Hatred, Ignorance, and Greed. Also known as the three fires or three unwholesome roots, they have been sitting heavy on my mind lately. These three fires cause most of our problems and suffering, in ourselves and in the world. Our thoughts, words, and actions can trace their roots back to these negative qualities of the mind. For a while now, I've been watching the three fires burn brightly with what feels like unlimited fuel.
In this Country, it should never be accepted, or normalized, that a presidential candidate base their entire foundation on Hate, Ignorance, and Greed - steeped in lies and fear. Nor should it be acceptable for a convicted felon, and an individual found liable of sexual abuse, be able to qualify as a presidential candidate.
Unfortunately, so many of us accepted these qualities as a leader who should be president.
When studying an idea or concept, instead of defining what it is, it may provide clarity to name what it isn't. With that, the fundamental qualities of a true leader isn't defined by Hatred, Ignorance, and Greed.
In this moment, community can feel really small. Where do we look? What do we do now? The reality is we cannot control the existence of the three fires. But, we can choose to not add fuel or allow them to grow and fester.
Fortunately, there is a cure and opposition to the Three Fires called the "Three Wholesome Attitudes" of the mind. These three wholesome attitudes are "Lovingkindness", "Wisdom", and "Generosity". Each are powerful qualities that allow us to take action, extinguish the three fires, and become a leader who inspires others.
When things feel dark, remember, you can still choose what kind of person you want to be in that moment.
Below are several examples for each of the three wholesome attitudes to shift your mind.
Lovingkindness: It's so easy to have a closed heart to others. There is a practice to open your heart and extinguish hatred, which in turn allows you to approach life and others with compassion and empathy. As you sit, start with your self and simply say, May I be well, May I be healthy, May I be happy in life. Pause for a moment, take a breath, and then bring to mind a person outside your circle that may wear on you a little. Don't pick someone difficult for your first time. Again, gentle say, May you be well, May you be healthy, May you be happy in life. This is a practice you can choose every time you feel frustration, anger, or annoyance.
Wisdom: With conspiracy theories, conflicting news reports, and various people claiming to have "the truth", it's important to see reality clearly. Ignorance is not a lack of knowledge but a misperception of the nature of reality. Practicing Wisdom is always learning, being open minded, listening, and being okay with adjusting or adding to your beliefs when presented with new facts.
Generosity: A great way to extinguish greed is giving of yourself, your talents, or resources to a cause or person important to you. This may be donating your time to a food bank, planting a tree, or providing resources to a cause you care about. I, for one, will be donating to a few organizations who protect the environment.
Let me know your thoughts and any other examples you may have.
