Our world is interconnected on a level unprecedented in the history of the human race. This has created many good and amazing things. We exchange ideas with and learn from other cultures. We are able to speak to people all over the globe in an instant from wherever we are. We can enjoy places far away without ever leaving our home.
But there is a price. And you dont even realize your paying it. With knowledge comes responsibility. We are compelled to act by our own human nature to fix things that are unjust or cruel or heartbreaking. But here’s the catch. You cant fix it.
War, pain, death, sadness, cruelty, indifference, prejudice.. we are constantly bombarded with stories and images of these things happening here and across the world. Famine, suffering… we hear about these things every day. And somehow we have gotten it into our heads that suddenly our whole world is more dangerous and scary than it used to be. Well.. I have news for you. It has always been like this. You just didnt know. And now we hear about a lady out for a jog getting raped and suddenly think twice about going for a run. But is it any less safe now than before? I dont think it is. Now we simply know about all the crap that is happening in the world. But that has always been happening. It’s not new or different. But now that we know it creates anxiety and stress. We feel helpless at being unable to stop or fix things even though we have no power to do so.
This is the price. And for some it can be devastating. Good people that were joyful happy people now suffer fear and anxiety disorders because they cant help and dont feel safe anymore. They are no less safe than 20 years ago but now because of what we have seen and learned we feel like we are.
We need to learn to separate ourselves and our environment from what we see and hear in the news or read online. We need to rebuild the feeling of safety and freedom. But how do we do that?
Self care. Go for that run. Read a book. Sit on the porch with a cup of tea and listen to the sound of wind in the trees. Lay in the grass and watch the clouds. Take time to appreciate all the wonderful little things that you haven’t done in a long time because you were too busy or focused on things you cant change. When was the last time you felt the bark of a tree under your hands? Or watched the stars laying on the driveway in winter? Reconnect with your own world, and you will worry less about the world thousands of miles away.
I will leave you with this..
Ignorance may be bliss.. but we no longer have that luxury. So be aware of the price of knowledge and understand that things are no worse then when when you didnt know.
Best wishes -SirHanz