Become a Love Warrior

There is a lot of trauma in the world and even more paraded in front of us through news and social media. Trauma catches our attention as humans and evokes emotional responses thus keeping us engaged in it. It is very easy for the bad things and traumas happening in the world to impact your mental health and your viewpoints on humankind; it can even impact your optimism and cause hopelessness. Thanks to technology and human advancement, we are privy to occurrences, right or wrong, happy or sad, from around the globe. 

One hundred years ago things were less connected and it took time to learn about political conflicts, natural disasters, and the scary things that happen regularly around the planet. This lack of connection also meant people were better able to focus on their own communities and the happenings that were closer to their own personal spheres of influence.

What is your personal Sphere of Influence?

A personal sphere of influence for someone is the people, organizations, relationships, and resources that a person can actually influence or change. Do most of us individually have much influence over national or international politics or policies? Nope. Can we personally heal the wounds of a nation who has just experienced a life shatteringly huge earthquake? Nope. Can we solve the hurt happening across the globe from us? Probably not. So then, what can we do other than worry, fear, and perpetuate pain, violence, negativity, and injustice?

I am happy you asked. Everything that happens to us which impacts our lives happens within our worlds and our spheres. This means that our true power to change things also lies within that realm. Sick of national politics? Perhaps get involved in your community politically. Does your heart ache for the puppies and kitties on TV commercials while Sarah Mclachlan sings? Maybe you should adopt a pet from a local shelter or volunteer some of your free time to work at local shelters and animal clinics. Do you worry about the next generation of children? Maybe it is time to get involved in afterschool programs and make a difference to individual children in your area. 

I think my point is made clearly. The more we operate within our own sphere of control and influence, the bigger difference we can make in the lives of others and our communities/society. One big side effect of working within your personal sphere of influence is that you will gain greater satisfaction with the quality of your life. Things become more meaningful when they happen in your “real” world. 

Advice On Dealing With Trauma in the World

Another piece of advice I have for dealing with the immense trauma that occurs in the world is to ask yourself questions. Can I do anything about it? If yes, then start making steps to help. If not, is there a way you can help support the helpers?

We cannot all be the spearpoint of a movement for good. Spears composed of just spearpoints have no powers. A strong foundation of supporters behind the front line helps propel good things forward. 

Become a cheerleader! Basketball games are not won by the team alone. Cheer on those who are doing good. Be brave enough to say kind things about other people. Open your mouth with compliments and comfort when they enter your brain. How many times do we see good things in other people yet do not open our mouths to let them know we see them?

Do not amplify hurt but amplify love and compassion. Be more forgiving than you think others deserve. Give the benefit of the doubt. Assume you cannot see or know what someone else is going through. The most helpful people in the world judge less and love more. They are love warriors who are not offended and whose balloons don’t pop when others send darts with their comments. 

We all think we are the Main Character in our stories

A majority of the world suffers from what is termed main character syndrome. People have the tendency to believe that they are truly the main character in existence. Can you fault them? We are all born as individuals and experience life very individualistically. However, and it is a big however, we are all the same. We are like mushrooms popping up around the globe from one common mycelium. We all seek safety, love, belonging, and meaning, no matter our cultures, backgrounds, politics, religious beliefs or lack thereof.

Pause. Take a moment and examine the extent to which you suffer from main character syndrome. How often do you get offended by someone else? Do other people driving near you personally affect your emotions with their choices or driving skills? How often do you get jealous? Are you prone to compliment or critique? Are you more likely to complain or help out? When you see someone experiencing mental health issues or a personal housing crisis, do you feel disgust or compassion? 

Although the answers to these questions will not always feel great and can often change, it is healthy to honestly note where you are at and then ask yourself more questions, such as why do I feel this way? Do I want to always feel like this? Or are there things I can do right now to change or enhance how I feel?

Recognizing that nearly all people feel they are the main character in this play we call life can also help us to take things less personally and to help support others with love and compassion. 

Be a Love Warrior

Become a love warrior and work to bend your instincts to simply love others. Compassion and kindness are not in short supply. You can create as much of each as you desire. The same goes for hate and resentment. Love warriors are brave and combat negativity with understanding and vulnerability. The tree that bends does not break.

Love warriors will walk alongside others as they face their challenges and do not carry people along. They own their own journey and allow others to own their personal journeys. Contrary to popular belief, you should not take on someone else’s suffering and pain. We don’t do people any favors when we try to control their situations or force them to grow in ways that we think will help them. Nothing that is forced to grow lasts very long. 

I love this topic and inject many of your sessions with these conversations, as we are all prone to the effects of living in selfish societies. Bring up this topic along with your own tips and insights in our next session at Posture Massage!