One of the things we love about being in Bali right now, and in particular Ubud, is that it is peaceful and tranquil and far-enough away from the fear-mongering that has become a feature of the news. Unfortunately in an era where clicks and eyeballs matter, the temptation to distort the truth in order to lure attention is almost impossible to resist for most media organisations. Unfortunately this means that more and more things are being sensationalised and dramatised unnecessarily. And this is creating an energetic template across the globe that powers stress and anxiety and creates the impression that things are even worse than they really are.
If you haven’t tried it, we would recommend experimenting with a news detox, even if this means starting by slightly reducing or removing exposure to news from time to time. It is amazing how mentally refreshing it can be! Also, don’t believe everything you read and hear, the percentage of truth is really hard to figure out most of the time.
A problem worth solving
Speaking of the news, it’s been almost impossible not to get caught up in the recent US election. There has been plenty of talk and discussion about the differences between Trump and Biden on the topic of division, disharmony and polarization. Whilst we at The Juicy Effect tend to avoid affiliation with any particular political persuasion, the topic of unity and open-mindedness and supporting each other to live better lives is especially close to our hearts. Aren’t we all in this together as we float through the cosmos on this amazing home we call Earth?
I have been lucky enough to spend time in India studying Yoga Philosophy and various aspects of The Vedas, and one of the key themes is the topic of ignorance. This is essentially about our choice to look beyond our default separated individual existence and see that we are part of a much bigger whole. The more we choose to see our own version of reality as the only version, the more division and separation we have. The more we choose to embrace the differences that exist as part of the bigger picture, the more inclusion and diversity that can co-exist. Workplace diversity, racial vilification, discrimination, bullying - these are all things that come from an intolerance of differences.
This is a problem worth solving - increasing our tolerance for differences. Each one of us is different in some way, and whilst it isn’t practical to suggest that everyone should always agree, making the deliberate choice to be accepting of the differences of others is certainly something worth doing. This alone solves so many secondary and tertiary consequences of many different things.
A simple idea
One of the things that we speak with people about a lot is the idea of supporting those who accept differences in others. Politicians, leaders, companies, colleagues, friends - reward those who do the right thing by others by actively refusing to fuel discrimination, vilification and bullying in any way, shape or form. It’s not about punishing people who don’t, it’s about rewarding and supporting those who consciously choose to do the right thing.
That’s it! The dollars you spend, the votes you give, the complements you give, the social media posts you share - support those who do the right thing by others and view all living creatures on an equal basis (Ahimsa, the act of non-violence towards all living creatures, is the first foundation of Patanjali’s 8-limb system of yoga). Conversely, by making the choice NOT to support those who actively treat people poorly simply because they are different, surely they will eventually get the message.
We are ultimately in this life together, and who has a right to feel like they are superior to others? Surely at the most basic level, all of us are of equal human value. The good news is that we can all make simple daily choices to create a brighter collective future for all.