So-called "Westernization" has given us an imbalanced view on life. In attempts to be optimistic about "progress" we have demonized suffering to the point that people are forced to walk around with a smile on their face even when they are dying inside. When the two wealthy celebrities committed suicide last week, everyone was stunned. Especially since they happened back to back. It was shocking, because the story we have been telling ourselves about the definition of "happiness" and "fulfillment" is a lie. Despite the fact that our deep in our genes we know it is a lie, we are quick to bury the dead and continue to tell the lie. The lie that "I'm OK." The lie that "This is normal". The lie that "ALL poor people are lazy." The lie that "my out-of-work brother is a burden and he needs to help himself". The lie that "my sick mother" needs to be 100% healed for my life to get back to 'normal'". The lie that "I don't have time to deal with other people's problems." The lie that "I can't talk now, I'm busy." Money is not evil. But examine your hearts, and specify your purpose on this earth. There are consequences to every decision, and suffering is a part of life. Nobody owes you anything. Life is like a seed. You reap the fruit of what you plant and nurture.
We ignore the homeless, and distance ourselves from our suffering relatives like, "Ew! I don't want to get your suffering cooties on me!" Then, when we suffer, we fall apart. Convention tells us that it is normal to be rich. Actually, it's not normal at all. 80% of the world lives on $2/day or less. Don't let modern lies kill your humanity and your community. Don't be ashamed when you need help, and don't stay with people who shame you for needing help.
If you find yourself among toxic people, get help to get out of that social circle. And if you find yourself at risk of committing suicide, call the Suicide hotline at Call 1-800-273-8255
