Embracing Spam Emails: A Path to Spiritual Freedom
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Understanding Spam Emails
Spam emails are something I personally find quite bothersome. Typically, I navigate through my inbox, deleting or ignoring these messages based on my mood. Occasionally, when I find my inbox overflowing with unwanted mail, I decide to unsubscribe. My approach to spam is one of acceptance rather than resistance. While I wish they didn't clutter my inbox, I rarely engage in an internal struggle about their existence.
On rare occasions, I do feel frustrated by the intrusion of spam into my day. In those moments, I experience emotional triggers that prompt thoughts like, "This is so irritating!" or "Why can't they just leave me alone?" However, during these instances, I remain passive; an outside observer might not notice any difference in my actions. Internally, though, I'm fighting a battle against the very existence of spam.
Interestingly, the senders of these unsolicited emails are completely unaffected by my internal turmoil. Most of the time, spam doesn't alter my emotional state. I recognize its presence and would prefer its absence, yet I typically choose to accept it without engaging in an internal conflict.
Embracing Reality
A common spiritual principle is the idea of allowing everything to be as it is. In a recent discussion, I suggested that true freedom comes from granting both ourselves and others the liberty to exist as they are.
Many people misinterpret this idea because they equate allowing with inaction. For instance, when faced with the question, “Should I let my dog bark at 6:00 a.m.?” the implication is whether I should refrain from taking action regarding my noisy pet.
For any neighbors reading this, I’ll clarify: No, I should not permit my dog to bark at that hour.
Some spiritual teachers advocate that "allow everything to be as it is" means to remain still and inactive. They propose that there are moments for passive acceptance, like during prayer or meditation, and other times when action is required. I, however, disagree. The concept of allowing applies universally, regardless of the situation.
Lessons from Spam
In dealing with spam, I sometimes choose to take action—either by unsubscribing or deleting the emails. Other times, I simply ignore them. Regardless of my choice, I strive not to resist their existence. By avoiding an internal conflict, I accept spam as a part of my reality.
It’s important to note that allowing doesn’t equate to condoning. Even when I’m permitting spam to exist, I still wish it weren’t there. Thus, allowing spam to be part of my reality is not about inaction; it’s about accepting their existence without engaging in mental resistance.
Confronting Reality
When consuming news, I often find myself resisting what I read. My internal voice might shout, “This isn’t how things should be!” Accepting the reality of the world can be challenging. It’s crucial to remember that accepting doesn’t mean condoning.
Just like spam emails, the news remains unchanged regardless of my emotional reaction. Life continually presents us with opportunities to resist reality. Whether it’s the way others drive or the unpredictable weather, many things occur that we might wish were different.
Even if my preferences go unmet, I don’t have to succumb to resistance. Instead, I can accept that things are as they are. I often wish for better terms than "accept," "allow," or "don’t resist." Phrases like "Don’t resist the existence of everything that exists" can lead to misunderstanding.
The Power of Allowing
Photo by Josie Weiss on Unsplash
This form of acceptance enables me to see situations more clearly and directs my energy more effectively. Instead of wasting energy wishing for a different reality, I focus on engaging with the world as it truly is.
Even in dire circumstances, one can still choose to allow everything to be as it is. Allowing does not mean inaction, nor does it imply approval. It signifies an end to the internal struggle against the reality we face, providing a foundation from which we can make informed choices about how to proceed.
Take a moment to pause and let everything simply be. Stop resisting what is real. Your friends, colleagues, and family may not always act in ways you desire. Breathe deeply.
The world may not align with your expectations. Breathe again. Embrace the notion of allowing everything to exist as it is.
When you practice this acceptance, it doesn’t change the external world. Instead, it transforms your internal experience. Thus, allowing everything to be as it is not only changes you; it may also influence what unfolds next.
Learning More
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In the video "Spam, Scams, and Our Images of God," the speaker delves into how our perceptions of spam can reflect deeper spiritual lessons, urging viewers to reconsider their relationship with unwanted communications.
In "Basic Internet & E-mail Skills: How to Teach Spammers a Lesson," the presenter offers practical advice on managing spam effectively while maintaining a positive mindset and approach to digital communication.