Mama to Many (Tennessee, US) on 08/15/2014
Addicted. Depressed. Another precious life lost to suicide.
I haven't had time or inclination for television or movies for some time. But I remember Robin Williams. And I know how famous he was. And I feel very, very sad. Very sad over a life lost to pain and suffering. Maybe people knew that Robin was suffering on the inside. Probably many did not. I did not. Perhaps if someone met him, they would think, âLucky guy. So funny. So popular. Rich. Famous. He has it all.â And go along never realizing his pain and suffering.
The truth is that Robin William's situation is a picture of so many lives all over the world. People look a certain way on the outside. You may know someone a long time and never know their internal pain or suffering. And it is something to consider when dealing with others. How often have we interacted with others and had no idea of the pain? Some are funny. Some are angry. Some are bitter. Some are loud. Some are quiet. Maybe some are vocal about their pain and suffering. Many more are silent.
What does this mean? It means that when someone is rude to me at the grocery store, I should try and be kind back to them anyway. Maybe they just lost a loved one. Maybe they just lost their job. It means when someone is angry at me, perhaps it is because they have had a lot of hurt and are angry at others. Returning anger to them will only escalate the situation. Where there is no wood, the fire goes out.
It means that when I meet someone that seems to have it all, I should not wish I were them. They probably have more pain than I can imagine.
I was sharing some thoughts with a friend about this and she commented that sometimes people say âHow are you?â and you know they don't care. We should ask and care. And listen. It can be hard to listen to someone grumble and complain. But sometimes people just need to know that someone will listen to them and that someone cares.
Why such a ramble on a health site? Because compassion matters to health. Caring matters. We can share remedies and stuff and that is good. And when it comes with love and care, it is better. So, I am reminded this week of silent suffering and hope it will help me to love and care better for others.
Just my two cents...
~Mama to Many~
Replied By Kc (Montebello, CA) on 08/16/2014
Replied By Gina (Westport, Ct) on 08/16/2014
Replied By Timh (KY) on 08/17/2014
From a classical or common sense model, both these cases (as well as many other suicide) have what appears as a chronic sense of loneliness which is often accompanied by self-indulgence. It seems a crime against family & friends to check out and leave them to suffer. I worked for a man several yrs ago that confided in me the financial hardship of being an independent farmer operating on financial loans and pushed around by big bankers. I never sensed his anguish but a few yrs later committed suicide leaving his wife and children behind. It's something treasonous or immoral to have such disregard for others. Human freedom & happiness are well within reach for most folks, yet many live miserable lives.
The words from music from Neil Young seem appropriate here as the possibility of a cure ---"Change your mind, change your mind".
Replied By Bess (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 08/16/2014
While I always enjoy your posts, your heartfelt thoughts about Robin Williams were truly inspiring. Everyone can benefit from kindness and compassion - both giving and receiving. So thank you, once again, for sharing with us. Take care, Bess
Replied By Jumpin Jeff (Wisconsin, US) on 10/02/2014
Replied By Timh (KY) on 10/03/2014
T.M. provides a direct method of centering the mind into deeper levels of the subconscious thereby preventing the fragmentation that occurs in an hectic, stressful, modern lifestyle or workplace. Michael Jackson fell into the same trap taking increasing amounts of dangerous pharmaceuticals until he collapse altogether.
After doing T.M. daily and w/ half an education the light of the fact that one is, during this practice, in the center of the universe. John Lennon revealed some of this type awareness in "I Am The Walrus" song.
Trade the destructive fragmentation of the self for creative Unity thru T.M.