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Reading the news and anger/frustration.
I got started with my practice about 3 years ago. I've made some progress (A millimeter in a race around the world is still progress 
). A lifetime (and perhaps many lifetimes) of work ahead of me.
I come from a family where both of my parents were politically active, at times radically so. Politics and social issues are often discussed in pretty extreme terms.
I find it hard to read the events of the day, and not (literally) scream at my computer sometimes. I am simply blown away by the ignorance, hatred and greed. Sometimes I feel like Americans (I'm American) are covered in gasoline, and screaming angrily that no one will give them a match. They are indignant that their god given right to destroy themselves and their society are being violated somehow. I'm a politically moderate person, and this sort of ignorance seems to come from all corners.
So let me form this into a question. I don't want to turn off the news. I don't want to shut out the world. I want to stay engaged. How do you approach the feelings I have discussed above? I DO feel empathy for people who are acting against their own interest out of ignorance. Are there any particular readings, sutras, thoughts.....anything that has helped you process the news of the day in an equitable way?
). A lifetime (and perhaps many lifetimes) of work ahead of me.I come from a family where both of my parents were politically active, at times radically so. Politics and social issues are often discussed in pretty extreme terms.
I find it hard to read the events of the day, and not (literally) scream at my computer sometimes. I am simply blown away by the ignorance, hatred and greed. Sometimes I feel like Americans (I'm American) are covered in gasoline, and screaming angrily that no one will give them a match. They are indignant that their god given right to destroy themselves and their society are being violated somehow. I'm a politically moderate person, and this sort of ignorance seems to come from all corners.
So let me form this into a question. I don't want to turn off the news. I don't want to shut out the world. I want to stay engaged. How do you approach the feelings I have discussed above? I DO feel empathy for people who are acting against their own interest out of ignorance. Are there any particular readings, sutras, thoughts.....anything that has helped you process the news of the day in an equitable way?
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And nowadays, I run into people who are plainly disgusted by the notion that meditation could somehow effectively address the horrific stuff that goes on in the world. But meditation is not aimed at turning us all into saintly zombies who are above the fray. We are not indifferent like some slouching, holy drug addicts. Greed, anger and ignorance make very down-to-earth appearances or, more bluntly put, they are no fucking joke.
Because the woes of the world are plainly so numerous, there is no way we can solve them all. But we can pick the issues that most closely touch us and then work in the best way we can manage ... both on the issues themselves (feed the hungry, heal the sick, etc) and on our own approaches to those issues. It is in this latter sense that meditation takes on meaning and usefulness. How effective do you imagine Mother Theresa might have been if she spent her days thinking things like, "I am doing good" or "this is virtuous?" What a waste of time ... not to mention, after a bit of investigation, being pretty far off base. We do what we can do with attention and responsibility (just as in meditation), and, when we make a mistake, we do what we can to correct it. This course sets aside the fiery speeches and cocktail-party white-whining in favor of doing what we can do ... and keeping a close eye on things. It is, so to speak, meditation in action ... not better, not worse ... just action.
Just some thoughts.
In a way it is a form of entertainment for most people. Who cares if you feel bad or good about the news? No one does.
You should go do something about it. Help people out. If you cannot do something practical, then don't watch the news. The news is all manipulation anyways.
Sorry if this is coming off rude. I find that most people talk and talk about the horrors of the world and they don't do shit about it.
Reading the news and getting mad about it is indeed a way of feeling like you are 'doing something' about the issues, when you are really not doing anything at all. Another angry blog posting or forum response only serves to increase the noise. Silent action does more than oceans of angry words.
I've actually been run off the road because of my bumper stickers
1. Don't assume people are only, or even mostly, ignorant, greedy, etc. What ever group of people are pissing you off probably have many positive characteristics, and probably act from good intentions more than: a) is portrayed by the media, and b) you want to see.
2. We are all ignorant about a lot of stuff.
3. Reflect on causes and conditions of these peoples thoughts and actions.
4. Check for your own unwholesome thoughts that might be contributing to negative feeling towards these people.
5. Try to understand and have compassion.
6. Don't view these people with a condescending attitude.
All I really needed to do was to turn off the TV and turn my attention to matters that do not result in frustration or anger- to things I can actually have influence over, not something thousands of miles away worlds and minds apart.
To think of myself as aware and well informed and tuned in and sensitive and serious to worldly matters. What is that? Useless, like wearing a badge that says: 'I care'
Much more honest to admit I don't care, and only then am I in a position to decide to what extent I wish to be socially responsible.
As far as what to actually do about it, Metta practice is very good for this. Metta (Loving-kindness) and anger can not both be present at the same time. They are mutually exclusive things. With the cultivation of metta, anger goes away.
http://www.bemindful.org/metta.htm
It's tough to do, but it's certainly possible to be socially responsible and responsive to global news without arousing negative states, in fact, to arose positive states. "Skillful news watching" is something that can be cultivated.
Having said that, most TV news sources are designed to entertain and manipulate your emotions, so you should be foremost concerned about that.
I would personally keep in the middle ground when it comes to your families views and stay out of the heated discussions, find peace and you will be better off
But you are absolutely right!
I have found that there's (generally) more bad news than good news, as far as it goes. Seems like it's been that way for the past 10 years or so, but this doesn't actually mean the world's going to hell... it means that's where people are focusing. That's what the networks are choosing to investigate, because that's what their audience wants. We too often focus on the negative instead of the positive/uplifting. So sad. There's more good news to be found on Google News than on TV stations, IMHO.
Thank you!
Of course it might as well be me: I'll volunteer to suggest, you should _try_ turning off the news!
I quit watching it a while ago. I have no idea how Egypt and Charlie Sheen got along without me as a hapless, easily-lied-to witness! They sure did get along without me though!
Seriously. I have my friends on alert to tell me when I should pack up my things and evacuate if things get really bad (fortunately I have the luxury of being facetious here).
Anyway, I'd try it if I were you: TAKE A BREAK! Seriously. I'm sure your family and friends will do "guard duty" and keep you posted for a while.
Actually, because of how I was feeling when I wrote this thread, I didn't allow myself internet yesterday from 9-6pm (had to map a few addresses, but no social media/news). Very telling. Much more calm day. I can't say I was more productive, but definitely more centered. It was difficult because I work on a computer, and the internet is just a click away.
Lesson learned.
Today in the USA I'm seeing news as a constant stream of disturbing, highly manipulative, "must-see-TV" information basically produced to RESEMBLE what might be happening across the globe just to keep you watching so advertising can be sold.
I am merely guessing by saying the following: India and China are entering a golden age of prosperity. I'm GUESSING their news is upbeat and encouraging and full of hope: nice to get addicted to those messages! Our news in America is depressing and morbid, also addictive but destructive. Considering the different mindsets of their different viewership both probably tailor their stories to more effectively sell advertising to the expectations and assumptions of the people they know are watching.
No need to discuss Josh. Thanks for letting me go on about it. GOOD LUCK! Heck, I wonder how many people have "dropped out" news-watching wise? Probably not enough to make good changes.