Many people are taught that we have a social responsibility to “know what’s going on in the world.” We are told that we must keep ourselves informed about trends and current events.
If you turn on your radio or television and listen to the world news, what do you hear? I usually hear about fighting, politics and the resulting propaganda. That’s what billions of people all around the globe are fed every day in the name of “awareness.” We are told lots of stories about events we didn’t experience first-hand and are left to figure out what’s true and what’s hype.
Quite often the stories we hear and read are second–hand gossip. In every event, there are the participants (who each have their own versions of what happened), the witnesses (who each have their own versions of what happened) and the chain of people who spread and enhance those stories about the event.
Unless you are present for the event, or are willing to get personally involved in the event, ask yourself whether your retelling of the story or getting emotionally churned up by it are doing you or anyone else any good. We can miss life opportunities when we get caught up in the drama of trends and current events because this uses our time and energy to focus on other people’s stuff rather than on living our own lives.
Could it be that getting caught up in the drama around us is not necessarily socially responsible? What would be a more fun and nurturing way to be socially responsible? Let’s try an exercise that might help you find your own way:
First, remind yourself that what you hear is not necessarily true. Please remember that we can know what is true only for ourselves in this moment. Everything else is just a story.
Second, be wherever you are. Take a moment to be thankful for all that you are, have been and will be. You are a miracle. Everything on this amazing planet is – life as we know it is. Invest a minute in simply enjoying any goodness you can notice around you without any stories about what has been or what is to come. For example, I am here. I am breathing. I’m in a safe place. Green plants surround me. I have food in my stomach. There is Earth under my feet and sun over head. I am alive.
Finally, decide what you want to be in the world. Don’t be afraid that you’ll be selfish or ignore others. When we let go of all of the stories, the core of each being on Earth needs, gives and is love. When you live from a place of love, you are naturally connected to everyone and everything around you. There is no need for “shoulds” or other forms of judgment.
I’ll give an example of one way that I embrace social responsibility. I simply consider that I am one cell in a living, breathing planet. By living in a way that embraces my part in a greater whole, I learn to respect myself and all that surrounds me. I consume less, I seek peace with others, I seek self-acceptance within, and I create from a place of love rather than from a place of fear. I may make mistakes, but every day I live closer to my truth.
As you find your own way to embrace social responsibility, please remember that trends and current events are just stories. Those stories don’t have to be your story. Your life can be the most wonderful story you ever imagined. You don’t have to suffer for social responsibility. You can find joy and fulfillment in discovering your own version of social responsibility. I invite you to embrace your truth and create a life you love.
Do you want a more fun way to be socially responsible? Try the Current Events Exercise and Meditation.
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Leah Cole, LLC
