Worry Is An Addiction

"Worry is an addiction that interferes with compassion"

Deng Ming-Dao

We've all been there, worrying like it's nobody's business. Whether it's rushing home because you're worried the dogs might pee on the floor, fretting about a package getting stolen, or stressing over whether people will have fun at your party, worry can be a constant chatter in our heads.

As Deng Ming-Dao shares in "365 Tao Daily Meditations," worry is an addiction that gets in the way of compassion, and compassion is action.

US politics is a big area of passionate worry and anxiety for many people. In the 2024 election, there were even two assassination attempts on one of the candidates. Without getting into any one political view, let's just say I was one of those people who was very worried. I ranted and raved about what might happen if... We must stop this person... The world will come to an end... The United States will be ruined (Honestly, both sides said the same thing about the other, so I'll let you decide which side of the fence you are on).

This year, I did something different. I got involved. I took action. I volunteered to make calls, donated money, bought a yard sign, and got very educated on the concerns of the country so I could address them in my calls or with whoever was open to having a conversation. Through these actions, I was able to turn that worry into action and thus compassion. I found compassion for the other side. Instead of seeing people who supported the opposing candidate as the enemy, I began to understand their concerns and why they felt the way they felt. It was only through action that I was able to dissolve my worry and develop compassion.

When I hear someone get passionate about some wrong they see in the world, the first question I ask is, "What are you doing about it?" Taking action and doing something is the only way. Otherwise, you are just blowing foul air like an old leaf blower—loud, obnoxious, and no matter how hard you blow, you aren't moving any leaves. You're just creating a lot of noise and pollution, and there isn't any change.

Plot Twist- Action doesn't mean getting invested in the end result.   Although I took action my candidate lost. I understood I did what I could and I continue to focus on being the best version of myself.

"Stop talking about what the good man is like, and just be one."

 Marcus Aurelius

This quote emphasizes the importance of action over idle contemplation. Instead of worrying about what might happen, focus on doing what you can to be the best version of yourself.