As the holidays approach and the whirl of preparation begins, it is easy to become stressed and worn out. Apathy can be a sign that we are arriving at the end stage of untreated stress…burn out. In fact some of us may be moving in that direction as a result of the stress of our current societal conditions never mind the holidays! No matter the cause it is most helpful to expand our self awareness and take charge where we can.
Apathy can be experienced at different levels. You can experience apathy as an individual or as part of a group. As an individual, you may feel great about certain parts of your life and experience apathy in particular areas, such as your job, your relationships or even your health. You could even live your entire life in a state of apathy, a state of little emotion and not caring €¦ just going through the motions. The group might be your family, your work environment and colleagues, your community, and the list could go on. How often do we hear about “voter apathy” €¦ the community not really caring about the issues at hand? Have you ever experienced apathy about any issue within your family? Perhaps you’ve seen it or felt it within your work group, your town or community. When there is apathy, there is little movement and little emotion.
Apathy can visit for several reasons. It is important to identify the cause so you can have a well thought out approach for resolution. Burn out is a prime reason for apathetic €˜feelings’. Our physical vitality takes a beating trying to keep up with the demands of our lives. Eventually our inner reserves are not there to help us bounce back or keep on keepin’ on. We get so used to abusing ourselves that we do not stop to consider that our well may run dry. Of course we get hints previous to a complete depletion of physical vitality. Our minds are not as sharp; we cannot remember as easily, we become confused more. We notice signs that we are stressed and tired. Emotionally we may become more constricted, flat or have a harder time balancing and managing feelings. Some describe a sense of emotional bankruptcy: no emotion, interest, passion or joy.
So apathy can be a result of the stresses and strains of being human. Or a deeper cause can be at the source of this poisonous type of indifference. Apathy can be a sign that we’ve fallen into living separated from our true selves, our souls and our creative potential. In an effort to live by the rules, be successful, and meet the material goals of one’s life there is an abandonment of SELF, a profound disconnect with that which is soulful, juicy, life enhancing. To truly live our dreams in a healthy way—one that provides real satisfaction and wholeness—we need to be aligned with our SELF, heart and soul.
We do not have to eschew rules, success or material gain. That is black and white thinking that will only lead to more of the same polarized living that is the problem. The answer is to take the necessary steps to live from the inside out. Start small and build on things that bring some lightness, joy and ease into your life. Living from your core, true or essential self means to identify and allow yourself your dreams. It means not getting caught up in the “have tos” so much that you do not bring in enough beauty, relaxation and fun. It means taking the time for the quiet construction of communication with your interior.
When moving away from apathy, just take it a step at a time. It is unrealistic to expect to move from a state of not caring to suddenly caring without experiencing anything in between. Realize that whatever you experience is OK. It is more important to accept how you are feeling and work with it vs. ignoring your feelings and suppressing them. When you suppress your feelings, you’re pushing them deeper inside. Doing so can manifest as health problems or imbalances.
Next post: Putting the light of your heart and soul back into your life!
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