Rushing towards oblivion
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the multitude of problems plaguing the world today. From war and hunger to bigotry and economic collapse, the list seems endless. These issues not only affect the world at large but also take a toll on individuals’ mental well-being, leading to anxiety, worry, anger, sadness, and fear.
The field of psychology teaches us that individual psychology contributes to social psychology. As we worry about the problems of the world, our concerns resonate with others, creating a cycle of stress that permeates through various channels like cable news, social media, and everyday conversations. This constant barrage of distressing news leaves everyone feeling exhausted and disheartened.
Throughout history, humanity has grappled emotionally with life’s challenges. The Buddha recognized this inherent dissatisfaction, labeling it as suffering. Our desire, attachments, and grasping for feelings, objects, and ideas often fuel our suffering, leading to a never-ending cycle of why me? mentality.
The daily experiences of depression, teen suicide, gun violence, social unrest, political confusion, and widespread dissatisfaction are sadly omnipresent. Tragically, those who are deeply wounded and broken sometimes inflict great cruelty on others in an attempt to regain their lost sense of power, thereby spreading suffering.
Yet, suffering also possesses a transformative power. Our pursuit of relief from suffering leads us to seek solace in various forms of entertainment and distraction. Books, movies, theater, television, music, and art provide temporary respite from our troubles and simultaneously drive our economy.
While we are engrossed in the ebb and flow of daily news, the cosmos continues its relentless march. The Andromeda Galaxy hurtles towards a collision with our Milky Way at an astounding speed of 250,000 miles per hour. Black holes devour entire star systems, and the universe evolves in a continuous cycle of integration and disintegration. Birth and death, coming and going, beginnings and ends—this is the profound truth of our existence.
To cope with the discomfort that the inevitability of becoming brings, we employ cognitive thinking to create stories that ease our suffering. This sublimation of emotions is a common practice for most of us. Entire religions are built on the principle of providing hopeful stories to alleviate suffering.
Science, too, attempts to bring relief by promising truth through empirical methods. However, cognitive truth alone falls short in alleviating our persistent suffering. Emotions lie at the core of our human experience, initiating our suffering and remaining with us until the end.
Though this may seem like a gloomy perspective, acknowledging the truth allows us to confront it. By accepting our human condition, we can navigate the complexities of life with a broader understanding. While suffering may never cease entirely, we can find moments of respite and contentment amidst the turmoil.
In conclusion, the world is filled with problems that are seemingly insurmountable. The toll they take on our individual and collective psyche is undeniable. However, as we rush towards oblivion in the vast expanse of the cosmos, it is essential to acknowledge the impermanence of everything. By recognizing this truth, we can strive to find moments of peace, contentment, and shared humanity within the chaos.
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