Welcome to today’s episode! We’re diving into a thought-provoking question: is it wrong to tune out from political news? A listener shares that stepping back has helped their mental health, yet they feel guilty as apathy seems to empower those in power.

Sigal Samuel, a senior reporter at Vox, offers insight into this dilemma. Attention is not just a cognitive resource; it's an ethical one. As the philosopher Simone Weil noted, “Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” By truly attending to suffering, we cultivate compassion, motivating us to act. But today, our attention is fragmented by an overwhelming flood of information, making it hard to engage without feeling panicked or burned out.

Instead of drowning in the news, we’re encouraged to reclaim “attentional sovereignty.” This means strategically managing how we consume news—perhaps checking in with just one or two trusted sources for a brief daily update. It’s also vital to invest that attention in meaningful activities and practices, such as compassion meditation, which can empower us to engage with the world positively without succumbing to despair.

As we find our balance, remember that engaging with compassion can energize us to help others instead of leaving us feeling drained. So, tune in mindfully, and let’s strive to pay attention in a way that enhances not just our awareness—but our humanity.

Stay with us as we explore more insights in future episodes!
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