Why Self-Compassion Also Means Not Being Well-Informed

In this talk, we explore the high energetic cost of modern news consumption and its impact on our mental health. By choosing to step away from the dopamine rush of the news cycle and refocusing on your own intentions, you reclaim the energy needed to light up your own corner of the universe. Learn how to trade the noise of the world for the stillness of your own life, and discover why your good mood is more valuable than being "in the loop."

Transcript

So there's two different things we can focus on.

We can focus on the news,

Or you can focus on your own intentions.

It's easy to focus on the news.

Terrible things are happening all the time.

Some good things are happening sometimes.

The news gives us a dopamine rush and makes us feel in the loop and makes us feel like we have everything in common to talk about with other people.

I largely do not read the news.

People still tell me stuff.

Like,

I'll find out the most important things.

I'll see it.

But my recommendation to you is don't focus on the news.

Instead,

Read books,

Especially complicated books.

Read difficult texts because it develops your mind and it's satisfying.

Focus on your own intentions.

Meditate.

Or spend time in silence not consuming.

But don't consume the news because it burns so much of your energy.

That energy is so much better spent focusing on the things you want or just stillness.

Because out of stillness comes more energy.

When you're not doing anything,

When you're still,

What you're cultivating is actually energy.

So I wish you energy.

I wish you a good mood.

It's impossible to be in a good mood and watch the news.

So I wish you a good mood.

And I wish you fewer news in your life because like our psyches were not actually created to track all of the negative things happening all over the world all the time.

We were made to be local so you'd know what's happening in your town,

In your tribe.

Good things,

Bad things,

But they kind of even out.

But then when you do read the news and you find out about something that matters to you,

Do what you can,

But then refocus on your own life.

There's a real danger today to not be in your own life fully.

We can always be in some other process like what is that blogger eating?

What is the new celebrity scandal?

What is happening halfway around the world?

And you're not actually living your life.

And you're here to learn,

To light up your corner of the universe,

To serve your body,

To serve your loved ones,

To serve yourself.

You're not actually here to be well informed.