Let’s delve into the delicate topic of hate. This topic was suggested to me by a family member who was observing some mean bevaior after their sports team had lost. It’s one thing to joke around compassionately with friends but it a completely other thing to take joy in the upset of another individual.
Hatred is a toxic emotion and the word itself is forbidden in our home. That being said, our kids have used the word and we have corrected them. Vice versa we have used it and the kids have corrected us. As humans, we are born free of the chains of hate. Hate is learned from our environment, the relationships in our household, the shows that we watch, the news that we see and the interactions we observe in our daily lives. Keep that in mind when you’re around others. Try not to spread such a toxic emotion.
As I was looking into the subject of hate, I came across an article that had artfully worded the emotion: “Hate is a mighty strong emotion. This mental venom can pollute your spirit, poison your soul and seep into all of the relationships that surround you. Anyone who has found themselves wrapped up in the arms of hate knows how damaging and mind-consuming it can become. Even the word carries power, particularly if it comes from a friend, a family member or a child (everydayhealth.com).”
Think on that. Think of past experiences in which hate had poisoned other areas of your life. I was truly unhappy in a past career. I wouldn’t say I hated any aspect of it, be it the company, work or people; it just wasn’t a good fit for me, and I was unhappy there. Unhappiness is another strong emotion that is negative, similar to hate. It poisoned all aspects of my life from my relationships with everyone and the way I acted, to the motivation and inspiration I felt towards anything. Don’t give that power to anything nor anyone. You’re in control of your happiness.
“Love” is our theme around the decade. It’s that simple and there is no need to go more specific as love encompasses everything. We act in love. Every morning I enjoy my coffee while meditating in the bathroom. As I turn on the shower and steam feeling the room, I write love on the mirror. The kids have seen me do this and they now want to write on the mirror every morning.
Our kids learn from us. I was having lunch with a friend today at Ohana Coffee Kava Tea. I was telling him about our weekend and how the kids love to come to Ohana. Being a dad himself, he mentioned that part of why they love Ohana is because I love Ohana. It clicked, and makes so much sense. It’s one of the ways we pass on hate to our youths. On that same note however, it’s how was pass on love as well. Which are you going to pass on?
I was recently looking for a new podcast to listen to when I came across one that is based off a parable I had heard before but never truly thought about. The podcast is “The One You Feed“ hosted by Eric Zimmer (Learn More).
The parable goes like this: A grandparent was talking with a grandchild and in their discussion, the grandparent told the child that there are two wolves living inside of us all that are in constant battle. A good wolf representing things like love, compassion, patience and kindness. A bad wolf representing things like greed, hatred and fear. The grandchild thinks about it and asks, “which one wins?” to which the grandparent responds, “the one you feed.”
If you know me, you already know this parable holds a place in my heart as it features wolves. Think about it though. How true does it ring? When we are kind and compassionate, it becomes easier and more natural to be kind and compassionate. When we are unfriendly, it becomes harder to be friendly. When we are greedy, it becomes harder to let go. When we have hate, it becomes harder to love. What is a life without love? What is a world without love?
I’ve told the kids this parable and they absolutely love it. They have been looking for ways to feed their good wolf. They want to make their good wolf big and strong to keep the bad wolf at bay. P in particular was so excited that we had to call her grandparents and tell them the story.
Which wolf are you feeding?
On a brighter note, simply picture a world without hate. How I yearn to one day experience this.
Keep Smiling,
Recent Comments