The state of the world these days is enough to make you want to scream curses at the sky, throw a molotov cocktail through an institutional window, and then snuggle up to a bottle of tequila for the remainder of the evening.
Even if you don't follow through on these dark fantasies, walking around with them in your angry little heart doesn't go very far toward helping the situation. Frankly, it only makes you, and those around you, feel miserable.
Somewhere in your body, in the back corners of your mind, you know there has to be a better way—a way that condemns injustice and holds space for suffering, without being swallowed up by it. A way that acknowledges the harm that other people do, without hoping that they drown in their morning oatmeal. A way that restores your faith in humanity.
One of the world's most well-known political activists, the Dalai Lama, shows us a way to continue to work for justice with an attitude of connection, curiosity, and compassion, rather than rage and revenge.
Unpack and understand these Buddhist teachings about social action with me, a philosophical coach and professor of philosophy, and explore how to use them in your own life. Uncover your fundamental assumptions about human relationships, and connect with others in an intimate group setting at my workshop "Buddhism in Action," organized by Curious Soul Philosophy.
This workshop is part philosophy seminar, part group coaching session. In Part One: The Theory, we'll discuss the ideas and concepts, ask clarifying and challenging questions, and try to understand the teachings of openness, trust, and compassion.
In Part 2: The Lab, we'll reflect on our own lives, share where we feel resistance, and support each other as we experiment with making positive changes.
We can learn to engage with the world with with less anger and more trust and compassion. These small changes not only help ourselves, but can go a long way toward making positive changes in the world. I hope you join me in exploring how.
Danielle LaSusa Ph.D. is a Philosophical Coach and Consultant, helping individuals and organizations think clearly, choose wisely, and live purposefully. She is the co-creater and co-host of Think Hard podcast, which brings fun, accessible, philosophical thinking to the real world.
