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Do you find it challenging to be a person of compassion?

The world is upside-down right now and I'm finding it difficult to keep my heart soft.

My wife encouraged me to limit social media. She was right because I would read about the conditions that children were having to endure at the border, among other horrific news, and feel immeasurable heaviness. It takes a toll on your body/psyche and the reality of the fatigue catches up to you.

My wife noticed I was becoming more disconnected, isolated, worn out, and exhausted by all the hate and negativity. But it isn't just social media. I've noticed family, friends, associates, etc. who just don't give a damn about the suffering all around them. That's what troubles me worst of all. It's like the pain of other people simply doesn’t register in them anymore.

I will always be a fierce lover of humanity and of the planet, and of people who don’t look or worship or sound like me. But there's a cost to compassion, a personal price tag to cultivating empathy in days when cruelty is trending. What I've learned over the past couple of years is to take some time to step away. I take more time for myself because I know the fray and the fight will still be there when I return and I’ll be better able to face it.

Does any of this make sense? I've been known to ramble. 😏
Burnley123 · 41-45, M
What I find hard is that I live and breath politics. My politics are my ethics and visa versa.

I think what hurts is when you see major human problems and see solutions but know its not gonna change because of things beyond your control. I find people in my own country have vastly different ethics and values to me and to the extent that it's hard to even relate. These are not evil people. They might be honourable in some ways and have good values but we see them turning a willful blind eye to other things and being unable to listen. Sometimes I find people whose whole conception of the world is different to how I perceive it.

Obviously my experience is British but I can definantely relate to what you are posting.

The only thing that helps is to try and focus on what you can control. You are one citizen and can carry only so much reposonsibility. Look after your own life and help others where you can. And... if the world remains a messed up place then know that it's really not your fault.
SatanBurger · 36-40, F
@Burnley123 Agreed with all of what you stated, that's how I feel too.
CountScrofula · 41-45, M
> But there's a cost to compassion, a personal price tag to cultivating empathy in days when cruelty is trending.

Yeah this one hit me. You're absolutely right. Caring hurts.
Carver · 31-35, F
Makes sense to me! It's hard, it really is. Especially when you try to be compassionate in general but you just can't do it with every issue that's going on. If you did, you wouldn't have time to live! I always say to just do what you can and do your best, keep fighting the good fight so long as you still carry that passion to do so, but also know your limits and take a break once in a while. There's no shame in gathering your bearings when it all becomes overwhelming and it sounds like you're finding just the right middle ground for that. Keep being the loving, caring person you are and don't be afraid to step away when you need to. ❤️
Graylight · 51-55, F
I’ve noticed and felt the real impact of the divisive nature of people in the current climate. Rather than listen we just talk [i]at[/i]. Rather than consider other sides, we beat them down until we can ignore them. We’re too quick with slams, words of mockery, denigration and cruelty. We’re willing to live as though the ends really do justify whatever means we use. We resort to petty topics and childish nicknames, which is exactly the quality we dislike so much in the current leader.

This has been an amazingly divisive time and rather than heal the divide we’ve let it seep into all kinds of areas. Personally, I think we’re crasser, colder and more self-absorbed than ever. The media has all but abandoned rational thought and we’ve begun using memes to convey serious talking points. And I include myself in the fray.

For all the wackiness Marianne Williamson conveys, some of her points and perspectives are spot on. We need more compassion, acceptance and love infusing the things we do. Maybe taking time from social media is the right direction. Maybe a little more face time and a little less hunting for the next fight. SW is my outlet, and one of the few social media sites left I use with any regularity; chances are good I’m not leaving. But I have stopped using other apps and sites – sometimes it’s just better to go out and look at the clouds.
Pfuzylogic · M
Today trump wants to change detaining policies of immigrants. He also finds that gun registration policies are just fine the way they are. I find what Hillary said after the stolen election. “Resist!” important. I can’t watch the news anymore because of “alien face” and social media is where the place my voice is heard. Everyone must engage somehow and if it affects you emotionally; I can see her point. I however must engage and actively resist the stupidity on top. 😎
Ryannnnnn · 31-35, M
I'm compassionate in practice but I try to be a realist when it comes to discussing things that are difficult. Partly because I want to be informed and balanced, but I find that what I think or believe in on principle I tend to feel differently about in reality.

EG. In the political realm It's technically not "fair" that somebody who doesn't pay taxes gets healthcare off others, but in reality I'd want them to and i wouldn't just let someone die because "boo muh taxes".
SW-User
I think there comes a point when you get overwhelmed by numbers. I like to help homeless people, but never give any of them money any more because there are too many. A few years ago I was completely overwhelmed at work, to the point of considering suicide. I don't remember where the advice came from, but somebody told me to just do the thingds I could, they might have even said pick the low hanging fruit but lets pretend that didn't happen 😬
Clemency · 36-40, F
I completely understand what you're saying. From our conversations, it's obvious you're an empath. You're highly sensitive and someone who feels the weight of the world. I also know how much you work. Take time off, Fareeha. You and your wife are both adrenaline junkies. Go on a wild adventure and unplug from the world. We'll be here when you get back. ❤️
Wraithorn · 51-55, M
I understand that. If we are to be in a condition to help others then we must look after ourselves first. If you don't recharge your own batteries then you will have nothing to give.
I find it hard to balance compassion with necessity now days.

 
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