Читать книгу The Little Book of Letting Go - Hugh Prather - Страница 26

We also think that those who worry are more empathetic and socially responsible. We believe that our angst demonstrates our concern that so many people in the world are suffering. Does worrying connect us to these people? Does it heal anyone? Because anxiety is somewhat unpleasant and tiring, a false sense of accomplishment can ensue. A bout of worrying often gives us the sense that we have done our part, when in fact we have merely spun our mental wheels, or our mouth.

Notice how cut off you feel when you are around someone who is apprehensive. Individuals who worry are, at least for the moment, self-absorbed. The subject of their line of thought may be someone else, but they don't extend love to that person. “I'm worried for you” is typical of the ego's selfcanceling approach to life.

Thanksgiving dinner is often an example of this use of worry. These meals typically begin with a prayer that includes words such as, “Let us remember all those who are starving.” If we were actually to do this, if with each bite we thought of a starving child or a hungry nation, we would eat in enormous conflict. There could be no experience of joining and oneness at such a table. Those gathered there would not feel more connected, more loving, or more generous toward anyone, nor would those who are starving be any better off. Generosity is an act of happiness, not an outgrowth of fear.

No day passes that we don't see before us some reminder of an old or new misfortune that came upon someone unexpectedly. The media loves to spotlight those who have fallen victim, especially to the new danger that the article or program is trumpeting. It's almost unthinkable that we would remain free of fear after hearing and seeing, day after day, the thousands of tragedies that occur to people just like us. Simply because that is the effect doesn't mean that worry is a useful state of mind. Worry is a fear state, and fear is tentative and uncommitted. It causes our mind to withdraw, turn in on itself, and shrink. As the Bible and other sacred scriptures point out, the strong unifying force of Love has within it no aspect of fear.