How do I express myself during these rocky times?

[jawillie]

I am sure I have asked this before, but I am posing the question again. My friends are all "worried" and they are obsessed with the news. How do I talk to them??

I want to say, "It seems everyone WANTS a crisis" but I realize they would not see it that way and say I am nuts. But, that's what I see. It's almost like the world is begging for more crisises. If people really wanted peace, love and joy, wouldn't they grab it?

They are addicted to the news, and I personally think they are getting a thrill from the "badness" of it all. Am I nuts for thinking that?

They tell me I should worry. Why? Why should I worry? Honestly, if I lose it all, so what? Everyone will be losing it all. I honestly do not worry.

I figure things get better after they plummet anyway, so bring it on.

They are just so.... so........ WESTERN. LOL. Okay, that was a blanket statement since I live in America, too. But they just refuse to see there could be (actually there IS) more to the story here.

Or am I the crazy one? How do I express myself better?

[fellowtraveler]

Originally Posted by jawillie

I am sure I have asked this before, but I am posing the question again. My friends are all "worried" and they are obsessed with the news. How do I talk to them??

I want to say, "It seems everyone WANTS a crisis" but I realize they would not see it that way and say I am nuts. But, that's what I see. It's almost like the world is begging for more crisises. If people really wanted peace, love and joy, wouldn't they grab it?

They are addicted to the news, and I personally think they are getting a thrill from the "badness" of it all. Am I nuts for thinking that?

They tell me I should worry. Why? Why should I worry? Honestly, if I lose it all, so what? Everyone will be losing it all. I honestly do not worry.

I figure things get better after they plummet anyway, so bring it on.

They are just so.... so........ WESTERN. LOL. Okay, that was a blanket statement since I live in America, too. But they just refuse to see there could be (actually there IS) more to the story here.

Or am I the crazy one? How do I express myself better?

I think you've got the right idea. They are indeed addicted to worry, anxiety, drama, etc. And being so very attached to material things, of course they worry. If they were attached to "things" unaffected by worldly events, it mght be easier for them/

If you mean how do you express yourself better to them...I dont know how you do it now, so no suggestion is possible. However, if you want to help them (in the way you see they need help), maybe just project your attitude of calmness. Talking a lot won't do it.

Most of them won't be ready, but even if you get only one out of that loop you've been of service.

[Liveformx64]

The news today is entertainment, nothing more. People want to be shocked not informed.

It is like 3 year old and the sugar sweets vs the brussel sprouts. A plate of each is set before him, which will he chose?

If the said person does not want to become conscious they wont, no matter what you show them.

The best way to convince anyone of anything is through your walk, not through your talk.

I for one, won't be participating in any type of recession, or any mass hysteria.

But for convincing my peers, my countenance speaks louder than anything I might tell someone. Once someone is receptive to your ideals, you can then begin dialogue. But until then it's a tough road to hoe.

Lead through example.

[jawillie]

Oh, very true. Better not to say anything at all because they want to discredit everything I do say, anyway. Thank you, I needed that message today.

I will just go on living my life. I am finding I have to punch up the gratitude practice by about 100 notches just to protect myself from all the drama. But, that's okay. The more I am told to worry, the more I see I AM safe. I AM taken care of. And life IS beautiful.

[Call me Boges]

Drama makes for good television, I personally try to stay away from it.

[mercuryrising]

I liked this reflection in a blog I subscribe to...

from Pema Chodron

I think it is the appropriate response in these times... or any time for that matter.

Namaste

[NightSpirit]

In my lifetime, there has always been something, some change that was going to be catastrophic.

In the early 70's we had to get up early and get in line just to get enough gas for that day. People panicked and sold perfectly good cars for near nothing, gave their boats away for the payoff, etc. And in a few months things were back to normal.

I lived through the 1988 end of the world and the 2000 predicted chaos. I really hoped I would get a few days off from work from that one but nothing happened. My aunts and uncles lived through World War II and couldn't freely buy gas, sugar, candy, nylons, razor blades, all kind of "necessities."

Hank Williams Jr. put out a song about how a country boy can survive. Short of a nuclear bomb, I know I can survive with some seeds and a couple of chickens because that's how I lived the first few years of my life and it was good. Nobody took trips to France or was dripping with diamonds but nobody lived in fear they would lose the job that sucks up 10 or 12 hours of every day. Life was simple but good in more ways than just money.

We adapt and we live and love and find good things to celebrate still.

[themaster]

There really isn't anyway to tell people that the world is going to get much better.. you can try.. someone smarter than myself says.. "lead by the power of your example"

You want my honest opinion on the strife in the world.. it's there to move us into a positive direction.. this contrast that you see is just there to help make the world a better place.. I personally believe that the economic troubles are a creation to help Obama win.. (obama is the more forward thinking of the 2 candidates.. not PERFECT by any means)

The most perfect ultimate reality experience is.. someone tells you the world is falling apart.. and you open your window look outside and it's normal and you just reply "look, no it's not" the normal reality were all used too isn't going anywhere soon.. it's changing but not for the worse..

But understand that environmentalist and peak oil crazies.. will get there small dip in this turbulent time..

[Pace]

Originally Posted by jawillie

My friends are all "worried" and they are obsessed with the news. How do I talk to them??

I've been dealing with this in my life too. My personal choice for dealing with it has been to not talk about it with my friends at all. If they bring it up, I change the topic. If they post about it, I hit the spacebar and scroll right past.

When it comes to politics and religion, I don't even bother trying to have a meaningful conversation with most people, even my friends. Most people are so entrenched in their own beliefs that they are looking for a fight rather than an authentic conversation. So instead of trying to have a conversation, I communicate via my actions.

My actions say, "Look at me! I'm having a healthy, happy life! I'm not flipping out! I'm not upset or depressed or panicking! In fact, I'm in the middle of quitting my nice, secure job to start a small business to do what I love. And maybe you won't listen to my actions until I succeed, so be it. I'll keep doing what I'm doing. You can keep flipping out, but please do it over there."

Maybe this isn't the right answer for you, but for me it's the only way I've found to keep my sanity and positive outlook recently.

[fellowtraveler]

Originally Posted by Pace

... My personal choice for dealing with it has been to not talk about it with my friends at all....When it comes to politics and religion, I don't even bother trying to have a meaningful conversation with most people, even my friends. Most people are so entrenched in their own beliefs that they are looking for a fight rather than an authentic conversation. So instead of trying to have a conversation, I communicate via my actions.

My actions say, "Look at me! I'm having a healthy, happy life!...

That is a very healthy attitude! Congratulations.

When they are ready for the truth, it will find them.