I Hate that there's so much Bad in the World that I Can't Fix

New Reply

This topic has 3 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 6 years ago by Lisa.

Viewing 5 posts - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)

Author

Posts
November 28, 2018 at 4:16 am #261567
SeekingSolace
Participant
For a while, I have been struggling to enjoy my life as much as I used to because of the amount of suffering and injustice that I know is going on in the world.

I try to do my bit; I do not consume animal products and avoid products with animal ingredients or ones that have been tested on animals, I recycle and have installed a recycling system in my workplace I am making effort to reduce my plastic waste. When asked, I inform other people why these things are important, in hopes to inspire them to make small changes that help make the world a better place.

I am proud to have done these things, but I feel so helpless when I look at the bigger picture of corrupt world leaders, sadists, manufacturers who are not environmentally responsible.

Thinking about this often keeps me up at night, I struggle to enjoy things sometimes when I know that other people aren’t so lucky. For example, I used to enjoy curling up in bed on a cold and rainy day – as of late, I immediately think of people who do not have beds to curl up in and are stuck outside.

I am generally a happy person, but these troubling thoughts take away from that sometimes. The world feels to me like an unfair place at the moment. I sometimes feel guilty for being born into a comfortable life while others happen to be born into poverty and famine.

I have partaken in voluntary work in an impoverished country, hoping that I would feel that I could help issues here but unfortunately the charity organisation gave us little to no work to do.

Does anybody else think like this? Are these thoughts irrational and have you any advice as to how I can enjoy my life while also being aware?

Thanks in advance.
- This topic was modified 6 years ago by SeekingSolace.
- This topic was modified 6 years ago by SeekingSolace.
- This topic was modified 6 years ago by SeekingSolace.
November 28, 2018 at 5:46 am #262205

Acasey
Participant

Hello,

I completely understand how you feel and often feel this way as well. I genuinely feel guilty sometimes even spending my own money on things- because I think about how it should go to someone else. The way Ive started to cope, and Ive been told to cope, is by realizing no one person could ever solve all the problems in the world themselves. You are doing what you can with what you have. Its great youve made changes in your life that align with your moral beliefs. By speaking your truth you can inspire small changes in others. I try to pay it forward and give back as much as possible (even if its buying the persons coffee behind me in the drive thru) but also view my own life with compassion. We have all had challenges in life and deserve joy and to be happy. I think finding a balance between living for yourself and helping others is the key. Realize that although your empathy causes you grief- its a truly honorable quality that makes you a special person. You have that gift for a reason.

November 28, 2018 at 8:25 am #263919

Anonymous
Guest

Dear SeekingSolace:

My advice:

1. Keep making the world a better place. Once in a while evaluate and re-evaluate if your ways are indeed making the world a better place, change what needs to be changed, and proceed.

2. Regarding the example you gave: “I used to enjoy curling up in bed on a cold and rainy day- as of late, I immediately think of people who do not have beds to curl up in and are stuck outside”- my suggestion may seem strange at first, but consider it regardless, if you will:

As you are curled up in bed on a cold and rainy day, think of the people who don’t have beds and are curled up in a tent perhaps, or under blankets in a cardboard box, but think also of the people curled up in bed in a mansion, warm and cozy, clean and expensive, yet they are troubled, their minds racing with anxious thoughts, hour after hour into the night. Some of those are the celebrities we heard about, those who chose no-life over the life they had. Do you feel empathy for their suffering?

What about the suffering of a man in a cozy bed, not in a mansion, not so rich and not so poor, yet suffering.. is that you?

anita

December 20, 2018 at 4:48 pm #270273

Lisa
Participant

I applaud what you have done in contributing to things that you care about. The things that you do at home are wonderful and we all should be as mindful but volunteering to help in an impoverished country is a pretty selfless act. You are definitely a person who not only cares but wants to do something to help. I think you are just a person who is full of empathy so it is natural that you would think of what others do not have.

I like what “I think” Anita was getting at. I do believe there are people living with very little but are happy because they have friends and family and there are people who are very rich but very lonely. It could also be the reverse….but I understand how you feel.

I often look at people and animals who suffer and ask why? Why do they have to suffer? There really is nothing more we can do than do the best that we can with our talents and gifts and use them to make the world a better place. Give as much as can to what you care about.

April 2, 2019 at 2:53 pm #287301
Mara
Participant
Dear SeekingSolace, I have felt similarly. Within the past year, my eyes have opened up to the dual nature of the world that is considered light and dark. Sometimes my mind will wander to the people on the streets without a home, the mistreatment of animals, or how people are treated by political powers. It can be too much at times and cause grief or fear.

Even with the amount of darkness that is in the world, it is important for us as souls and people to have balance, much like what others in the thread have replied. I’d like to share what I have learned from my experiences of witnessing negativity:
- There will always be duality in the world. It is for the growth of consciousness. We have the opportunity as individuals to decide: do we let darkness bring us down? Or do we shine our light to see through this darkness? (This is not to say we should ignore the dark, rather, we can see it as an inspiration to do small things that benefit others and ourselves. And it sounds like you’ve found some ways in which make you feel empowered to spread your light. Everything has a ripple affect, including the smallest actions.)
- Those who are experiencing homelessness may not always be sad or angry. Some may actually be grateful for every day they are alive and find joy in the small things. But we can always still help those in need of food or shelter, because after all, we are connected to each other through a greater energetic source.
- We can give gratitude for the lives of the animals that are killed out of malicious intentions. We may not be able to save every animal in this world, though we can honor their lives by sending love and gratitude. They didn’t give their lives in vain.
- It is important to stay grounded. This might take the form of being present. Any way you know how. Whether it be deep breaths, connecting with Earth energy, plants, rocks, animals, etc… the grounding vibrations inspire us to remain focused on our purpose even with the negativity that surrounds us. That energy knows how hard the world can be, so it can provide some balance to our life. We aren’t alone.
Hope this helps to see a different perspective. I understand it can be difficult, but it’s encouraging to know that there are many who feel the same. Thanks for taking the times to express how you feel here. You have helped me today.
Author

Posts