people rioting How to be spiritual when the world is going mad
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How to Be Spiritual When the World is Going Mad

Right now a lot of people are talking about spiritual growth and being on a spiritual journey. It is easy to say you are spiritual, but it can be much more difficult to practice it, especially when the world seems to be going mad. 

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Watching as the World Goes Mad



The past year has been a roller coaster ride for the entire world. Natural disasters, a pandemic, police violence, race riots and political upheaval, to name but a few. It has definitely been a difficult time for all of humanity.

At the beginning of the pandemic, we were all witness to incredible acts of kindness and generosity. People helping each other and standing side by side. Slogans like “we are in this together,” were everywhere. People talked about self-care and gratitude. Looking for good news where ever they could find it. 

As time went on though, people began to get frustrated and sick of the new normal. They began lashing out at each other.

Girl with mask giving the finger

What Happened to People?

Conspiracy theories began flooding social media and it has become difficult to sort truth from fiction. 

People began to protest staying home, wearing masks, and social distancing, claiming it is an affront to their freedom. 

Some believe the virus isn’t real. Others believe it is no more than severe than the flu, and still others feel that because they are not in a high risk group the rules shouldn’t apply to them. 

People who believe the virus is real and are following the rules  are immediately called sheep and attacked for it on social media. On the other hand, anyone who believes we need to take a closer look at what’s going on, is called a crazy conspiracy theorist.

We have witnessed race riots and acts of violence that will stain humanity for years to come.

We’ve watched as some governments get it right and others fail spectacularly. 

We have seen government officials break their own rules and then claim that they didn’t think it would be a big deal. 

In the United States we all witnessed Trump supporters storm the Capital Building in an attempt to overturn election results.

Friends and families have been torn apart based on these differing beliefs. How many times have you seen someone post on social media “If you believe (blank) just unfriend me right now?” 

This behaviour is present everywhere. No one is immune. I’ve seen people attacking each other over the internet, including spiritual groups, because of differing opinions. Families have been torn apart.

The term “Covid Fatigue” has been thrown around as an excuse for peoples behaviour, but is that really a good enough excuse? 

police in riot gear Spiritual
We have witnessed race riots and acts of violence that will stain humanity for years to come.

Why Are We Acting This Way?

So why are people acting like this? The short answer is fear. Fear brings out the worst in all of us and right now there is no shortage of it. Fear of a worldwide pandemic, fear of the cure, fear of governments overstepping their bounds, fear of violence and fear of the unknown.

People need a villain. They need someone to blame for the bad things that happen. For some, it is the only way they can cope with everything that is happening around them. The only way to feel in control in an uncontrollable situation. However, instead of dealing with the fear, they turn it to anger and eventually hatred. They lash out at people to ease their own fear.

If fear and Anxiety over the Coronavirus are overwhelming you check out Gabby Bernstein’s Spiritual Tools to Relieve Anxiety About the Coronavirus.

How Can We Be More Spiritual?

I have even caught myself reading things on social media, thinking “what the hell is wrong with these people?” It’s hard when we see others believing and promoting things we just can’t fathom. This is how religious wars begin. Us against Them. But there is never a winner in these scenarios.

When I find myself getting caught up in the Us against Them thinking, I step back and remember the spiritual principles that I try to live by. 

Although spirituality means different things to different people, some spiritual beliefs tend to be more widely excepted. Some of the ones I use to guide my life are:

  1. Be your best self
  2. Don’t judge others
  3. Practice forgiveness
  4. Do unto others as you would have done unto you/ Harm none
  5. Choose to be kind
  6. We are all one with the Universe

Spiritual Principles

Be the Best Version of Yourself

Being spiritual is a journey. A journey not only to the Divine, but also a journey to self.

It is an opportunity to grow and become the best version of yourself. However, to do that you have to stop worrying about what everyone else is doing and focus on what you are doing.

This leads to the next principle, non-judgement.

Non-Judgement

If you want to do better and be more spiritual in these uncertain times, the first step is to practice non-judgement. To do that, it helps to become curious. Ask yourself “what led this person to believe that? How does that belief serve them? Does it make them feel safer? More in control? Less alone?”. By becoming curious, we can let go of the judgement and find some understanding and tolerance.


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Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a very misunderstood practice. Many people believe that if you forgive someone you are condoning their actions. This is not true! Forgiveness is not about admitting someone is right or wrong. In fact, it has nothing to do with the other person at all.

Forgiveness is about you. It is about letting go of the anger and moving on. It’s about moving past the feeling of hurt and anger that are a poison your life. When you forgive, you let go and move forward. Moving forward may or may not include the person whom you have forgiven. The important part of forgiveness is that you move forward. 

Harm None/ Do Unto Others 

There is a reason this is referred to as the Golden Rule. Nothing is more sacred than this spiritual principle. To treat others with respect and care, to harm none, is more than just a spiritual principle, it is an ethical one.

It is perhaps the most universally accepted spiritual and ethical tenet there is.

This rule of conduct tells us to think before we act, to use empathy and above all to do no harm. 

What is considered harm? Anything that causes another pain, be it physical or emotional. If you wouldn’t want someone to treat you that way, then don’t do it to someone else. See? It’s simple.

Choose Kindness

For me, the most important spiritual tenet is to choose kindness. I know sometimes it can be hard, but to truly follow a spiritual path you have to make kindness a priority. Not just being kind to your friends and family or only the people you like. I mean being kind to every living thing. Being kind to people we don’t see eye to eye with, treating animals with kindness, and even taking care of the planet. 

Whether you agree with someone or not, can you still show them kindness? Can you see them as a human being that is just as worthy of love as any other human being? We all deserve kindness. 

holding hands how to be spiritual when the world is going mad
Kindness costs us nothing

I’m not saying we should condone bad behaviour. People who are violent and intentionally going out and hurting others need to be stopped. In most cases, however, those are not the people we are lashing out at. We are lashing out at people who don’t share our opinions. Whether we share the same beliefs or not, can we find it within ourselves to show a little bit of kindness?

We Are One With the Universe

We are all connected, one with everything that is. Small pieces of the whole. Or as Thich Nhat Hanh said, “Enlightenment is when a wave realizes it is the ocean.” 

We are all one! So, if that is true, then how can we judge or hate others? It is like hating your hand because it is not your leg. Imagine if every part of your body was made exactly like your right leg. You wouldn’t work. 

Person silhouetted in front of stars spiritual

If every part of the Universe was exactly alike, it too wouldn’t work. There would be no forward motion, no innovation, no expansion. Eventually the Universe would wither and die. 

So when you feel fearful of something or someone who is different, remember they are a part of the Universe and therefore a part of you. They have their own unique and divine purpose and are made perfectly to fulfill that purpose, just as you are made perfectly to fulfill yours.

Choosing Spirituality Even When It’s Hard

Choosing to be spiritual is not always easy. It is especially difficult when we see people doing things we believe wrong and/or dangerous.

Choosing to be spiritual does not mean we are excusing bad behaviour. It means that we are choosing to model better behaviour. My parents always told me “two wrongs don’t make a right.” I still believe this. I also believe that we need to be the change we want to see in the world. Lead by example.

sindwalk chalk be kind

Want to know more about spirituality read my post A Beginner’s Guide to Creating a Spiritual Practice.

People rioting How to Be Spiritual When the World is Going Mad

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84 Comments

  1. This is a great post, Tiffany! I agree, everyone is living in fear and reacting with fear. The media gives us no time to react rationally which is not entirely their fault but people definitely react immediately that’s fueled with negative or anger-filled energy. It’s so interesting seeing people sway their judgement too. one minute they preach one thing and the next it’s the opposite opinion. I hope people will choose kindness and know that kindness will come back to them. Thank you for the tips, I’m sure this will help many people. x

    http://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com

    1. Thanks so much for your comment Lynn! Fear can definitely bring out worst in us. I think the only way to stop the cycle is to respond with kindness. I can only hope we all come through this better than we started. 💕

  2. I feel like we all need to choose kindness right now! It’s so important to be kind to ourselves as well as others

    Katie | katieemmabeauty.com

  3. I’m so glad you brought the subject of conspiracy theories. I was bombarded with videos and articles from friends and family and was getting stressed out. Everyone is trying to explain why this is happening and no one has a clear answer or a solution. The mystery amplified the fears and anger in everyone. I just turn off everything and focus on my family and work and I have faith the situation will resolve itself.

    1. I had the same issue. It has been very hard having close friends and family put forth opposing theories and ask me to choose. The worst part is the strain it puts on those relationships. Like you, I’m just trying to have faith that this will all resolve itself. Thank you so much for your comment.

  4. I agree with you. Last year (and this year) was madness, especially with Covid and the BLM movement. It seems like when people are afraid they start clinging to anything that makes them feel like they still have a bit of control, and unfortunately, that includes things like believing in conspiracy theories.

    The best we can do is to be kind and understanding – that’s the only way we’re going to get through this.

    All the best, Michelle (michellesclutterbox.com)

  5. This is a well needed post right now!

    It can be hard to stay sane in these times but these tips will really help so thank you ☺️

    Love Lozza x

  6. This is such a great post, Life indeed has changed a lot since last year we have seen extremes of everything around us and it is so important yet so difficult to stay calm, composed and rational at this point of time. You have shared some great pointers here like being kind, non-judgemental choosing forgiveness and being the best version of ourselves. Thanks for sharing such a needed post.

  7. This is a great post. I like principles you listed. The world is definitely going crazy and we all need to show more kindness. Thanks for sharing.

  8. My heart grieves every time I see those posts (sometimes by otherwise wonderful people) that say “If you believe ___ unfriend me now.” Why? Why? Why?
    I agree, kindness and forgiveness are vital if we hope to make any progress.

    1. Me too! I’ve watched families torn apart because of differing beliefs. It breaks my heart. I can’t help but wonder what would have happened if they had just sat down and discussed it. Maybe they may have found some understanding.
      Thanks so much for you comment!

  9. This is a great post sharing great tips and advice. In a world where things are very sad and hard, being kind and supportive is so important. Thank you for sharing.

  10. Sometimes choose kindness is the hardest what we can do, but it’s really important in such a heavy time. Thank u for your article!

  11. Great post. In these times it’s important to be kind and forgiving, the majority of people are going through something, whether that’s a challenge or simply trying to adjust to the uncertainty.

    Sophie

    1. It’s true, most of us are struggling in our own way and trying to deal with those struggles whatever way we can. Being kind can be the best thing we can do to help others. get through these difficult times.
      Thanks for your comment!

  12. With everything going on right now, people are resorting to spiritual practices in hopes that something good will turn out soon. I am big on trying to be my best self. I can’t control others, but I can control myself and not add to the chaos. Thanks for sharing all of this!

    Nancy ✨ mdrnminimalists.com

    1. I agree, many are turning to spiritual practices in search of answers. Hoping that they will find a little inner peace. None of us can’t control the actions of others, but we can set good examples. Not adding to the chaos is a great example to set.
      Thanks for the comment!

  13. This is such a beautiful post Tiffany! Life challenges can really pull us away from these that are important. Maintaining our spirituality is so important because it helps to keep us at peace and gives us a sense of balance in life.

    Thanks for sharing these great tips. It will be very helpful for me.

  14. This is amazing. My mom instilled those same spiritual principles. And while I found myself steering away from them from time to time, I manage to come back to them when the world gets too hectic. They are great to practice and once in your life, become so natural. During these times, it’s essential for us to turn to be kinder and especially non-judgment. We are a society filled with judgemental ways. Thank you for pointing these out. Great post.

    1. Thanks so much Tammy! I feel the same way. When difficult times arise it is even more important for us to practice kindness and non-judgement. Once we establish these practices in our lives, they are always a part of it.

  15. Great post! What a crazy year it’s been, and yes, I agree a very scary one for many different reasons. Fear makes people do terrible things. It’s definitely a time to focus on being kind and being the best we can be. And maybe learning how to deal with some of that fear in a more constructive way.

    1. Absolutely! Some of the worst acts of history were fuelled by fear. If we could deal with fear more constructively the world would look a lot different. Unfortunately, we can’t control the actions of others, but we can set an example of kindness. Hopefully that will be enough.

  16. This is an incredible post – so well written and I completely agree that fear is causing some bad outbursts. I am still very much trying to find my way with spirituality, but this was such a nice read.

    Esterella | esterella.co.uk

  17. Great read. Really interesting stuff. Our unofficial ‘motto’ at the school I teach at is ‘Work hard. Be nice’ and I think it’s absolutely what’s needed in these times.

  18. Such great tips. I think it’s so important to be forgiving and treat others with kindness especially in these crazy times.

    Tash – A Girl with a View

  19. I have managed to keep calm the majority of the pandemic, but I was just thinking yesterday about how much more isolation and fear we can possibly handle. Even though this topic is not a new topic, I really enjoyed your perspective and it was a gentle honest reminder that there are still reasons to stay strong and choose to be kind and especially to those who are less fortunate.

    Thank you for sharing this I found it at just the right time !

    1. Thanks so much for your comment! I’m so glad to hear that you found this right when you needed it! Isolation and fear are wearing on all of us. Some people deal with it by getting angry and lashing out. Others choose to be kind and focus on helping others. One of the things that have helped me keep going, is reminding myself that I am being given the perfect opportunity to do work on my myself. I may never have an opportunity like this, where the outside world is on hold and I have time to focus on my inner world.
      If you ever feel like you need some extra support, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

  20. I really enjoyed reading this, I definitely agree persons are living fear and that’s why everyone has their different opinions with this pandemic. I really love the list you made to deal with this mad world lol. especially with bring the best version of yourself and being kind. There’s a lot going on now and I don’t think being against each other is going to help anything, just gonna make things worse. I hope in the future, we will have some sense of normalcy. Great post! 😊

  21. Oh how I love this post. In times like this when everything seems to be so tough, this is what we need. I feel like it’s hard to be spiritual. I am not a spiritual person but COVID and all has brought me a little closer to God. I’m really glad you talked about conspiracy theories too. It’s alarming how much conspiracy theories there are about COVID. Conspiracy theories are very dangerous and they have caused a lot of harm. For example, some people think COVID isn’t real and go about spreading their theories everywhere slowly misleading others, causing them to violate covid rules and cajoling them into thinking that there’s no COVID. I for one have been calm for most of the pandemic but there were times when everything seemed so bleak. I do feel like everyone has been affected by the pandemic in one way or the other but this post is a gentle reminder that we can make it through. I feel like we need to be kind now more than ever to ourselves and to everyone around us. Kindness sure does make the world a better place to be. Beautiful post x!

    1. Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! I know things seem bleak right now, but there is always better days ahead. It is up to each one of us to make the world better and kindness is a great place to start.😊

  22. I respect everyone’s decisions regarding what have been happening. No judging over here.. whatever you going through just believe everything is temporary and it will be better 💜 stay truthful to yourself, love yourself and other and be the best version you can be✨

    Happy Valentine’s Day🌹

    Cata ♡ http://beautyofcafe205.blog/

  23. Thank you so much for this post. I hope those reading will be inspired to be the very best version of themselves. We are living in turmoil right now around the world.

    I have definitely grown deeper spiritually and it’s amazing to note that when I read the bible so many of the prophecies are unfolding right before our eyes.

    xo Erica

  24. This is such an important topic. I’ve seen so many families ripped apart by the impact of this pandemic. I’ve certainly found a spiritual side to me that I never knew existed.

    1. Thanks for your comment Kelly! I have seen families pulled apart by this pandemic as well. It’s heartbreaking. On the opposite end of the spectrum, I have seen a lot of people, like you said, discover a spiritual side of themselves that they didn’t know existed. That gives me hope.

  25. What an inspirational post. I definitely think it’s better to be patient and kind instead of being nasty to others who don’t share our views or live by our values. Two wrongs definitely don’t make a right.

  26. Thank you so much for this uplifting post. It is right on time with everything that is going on in the world around us. The best advice you gave is for us to be kind. If we all could just be kind, the world will be such a better place. We could then be better people who are less judgemental and can freely forgive.

    xo Erica

  27. Kindness is the biggest thing for me. I think it is so important, especially right now. But no matter what your beliefs, I think we can all agree that kindness is part of being spiritual.

  28. Loved reading this! I think that fear of something different and the situation have ignited something that has been there all along and just came under the light during this time. Kindness and respect for others are at the base of it!

  29. This is a truly wonderful and balanced post – you’ve done a great job at outlining what fear and panic can do and what things we can do within our control to help reduce harm on others. I loved your section on Kindness – it really rings true that we all deserve kindness. Thank you for sharing!

  30. Really love this post, it really opens your eyes to the world we live in. I’d love to become more spiritual! Xo

    Elle – ellegracedeveson.com

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