Are you one of those who suffer disrespect, expletives, and hate via phone messages and social media posts? The digital world offers a solution to avoid this situation: Just block them. Block that person from your social media platforms, phone messaging, and even calls, if you so wish. And it follows, block that person from your life, if that is possible. You get instant relief. Like an instant painkiller pill. This is of course not an ideal situation, nor is it a spiritual solution. But to preserve one’s sanity and balance, one may have to take recourse to this drastic action for self-preservation.
In a way, it is extending Mari Kondo’s declutter mantra in the material world, to the emotional and perhaps even spiritual world. The Kon Mari method is meant to help you tidy your physical spaces — get rid of stuff that no longer brings joy; impediments that cause inconvenience. You will thereby get rid of whatever troubles you, and retain only what you need and which adds value to your life. Consequently, your mind, too, feels decluttered in a sense, as you do not have to ponder over all the unwanted stuff messing up your space.
Then why put up with those who mess up your mind and heart? You can gracefully say goodbye to them — whether acquaintance, colleague, friend, or relative — and clear your mind and heart, making room for happy people who will make you feel joyful and free. No more agonizing over nasty remarks and complaints, no more angst over ingrate behavior. To do such a thing requires great resolve and detachment, no doubt, although some may point out that to rise above and beyond these situations cannot be one-sided: both parties involved have to meet halfway and make those reparations, adjustments, and acknowledgments necessary to mend fences and begin a fairly decent relationship. Since most times this is not doable, the way out is to exit peacefully. Even if it is one person who exits, peace does prevails, as there is no further scope for altercations and hurt. Why hang on to those who cause you pain and suffering when you have the option to instead, fill your heart and mind with those who bring you kindness, love, and joy?
Conversely, you could be accused of being insensitive to the pain and suffering that the so-called perpetrator is going through, which is what sparked the negative behaviors and actions in the first place. There is no need to feel guilt here because you would know for sure if there is something you can do to make that person feel better and mend their ways. It is only when it becomes clear that there is no scope for approaching, that you need to look at the option of staying away from the one who causes you pain.
The spiritual approach is all about compassion and love, and that begins with self-love. Instead of putting up with bad behavior and pandering to the other’s emotional outbursts, it’s better to step away in a dignified manner and focus on more constructive pursuits and relationships.
