I have realised recently that for me to listen to music is a far better way for me to process the suffering of the world than reading a newspaper or watching something like 'the hunger games', or one of these cop shows that seems hell bent on showing that big brother has a nightmare of Orwellian tools at its disposal.
For instance, Michael Jacksons: They don't really care about us. Gives me a real feeling. Accesses a sense of betrayal at having leaders that don't care about their citizens, with the good feeling of the talent in the song; whereas a more war like film might simply supress this instinct and replace it with righteous anger. Also the line 'you're going to Sodom and Gomorrah, but what do you care' in Bob Dylan's Jokerman gives me a feeling of satisfaction that I don't have to bother with those sorts of people.
In relation to the suffering of others I use it in a large part in improving my service/ improving myself. Which sometimes in a sort of Ho-oponopono sort of way I'm hoping will improve others as well. I started meditating again recently and the effect of all the subtle little changes meditation makes seems to change my relationships with others in a very positive way.
For instance, Michael Jacksons: They don't really care about us. Gives me a real feeling. Accesses a sense of betrayal at having leaders that don't care about their citizens, with the good feeling of the talent in the song; whereas a more war like film might simply supress this instinct and replace it with righteous anger. Also the line 'you're going to Sodom and Gomorrah, but what do you care' in Bob Dylan's Jokerman gives me a feeling of satisfaction that I don't have to bother with those sorts of people.
In relation to the suffering of others I use it in a large part in improving my service/ improving myself. Which sometimes in a sort of Ho-oponopono sort of way I'm hoping will improve others as well. I started meditating again recently and the effect of all the subtle little changes meditation makes seems to change my relationships with others in a very positive way.