness overcomes evil. Focus on bringing forth that goodness. Find satisfaction in small actions that add up as time goes on. Follow guidance by doing what my heart is asked to do in the moment, and be grateful for it. Believe it's enough for that moment.
That brings me to this moment and writing this pledge. Please support my quest to think rightly as summarized above, despite the insanity of war which will likely always pain my heart and mind.
Thank you.
Wonderland
So happy to hear about your pledge!
Does that mean you aren’t a “lefty” anymore?
Lol, love from your favorite jokester!
Evangel
Ha-ha. By "lefty" I'm sure you mean the nickname for Saint Elefterios, being the good Christian you are😄. Poor saint leftie was tortured often by the Romans with extreme heat and fires, which we will all be experiencing soon if this asinine war continues to get out of hand. Hugs & kisses 🤡
Wonderland
Great response!!
Yes, scary times!
Well Street
Feeling out of sorts puts you in good company. You care very much about our country, and many aspects of it feel unrecognizable now. With dignity, morality, and justice becoming like endangered species, the toll it's taking on its citizens is real.
It's said that when the word "just" is used in a declaration regarding a change in behavior or perspective, it typically becomes an oversimplification. "I just need to exercise more; I just need to eat better; I just need to get to bed earlier," sounds simple on the surface, but without specificity and a clear action plan, none of those things are likely to happen.
The admonishments you listed are the specific action plan for right thinking, wisely amended from "I just need to be more cheerful!" No oversimplifications, and you've graciously shared a blueprint to buoy our spirits when we feel the drag brought by current events.
Thank you!
Evangel
You're right. The word "just" is an oversimplification. It comes from imagining there's a shortcut out of the sadness, which there isn't. It would be more honest to say, "I just need to cry for a bit" and be okay with it because, at least for me, living in a world where truth and morality and care for humanity are extinct feels overwhelming and heartbreaking. Thanks for you thoughts.
Slipstream
I wholeheartedly support your pledge. I've bowed out of watching the news. Of course, my phone newsfeed is always there, inviting me to "doomscroll." I do succumb from time to time, but I'm reminded that those headlines are manufactured to get me to open the article, and that they have nothing to do with the truth. Right-thinking is the key, and that comes from our hearts, not from the news.
Evangel
You're so right. Right thinking is the key. It should be everyone's true north and inspiration for moving through the day. But, if I can't keep that in mind and go off the rails, then I shouldn't expect anyone else to, especially all those leaders who seem to be entirely lost to it.
Charlieville
I feel your pain and support your quest❤️
Evangel
Thank you so much. It looks like I'm in very good company so far❤️🩹
Present Valley
Thank you for posting your pledge.
Staying in the frame of "right thinking" is a challenge for many of us...even when we really make an effort to do so. And I totally want to support you in your quest.
I was reminded, for myself, how important it is to remember my feelings are like the computer in the car. It's there to remind me when I need to pay attention to something. If I don't pay attention there can be consequences. Right now I believe it is appropriate to have feelings whether they be sad or mad or afraid or disappointed or disgusted. Tending to them in a way that is appropriate to the feeling, not ignoring them because they will only grow or come out in ways I regret.
I also remind myself to find beauty and joy wherever I can in the midst of all the emotional upheaval and the pain. Making life a both/and rather than either/or. That feels more true to me than pretending to be cheerful when I'm not. Rather... holding both parts...life is scary right now and I'm really mad and when I heard the melodic laughter of that little girl I also felt like laughing.
I long ago stopped overdosing on news. It seems since covid my nervous system is not able to handle all that is coming in and it takes a toll. I would imagine I am not the only one who is learning new limitations.
Thank you again.
Evangel
Yes to holding both parts at the same time. Today, I got to listen to a long-tailed grackle make amazing sounds. Had never heard one before and was in awe of its talents. It fascinated me and reminded me how amazing the world and all its creations are. It got my full attention and all the other unhappy stuff faded into the background...at least temporarily. Being present to life in the moment, be it uplifting or depressing, is like being present to every scene is a good movie. It's okay to laugh here okay to cry there. It reminds me my heart's still ticking🙏🏻 Thanks for you great comment.
Present Valley
I love reading you were able to do that.
❤️🌻❤️