The world we live in now has become increasingly complex. We are all so much more interconnected that the things we do and the things we use have effects on other people's lives, usually without any intention, or even awareness on our part.
There are large things we do that effect other peoples physical and psychological health. We make choices about how we behave politically that make a difference. The things we choose to buy, the places we go, the people we choose to interact with all effect those people. Many of these are intentional choices we make about how to use our time, resources and energy.
How we treat the people we interact with makes big difference in the kind of world we live in. If we are friendly, positive and up-beat, most of the people around us will respond to us that way. This is not universally true, but it does make a difference.
The reverse is also more true than not: if we treat others with anger, scorn, disdain or indifference, we will find that the world we live in is not pleasant.
The world was not designed to give us up-lifting, meaningful or fun and rewarding times. Quite the contrary, our species has survived because it has (mostly ) learned to adapt the the local conditions. Our species has survived and become dominant because we have learned to be social and to work together. However, we have also learned to divide into small groups and fight for resources. This behavior may no longer be adaptive, but it has not yet been extinguished.
The problems most of my patients bring into my office are usually the result of some behavior that is basically necessary for survival but is now being misapplied. Anxiety is an example of being too fearful, and of trying to control things that cannot be controlled. Paranoia is from a loss of trust. Addictions are usually a perversion of what was pleasurable. Depression is often, to a large degree, from feelings of incompetence and worthlessness.
So be aware of how you feel, and how you express yourself to those around you. How you act does change the world you live in, and that world, in turn, will change you. It is a constant, interactive process.
1 comment:
It is a good thing to remember how interconnected we all are. We never will know the true consequences of our actions and how they affect others and how they relate to the whole. Life is a wierd thing.
I agree that much of our survival instincts are out of place in today's world. Too much anxiety might have been useful back in the day of cavemen, but in today's world it can wreck a person's life.
Good post.
www.findingonespath.blogspot.com
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