Hardened Hearts
Every day there seem to be more and more victims from random acts of cruelty. And the frightening part is that these horrifically insensitive betrayals are not coming from our stereotypical pathological criminals, but from our children's classmates, our next door neighbors, our peers, and our co-workers. What is happening that is causing such a rampant and viral case of hardened hearts?
Although there are probably all kinds of studies and research done on answering such a complex question, it boils down to the sad realization, I believe, that we have become desensitized by the anonymity of technology. Because we can hide behind a computer, or hold an IPhone in the palm of our hands, or capture pictures in the secrecy of our hidden position, we have easily taken on the role of perpetual perpetrator. Too many of us don't think twice about the harm and damage we are spreading when we email, post, twitter, blog, etc. a cruel message, photo, or image of another human being. We do it because we can; we do it because we have detached ourselves from the humanity of another; we do it because we feel no responsibility for how our actions may in fact impact the very soul and spirit of another precious being.
What can one person do? How do we start to penetrate the brick tissue of a society so habituated and conditioned by the cruelties of technology? We do so one person at a time, one email at a time, one twitter or text at a time, and so on. We stand up against such inhumane acts when we are able, and more importantly, we don't participate in them. Above all, when we know that another individual is threatened, harmed, bullied, or disrespected in any way, we must reach out and intervene in any way we possibly can.
Viruses can be slowed and at times they can be greatly extinguished. The human spirit is resilient, but it needs a massive injection of compassion, respect, and dignity for one another flowing through the airwaves to combat the blows from the hardened hearts.
Wellness tip: Before sending any message of any kind, ask yourself, "Is this healing or is this hurting the person/s or situation?" Then, hold yourself accountable for the consequences that unfold.
Although there are probably all kinds of studies and research done on answering such a complex question, it boils down to the sad realization, I believe, that we have become desensitized by the anonymity of technology. Because we can hide behind a computer, or hold an IPhone in the palm of our hands, or capture pictures in the secrecy of our hidden position, we have easily taken on the role of perpetual perpetrator. Too many of us don't think twice about the harm and damage we are spreading when we email, post, twitter, blog, etc. a cruel message, photo, or image of another human being. We do it because we can; we do it because we have detached ourselves from the humanity of another; we do it because we feel no responsibility for how our actions may in fact impact the very soul and spirit of another precious being.
What can one person do? How do we start to penetrate the brick tissue of a society so habituated and conditioned by the cruelties of technology? We do so one person at a time, one email at a time, one twitter or text at a time, and so on. We stand up against such inhumane acts when we are able, and more importantly, we don't participate in them. Above all, when we know that another individual is threatened, harmed, bullied, or disrespected in any way, we must reach out and intervene in any way we possibly can.
Viruses can be slowed and at times they can be greatly extinguished. The human spirit is resilient, but it needs a massive injection of compassion, respect, and dignity for one another flowing through the airwaves to combat the blows from the hardened hearts.
Wellness tip: Before sending any message of any kind, ask yourself, "Is this healing or is this hurting the person/s or situation?" Then, hold yourself accountable for the consequences that unfold.
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