Hello and welcome,
I am your host Kristen Simons here with you today for a mindful moment.
Today I'd like to talk to you a little bit about discernment.
As human beings we encounter a lot of turbulence and confusion daily,
Whether in our personal lives or the information we come across on various media platforms.
The sheer volume of negative news and data can take a toll on our physical and mental well-being,
Leaving us feeling less content with life.
And speaking of social media,
There are some practical steps we can take to improve our relationship with it and the news we consume.
One simple solution is to unplug from it all.
We don't have to keep scrolling constantly,
We can unfollow or temporarily hide content that consistently triggers negative emotions.
It's understandable why triggering can be a challenging experience for many.
There are various reasons why it can occur,
But today we'll focus on two in particular.
Firstly,
If the content is disturbing,
Such as violent imagery,
It can significantly impact people.
However,
It is important to remember that this doesn't necessarily mean our reaction is negative.
It shows that we have the ability to recognize what is right and wrong,
And it can even evoke compassion for those affected by the violence.
It is worth noting that repeatedly exposing ourselves to violent content can cause us to become desensitized to violent behavior,
Which can have its own set of consequences.
There is another type of triggering that involves self-reflection.
Sometimes we can be triggered by certain words or actions that are not necessarily related to the person who said or did them,
But rather to our internal response.
For instance,
You may feel frustrated when you come across gossipy posts online,
Even if the information is accurate,
Because it could potentially harm the people involved.
You may feel the urge to respond or get angry and yell at your phone as I have definitely experienced myself.
It's understandable to feel frustrated,
Annoyed,
Or angry when we encounter something online that doesn't sit well with us.
We might feel the need to talk to our friends or coworkers about it,
But it's important to remember that venting can sometimes turn into gossip.
It's easy to get caught up in the cycle of reacting to the actions of others,
Especially when we are only aware of our hypocrisy on a subconscious level.
This can lead to feelings of shame,
And we might inadvertently lash out at others instead of directing the frustration towards ourselves.
If you are caught in the cycle of social media triggering,
There are methods to free yourself.
Speaking to a trusted professional is a great option.
Additionally,
Consider taking these simple steps to shift your perspective and release your attachment to the actions of others.
Give them a try and see if they work for you.
Ask yourself,
Is this content or behavior affecting me personally?
I understand that certain things can bother us,
But it is important to remember that they don't always have to have a negative impact on our lives.
Ultimately the power to decide what we allow into our hearts and mind lies within us.
If it is affecting you personally,
What mindful steps can you take?
Is it a cause you can go volunteer for?
Find a compassionate,
Mindful way to deal with the situation instead of lashing out in anger or frustration.
Another question to ask is,
Is there anything I can do about it without harming anyone or anything else?
It's so important to learn from the mistakes of others and ourselves.
Remember that two wrongs never make a right.
Let's all try to cultivate kindness and understanding within ourselves.
It is crucial to remember that everyone has their own struggles,
And we certainly don't want to add to their pain.
And other questions to think about.
In a week,
Will this be affecting my life?
In a year?
In 10 years?
If the answer is no,
Then why let it bother you now?
You have the power to protect your peace.
These are essential questions to begin asking yourself in times of intense emotions.
Due to the bombardment of information,
We have lost the ability to discern what is truly important in the moment.
We are the first line of defense for our mental health.
Learning discernment,
Patience,
And empathy can aid us in living a more balanced life.
There is a quote by Rumi that helps make the point.
Yesterday,
I was clever,
So I wanted to change the world.
Today,
I am wise,
So I am changing myself.
Remember,
Change must come from within.
We all face overwhelming challenges in life.
However,
Practicing meditation regularly can help us find peace in the midst of chaos.
By letting go of things that no longer serve us,
We can create space for stillness and appreciate the beauty of creation.
If you are new to meditation,
Please try one of my guided meditations to bring balance and clarity to your day.
Thank you so much for joining me today for this mindful moment.
I am grateful to have met you on the path.
Namaste.
