A lesson in distinguishing empathic emotions from attachment emotions. (this is a lesson I learned about myself). I have had a tendency to become emotionally attached to particular outcomes of social justice or war issues. In other words, I would likely feel depressed unless and until the result I felt was just was accomplished. This was a selfish view that, of course, became harmful to myself, because in general what I thought should happen, wasn't likely to happen.
But, of course, my empathy was a fundamental part of my moral development. But to emotionally attach to the (my) desired outcome, is very different from freely allowing feelings of my empathy to exist. They are not dependent upon a particular outcome, whether of my own yearnings or that of others.
When I am able to make the distinction no matter the issue at stake, I remain clear headed, without depression. So, I have learned when I feel the tinges of depression coming on, like, for example, with Gaza, I can readily preserve my rage at the US providing bombs to Zionist Israel, without becoming disabled with depression.
(Video from Monday April 21, 2025)
#gaza #palestine #fromrivertorheseapalestinewillbefree
