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. 😏