Everything leads us to desire the lives of people who are thoughtless. Success is something we seek because it is associated with the idea of happiness. The problem is that we often get confused when it comes to associating success with its causes.
If someone is rich, we will associate a whole bunch of attributes or qualities with them according to the halo effect principle. So often a successful person will also be more likely to be described as intelligent, funny or beautiful. However, this is not the case. If someone has inherited a large sum of money, he or she is rich but has no particular merit.
This lack of discernment about the reasons for success is primarily due to our envy, ambition or greed. Since we are blinded by our thirst for material success, we do not see the faults of people who present themselves as rich, we want too much to be like them, thinking that their behaviour is the source of their success.
The reality of the role of social networks
When we scan our social media feeds, it is clear that many of us are looking for the ‘perfect’ life. We see images of people who have it all: a successful career, a beautiful home, a perfect partner and an abundance of wealth. It’s easy to start comparing ourselves to these perfect lives, especially when many of us are struggling to make ends meet.
But what’s really behind the desire to live the life of someone who seems to live without thinking? After all, it’s easy to believe that these people have it all, as if they weren’t even trying or thinking about the consequences of their actions.
In reality, our desire to live the life of the thoughtless is driven by a number of factors. First, we tend to be attracted to those who seem to have it all without having to think about the consequences of their actions. It is comforting to think that someone is living a perfect life, without having to worry about the practicalities of life.
On the other hand, we can be driven by our fear of failure. We know that if we push ourselves too hard and try to do too much, we may fail to live up to our own expectations and be disappointed with the outcome. Instead, we look to those who seem to live effortlessly and mindlessly, and assume that if we can emulate that lifestyle, then we won’t have to worry about potential failure.
Finally, it is also possible that our desire to live the lives of the thoughtless is motivated by envy. We may be envious of the life these people seem to have, and this envy may cause us to strive to live a life that violates our principles and values.
Ultimately, it is important to remember that living the life of someone who seems to live without thinking is not necessarily a good thing. It’s easy to be envious of someone who lives a perfect life, but it’s important to recognise that this lifestyle may not be fulfilling or healthy in the long run.
Instead, strive to live a life that is true to your own principles and values. You may not end up with a perfect life, but you will live a life that is meaningful and fulfilling.
We’ve all been there: scrolling through our social media feeds, scrolling and scrolling again, hoping to find the latest post or update from people we know. We’ve all felt the need to stay connected, to feel like we’re part of something bigger than ourselves, to feel like we’re on top of the latest news and trends.
But what if we took a step back and asked ourselves: Is this really all we want in life?
For many of us, our lives have become a consumption of social media. We are so enmeshed in the need to be connected that we have forgotten what it really means to be alive. We have forgotten to take the time to seek our own path and explore the world around us.
It’s time to disconnect from social media and reclaim our lives.
The truth is that social media can be a great tool. It can help us keep in touch with family and friends, give us access to news and information, and even help us discover new interests. But they can also be a major distraction and a source of anxiety. As we live more and more on social media, it’s inevitable that it starts to impact on our mental health.
So how do we break the cycle and improve our lives?
The first step is to recognise the negative impact of social media and take steps to limit our exposure to it. This can include setting a limit on the amount of time we spend on social media each day or week, but also choosing who we follow and how much time we spend engaging on the platform.
Another good step is to take time to explore other aspects of life. Spend time reading, take up a new hobby, go for a walk or spend time with friends and family. All of these activities will help us take a break from the confines of our screens and can be incredibly rewarding.
Finally, it is important to remember that we are not defined by the number of likes or followers we have. We are much more than our social media handles. Our lives are precious and it is up to us to make the most of them.
It is clear that we need to seek to improve our lives by disconnecting from social media. Doing so will help us reconnect with ourselves and our passions, and find the joy and fulfilment that life has to offer. So take the time to disconnect and explore the world around you – you won’t regret it.
Sport as a solution
In today’s world, it’s hard to avoid the constant bombardment of notifications, emails and messages from our digital devices. But if we are not careful, this can lead to a state of ‘virtual binge’ where we are overwhelmed by digital noise and information overload. It is important to find ways to unplug, relax and take a break from the digital world. One of the best ways to do this is through exercise and sport.
As a form of exercise and physical activity, sport can have a calming effect on the body and mind. Whether it is a game of basketball with friends or a round of golf alone, sporting activities can provide physical, mental and emotional benefits. By engaging in physical activity, we can increase our production of endorphins and improve our overall mood.
Sport also has a positive psychological effect. When we play sport, our mind is focused on the task at hand. This allows us to find a sense of freedom and escape from the daily stresses of life. We also benefit from the sense of accomplishment that comes from mastering a skill or completing a difficult task.
One of the best ways to disconnect from the virtual frenzy is to get out and participate in sports activities. Whether it’s a game of tennis, a round of golf or a bike ride with friends, sports can provide a much needed respite from the digital world. By participating in sports activities, we can enjoy the physical benefits of exercise, the psychological benefits of mastering a skill, and the emotional benefits of escaping the virtual world.
So the next time you feel overwhelmed by digital noise and information overload, take a break and try sport. You may find that it is an effective way to disconnect from the virtual frenzy and find a moment of peace.
Social networks are great showcases for selling products of all kinds. It is also the place where people showcase their material success. From this success often emerges a whole lot of expansive behaviour, arrogance and a form of hubris is set up (hubris: Outrance in behaviour inspired by pride). The problem is that one makes a bad association by thinking that this hubris is the reason for their success when in fact it is the negative consequence. Imitating a successful influencer will not help you if you only stay on the surface.
Tap into your source
You are unique, you have a strength that is your essence, the reason you came to this earth. This same essence will be the source of your success in the same way that people who break through on the web use what is most unique about them to stand out from the world.
Avoiding sin
A sinner is a person who commits a sin. There are 7 types of deadly sins according to the biblical tradition. They are anger, pride, lust, greed, sloth (acedia, which is spiritual sloth), gluttony (avarice) and avarice.
To sin is to give in to one of the capital sins. We say “capital” because in Latin “capitus” means head, which means that these are sins that take over our heads. Our minds are taken, we are alienated, we can’t connect with God and achieve salvation, that’s why it’s capital.
The consumerist world thrives on our lack. If we were totally satisfied and at peace with God, we would not feel the need to constantly consume. Our fleeting dissatisfactions give rise to equally fleeting acts of consumption. Influencers accentuate our sense of dissatisfaction by showing us their ideal life in heavenly places. Yet what they show is an act, if you are really happy, you don’t need to get validation from others.
The incentive to sin is omnipresent
Narcissism, pride or any other misplaced pride is very present on the web. There is a feeling that one is important and that one has to show it to others. This habit of believing oneself above others shows a lack of humility and ultimately an inability to remember the existence or presence of God. The idolisation of web stars is the consequence or cause of the disappearance of the desire to connect with God.
Anger is an increasingly socially accepted emotion, perhaps because it is telegenic or falsely gives depth to a character. Anger is a sin because it shows impatience, a lack of faith in providence. I think you have to know how to be angry because I think it’s a defence mechanism, but it must not become second nature.
Greed is an unfortunate trait that has existed for many centuries and unfortunately continues to be a problem in today’s society. It is a flaw, and even a cardinal sin, often because it implies that material things are more valuable than moral qualities.
In historical times, people were stingy because resources were limited and it was sometimes a matter of survival. The idea of hoarding arose from the need to survive, to ensure that there was always enough to get through the winter or other difficult times. Although we have far more resources today than our ancestors did, this habit of hoarding is still present in some people, who devote more resources to material objects than to the development of and adherence to their moral values and qualities.
By giving in to greed, it is difficult to open one’s heart to receive the true meaning of life. Without a sense of generosity and giving, our minds and hearts will be closed. We cannot access the sense of abundance that comes from helping others and giving freely without expecting anything in return. Greed limits our ability to think and feel beyond our immediate interests.
When we are stingy, we are in effect saying that material objects are more important than moral values. We give priority to luxury, power, status and money over meaningful relationships, kindness and generosity. This leads to a bad cycle, as it prevents us from practicing the virtue of giving and feeling gratitude, which ultimately deprives us of the love and meaningful relationships that make life enjoyable.
It is important to recognise when we are being stingy and to try to focus our mental and emotional resources on cultivating compassion and generosity towards others. When we replace our narrow view of ourselves and our lives with a vision of joy, abundance and boundless love, true wealth and happiness follow. Money, possessions and other material goods have their place, but a life full of love and spiritual enrichment is always the most precious reward.
Greed has been part of our human experience for centuries and unfortunately continues to be a problem in today’s society. It is a flaw, and even a cardinal sin, because it implies that material things are more valuable than moral qualities. We must strive to break this cycle and seek a balance between material objects and moral values. Both are part of a larger process that leads to wholeness, abundance and joy in our lives.
Acedia (spiritual laziness)
Spiritual laziness is a widespread epidemic, and more and more people are finding themselves disconnected from God. The modern world is full of distractions, from our busy work lives to our entertainment habits on social media, that take us away from God and his teachings. When we look around us, we can see the effects of spiritual laziness all around us – from people who ignore their religious beliefs to those who have lost touch with the spiritual side of their lives.
The temptation to spiritual laziness is strong, especially in today’s society, where material possessions and the pursuit of ‘success’ often overshadow spiritual growth. With work and entertainment taking up most of our waking hours, it can be difficult to find time to spend with God or to strengthen our connection with Him.
But spiritual laziness can have serious consequences. Not only do we lose the physical and emotional nourishment we get from connecting with God or any other higher power, but we can also begin to feel a sense of disconnection from Him and the world at large. When we become spiritually lazy, we can begin to feel disconnected and dissatisfied with ourselves, our lives and our faith.
To combat the spread of spiritual laziness, we need to be proactive and make an effort to stay connected to God. Simple measures such as reading the Bible, praying, meditating, attending church services or Bible studies, or even volunteering, can help us to establish a stronger connection with God and work towards a more meaningful relationship with Him.
In addition, we need to be mindful of our activities and attitude when it comes to our faith. We need to be mindful of our words and thoughts and practice self-reflection so that we can identify when we start to become spiritually lazy or disconnected. We should also seek help if we start to feel spiritually lazy, as this can help us to reconnect with God and regain our spiritual health.
Ultimately, spiritual laziness is not to be taken lightly. Taking time to connect with God is an essential part of our lives, as it helps to nurture our emotional and spiritual well-being. Let us not forget to make time for prayer, meditation and spiritual reading, if we are to avoid spiritual laziness and strengthen our relationship with the Divine.
Lust is a dangerous emotion that can easily become an addiction that affects all aspects of life. Lust disconnects us from our spiritual self and disconnects us from God. It leads to many detrimental actions that can often lead to tragedy.
Covetousness can lead us to make decisions that are not in line with God’s will. We can be deceived by our own over-fascinated desires, leading us to make decisions that can be destructive to ourselves and to those around us. For example, if we have a strong desire for sexual encounters outside of marriage, we may make decisions that are not in line with God’s principles and moral laws. We may even resort to hurtful or illegal activities to get what we want, and in doing so we create a gap between ourselves and God.
Furthermore, when we allow another person’s desire to dominate us, we make ourselves vulnerable to being preoccupied with the object of our desires and neglecting our own spiritual journey. This prevents us from being able to obtain the peace and freedom of God’s presence.
Furthermore, when we indulge in sinful desires, we feel ashamed, guilty and unworthy of God’s love. We may see ourselves as sinners, which can ruin our relationship with God. In this case, we may turn away from God and the wisdom he has to offer, preferring to make our own decisions without regard to God’s will.
Covetousness can also be accompanied by other selfish behaviours, such as selfishness, manipulation and dishonesty. When we are consumed by our desires, we forget our responsibilities to treat others with respect and dignity. We may make decisions based on our own wants and needs, instead of thinking about the effects of our decisions on others around us. This results in a disconnection not only between us and God, but also with the other people in our lives.
Finally, when we give in to our desires, we can become fixated and obsessed with what we want, which disconnects us from the Holy Spirit. We can become so anxious that our spiritual progress is blocked, causing us to ignore the good works and blessings God has to offer. It causes us to focus on that one thing we want, which can prevent us from growing and progressing in our spiritual journey.
Covetousness is a powerful emotion that can be very difficult to resist. It can disconnect us from God and all His blessings by preventing us from seeing the true beauty and love that comes from living according to His principles. We need to remain aware of our thoughts and feelings, and take time to reflect on whether or not our desires are in line with God’s will and are leading us to spiritual growth and progress. By doing this, we can ensure that we continue to live in close relationship with God and enjoy His peace and blessing.
Envy is a powerful emotion. It can drive us to great heights of ambition and creativity, or paralyse us with a sense of inadequacy. It reflects the desire to be better, to have more, to be something or someone more special. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most destructive forces in our lives. When we push envy too far, it can become a crippling insecurity, leading to all sorts of negative consequences.
At its core, envy is a feeling of dissatisfaction with ourselves and our lives. It is a deep desire to possess something that someone else has, or to be someone we perceive as having a better life than we do. While this type of comparison can sometimes be beneficial, it can also be harmful if taken too far. In particular, envy can lead to self-sabotage and spiritual stagnation.
When we focus too much on what someone else has, or what they can do, we can begin to feel inadequate. We can begin to believe that we don’t have what it takes to succeed. We can also start to believe that nothing we do will ever be good enough, and we stop trying to grow and improve. In this way, envy can prevent us from achieving the success and fulfilment we want.
This type of craving can also have a significant effect on our spiritual growth. When we are stuck in a cycle of envy, we cannot enjoy the present moment. Instead, we fixate on what others have, and forget to enjoy our own achievements and blessings. This can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction, which can prevent us from finding inner peace and spiritual growth.
Overall, envy can be a powerful emotion. When used in a healthy and positive way, it can be a great source of motivation and a force for positive change in our lives. However, when taken too far, it can become an obstacle to our personal and spiritual growth. This is why it is important that we strive to be mindful of how we use this emotion. Instead of letting envy take hold of us and lead us in a negative direction, let’s use it to inspire us to be better, to do better and to strive for a higher level of fulfilment.
Gluttony is a symptom of our inner emptiness. We fill our bellies in an attempt to fill an inner emptiness, but of course this is not a lasting solution. We often seek comfort in food when our spiritual body and soul are suffering, looking for a momentary escape from our troubles and anxieties.
When confronted with our own frailty, we often try to numb, suppress and avoid the thoughts, feelings and emotions that beset us. Unfortunately, many of us find comfort in food, numbing ourselves with the taste, texture and warmth it provides.
We become obsessed with food and lose sight of the signs that our inner soul is calling out for help. We eat out of habit and craving, without taking the time to connect with ourselves and listen to our bodies. When we eat because of loneliness, boredom or depression, we self-medicate with food and try to ignore how we really feel.
Deep down, we are meant to connect with something beyond ourselves. We were created to be intimate with Love, and when we are filled with Love, compassion, kindness and joy, we can finally experience true sustenance. Today, if our bellies feel empty, let us sit with our hunger and ask to be guided well to meet our spiritual needs. If we are willing to open ourselves to the whispers of the Universe, we can remember our inner power and be filled with the unconditional love that awaits us.
Gluttony is a symptom of our emptiness, and it is up to us to meet our spiritual needs and seek the availability of an unlimited source of love.
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