How can mindfulness contribute to building a more compassionate society?
Mindfulness, once the domain of spiritual seekers and large corporations, is now embraced by the general public as a remedy for stress, technological distractions, and their karmic effects. As people become more mindful, they also become more tolerant and helpful, gradually creating a more sensitive and sensible society.
Reflection is central to mindfulness. It’s considering what we hope to gain from our brief lives on Earth and how we can give back to the forces that brought us here.
Mindfulness is no longer limited to spiritual people, social workers or multi crore businesses. Now general public is turning to mindfulness as a corrective to stress, technological advancements, digital distractions, and their karmic consequences. People are waking up to the need to help others and to be more tolerant of their peers. The progress is slow, but we can see that the world is moving toward a more sensitive and sensible society that will truly demonstrate the live and let live policy.
Mindfulness does not have to be associated with meditation. Although meditation is a sure-fire way to release emotional baggage and stress, engaging in your favorite creative activity, whether it’s baking, doodling, or singing in the shower, will quiet your thoughts as you enter a state of flow.
Each of us must acknowledge that we are extracting far more from the universe than we’ll ever be able to return. We cannot abandon technology or become saints, nor can we overnight stop the masses from destroying our planet, but we must all reinstate our connection to nature or else our children will suffer. Given the recent floods and storms, who knows if even more severe disasters may strike during our own lifetime.
I wanted to share some thought-provoking points I came across recently, which really made me rethink our daily habits and their impact on our planet. While the author’s identity remains a mystery, I’m truly grateful for these eye-openers! Here’s what got me thinking:
Water Waste at Restaurants:
Do we really need that glass of water at the restaurant, knowing it might just go down the drain once we leave? Are we being fair to those who walk miles for unsafe drinking water.
Single-Use Plastics:
Do we really need to use single-use plastics like straws, utensils, and bags? Can we opt for reusable alternatives to reduce our plastic footprint?
Gift Wrapping Paper:
Do we really need to buy ‘free’ gift wrapping paper? Isn’t it just going to be thrown away once the gift is unwrapped?
Gifts We Don’t Need:
Do we buy gifts just to make an impression, without knowing if they’ll be used? Wouldn’t it be wiser to buy fruits or dry fruits instead?
Buffet Overload:
When at a buffet, do we listen to our stomachs or just pile our plates? Are we teaching our kids to take only what they can consume?
Extra Utensils and Tissues:
When Subway offers extra forks and tissues, do we return them or just throw them away? Do we really need those extra items?
Biodegradable Doesn’t Mean Use It:
Just because something is ‘biodegradable,’ should we use it? Can we cut down on paper and cloth bags, knowing the environmental cost?
Thaali Waste:
When served a Thaali, do we leave untouched food on our plates, knowing it will be thrown away? Can we be mindful and return what we don’t want?
Fashion Choices:
Do we really need that cotton Kurti/Shirt just because it looks cool? The fashion industry’s impact on the environment and human rights is staggering.
Extra Footwear:
Do we need that extra pair of shoes/sandals in a new shade? Remember, processed footwear is nearly impossible to degrade.
Cooking for Guests:
Do we need to cook elaborate meals when guests visit? Can we cook just enough to avoid waste and eat leftovers without losing nutrients?
Buying on Sale:
Do we buy things just because they are on sale or have a ‘return policy’? Research shows how returned goods are often dumped in the ocean, adding to oceanic waste.
Respecting Tourist Destinations:
When visiting tourist spots, do we take rules like ‘keep silence,’ ‘do not litter,’ and ‘do not waste water’ seriously? Are we respectful, or does our presence disrupt the place?
Has this post inspired you in any way? Please comment.
