Opt out of Collective Fear

I have often felt in the past that if I shared any signs of positivity during a difficult or sad situation, it would have been wrong, inappropriate, selfish or inconsiderate. I thought that if something bad happened, everybody had to feel bad, otherwise, it would mean that they were bad people who didn’t care enough.

Today I know that the more we try to merge with the emotional experience that someone else is having, the more we are enhancing it for them, instead of helping them, and the less we are able to come up with solutions to the problem at hand, because we are also lost somewhere deep in doomsday and not able to think straight.

Have you ever tried to empathize with a hurt or sad child or friend, tried to feel exactly as bad as they did for whatever happened to them? Did it help them get over the experience quicker? Or did it just reaffirm that the situation was truly very bad and even further enhanced it?

Or maybe you have tried simply acknowledging their pain but not joining them in it, just watching them with loving compassion, but not diving deep into the emotion with them. Maybe you noticed that because you didn’t dive deep with them but held your ground firmly, they were able to emerge from the experience quicker?

I personally believe the second scenario is more beneficial for everyone involved. I believe that feeling peaceful or joyful is not a sign of immorality. I believe that sharing your peace or joy is a great gift to everyone who is ready to receive it. Emotions across the spectrum can be contagious, so be aware of what you take in, how much of it you allow to take in, and what you are sending out.

I am not saying that not feeling happy is not OK. It’s perfectly OK and if you are not feeling very well these days, it is perfectly understandable. I see you, I honor you, and I am sending love. ♥️ I am saying that if you are feeling peaceful or joyful despite the fact that something very scary is happening elsewhere in the world, you are not a bad person, nothing is wrong with you, and you should not force yourself to feel bad, because that won’t help anyone. ♥️

If you are up for it, I dare you:

Dare to opt out of collective fear. Dare not to worry (your worrying has a total sum of 0.00 positive impact on the world). Dare to be optimistic. Dare to do you and to keep pursuing your dreams, no matter what happens in the world. Dare to feel peaceful. Dare to be happy. Dare to share your peace, optimism, and joy with the world. Dare to believe that you - yes, you - can make a difference with your grounded presence, your unwavering trust, and your smile.

It’s very hard to give from an empty cup but it’s effortless to give from an overflow.