We may not always agree with others, but why would we want them to fail? What makes us want to put someone down? There must be another way!
Rush Limbaugh has repeatedly said he wants President Obama to fail, as well as his administration and its agendas for economic and healthcare reform. Yesterday, Limbaugh had the audacity to warn the British Prime Minister that if he keeps "slobbering" over President Obama, he will "come down with anal poisoning and may die from it." This past Monday he said, "If Obama fails, America is saved."
Limbaugh has also ridiculed the work of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. He has insulted her, called her a mannish lesbian, and said: "The scary thing is that she is TWICE the man Obama is."
There are times when we may need to release our frustration at such mistaken views, and using humor is one of the best ways. The DNC attempted to do this when they rolled out its anti-Limbaugh billboard.
Meanwhile, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) is calling for a revolution and warning against the imminent dangers of tyranny under Barack Obama. Sean Hannity agreed with her: "You are not overstating this case, Congresswoman... And I can tell you, all around this country, on 535 of the best radio stations in this country, people are saying "Amen," "Hallelujah," "Where have you been?"
(We noted that tyranny means the cruel use of power, an oppressive government, and absolute power vested in a single ruler. Do you think it's possible Bachmann was confused and actually talking about the last administration?)
Former Vice President Dick Cheney uses fear tactics to scare and confuse people and make it appear that Obama is failing. Yet on CNN Sunday, General David Petraeus rejected Cheney's recent comments and said the US is no less safe under Obama.
Such blatant disregard for the people's choice of president, combined with the feverish desire that Obama and his policies fail--even though if they do, as Limbaugh mistakenly wants, then we all suffer--can only come from the voices of those who have already failed themselves.
When people are stuck in a negative mindset then they need to attack others in order to feel good. Only when we are down ourselves do we want to drag others down with us. Misery loves company, as it is lonely on its own. Hate breeds hate: hate yourself and you invariably want to find fault in others. Only if we are uncomfortable in our own skin will we want to get under someone else's.
When we are in a strong and healthy position, with a genuine regard for ourselves, we naturally extend that regard by wishing others succeed; when we feel comfortable with ourselves we will love and respect others.
One of our greatest attributes is the ability to take joy in another's success. Mudita is a Sanskrit term meaning sympathetic joy, when we feel joy in response to another's well-being and happiness. It is seeing the good in another person, rather than focusing on what is wrong.
Now, in essence, this sounds very easy and obvious--seeing the good and feeling joyful for another's joy--but someone else's good fortune may be at the expense of our own (they got the job but we didn't--can we still be happy for them?), or may highlight our own lack of good fortune, or challenge our self-worth and value.
Mudita confronts us with those places that are wrapped up in our ego, such as jealousy, envy, judgment and greed. Jealousy isn't going to get us anywhere other than into further pain and suffering, but how often do we wish someone does not succeed, as their success simply highlights our own sense of failure?
We judge others in comparison to our own beliefs and preferences, but it is possible to respect their choices, even if they are different to our own. Greed and self-centeredness takes us out of the present; it stops us from appreciating what we have and from being present right now.
Mudita asks that we let go of envy and comparison by seeing the other as ourselves, that there is no difference: we all experience the human condition, we breathe the same air, and we all want to be happy. Releasing judgment means stepping outside of our limited view and seeing the inter-connectedness between us all.
As mudita takes root, so we genuinely wish others be well. We actually want them to be happy! We want them to be free from suffering. We want them to succeed at whatever they do. Our happiness and their happiness are no different; we experience a deep joy in their well-being.
So what do you think of people who want someone to fail? Can you take joy in someone else's success and happiness? Feel free to leave a comment below.
If you would like to receive notices of our columns, simply click on the Become a Fan button at the top. Enjoy your week! See you next Thursday!
Ed and Deb Shapiro are authors of over 15 books, and lead meditation retreats and workshops. Deb is the author of the award-winning book YOUR BODY SPEAKS YOUR MIND. Their latest book, BE THE CHANGE, How Meditation Can Transform You And The World, with a Message From The Dalai Lama and a foreword by Robert Thurman, will be published in October 2009 by Sterling Ethos. They are corporate consultants, and the creators of Chillout daily inspirational text messages on Sprint cell phones. See their website: www.EdandDebShapiro.com.
Follow Ed and Deb Shapiro on Twitter: www.twitter.com/edanddebshapiro
Susan Kaiser Greenland: Paul Simon's Moment of Pure, Sympathetic Joy
If someone is better than you at something then you should encourage that person and show them that you care about their feelings.
Also when you hope people don't fail and help them out, you feel a lot better inside and like you did something right. You also feel like you have stopped being self centered and that the world is made up of more than just one person.
Life is too short to not encourage people and wish they achieve their highest level.
your statement:
If someone is better than you at something then you should encourage that person and show them that you care about their feelings.-
This is sooooooo cool
Hope to hear from you again,
Enjoy the journey,
Ed
We should always be kind- when we can respect and be kind to others our lives are enriched.
Life is a gift a treasure to be enjoyed-
Be happy-
Ed
For instance, I want China to fail in its engulfing and destruction of Tibetan culture. I am relieved that Germany failed in its 1930's attempt to take over the world. I hope the fundamentalist extremists of all types fail to force humanity into its rigid, inhumane systems.
For that matter, I hope Limbaugh and Bachman fail to recruit the majority of Americans to their hate-filled, poisonous point of view.
The question isn't about whether it's bad to hope any random person will fail.
It's all about WHAT GOAL IS THAT PERSON TRYING TO ACHIEVE?
President Obama is trying to restore balance to a system thrown so horribly out of kilter that there's a real possibility of total national collapse. He's balancing a financial disaster, looming environmental meltdown, hostility from abroad, and a Congress split down the middle with half of it intransigent and refusing to help him even though their own constituents are at risk.
To hope that he fails in that ... is to hope that America will crumble.
I hope Rush and his ilk fail. I hope President Obama succeeds. If that makes me a loser, so be it.
The title is tongue in cheek
A mother scolds her child because she wants the child to do well and is being protective-
What is the motivation behind what you feel is the essence. Are your intentions compassionate. loving or the opposite?
That is our essential point-- the people we mentioned seem/appear to have negative destructive motives. what you have said seems altruistic,
Enjoy this wonderful life,
Ed
"I want China to fail in its engulfing and destruction of Tibetan culture. I am relieved that Germany failed in its 1930's attempt to take over the world. I hope the fundamentalist extremists of all types fail to force humanity into its rigid, inhumane systems."
in our blog we are wanting the same. I think you are aware of that.
May all beings be happy and free of suffering,
Much metta,
Ed
your observation is spot on
Fear breeds fear and as you say:
"When we provide a place for hatred to grow, we become more pessimistic, wicked and ugly." We are in a new world and it is almost like an over night happening. Obama is young vibrant and fearless. The old guard is lost and out o touch.
May we all enjoy peace (it is long overdue)
Ed
your statement is so true-- "I feel pity for him. How hard it must be to uphold all of that hate."
I wonder if he really gets it the way you or I do. I feel bad when one person is down on me. Could he possibly relish it? could he think he is crying all the way to the bank and this is how he makes his living. If he was Mr. Nice Guy - would people listen in?
Your feelings concerning constriction and open heart are real and healthy.
Big Love,
Ed
I hope you are inspired by I as we are by the great commenst we receive - it is humbling
This was a subject that I felt passionate about - the title was wild-ish but I did feel it was great
Looking forward to hearing from you again
Joyfully,
Ed
How horrible does your state of mind have to be to want people to fail and be miserable? I feel sorry for Rush and the others you mentioned. You have to be in a lot of pain to be that hateful.
You are spot on when you say:
"How horrible does your state of mind have to be to want people to fail and be miserable? I feel sorry for Rush and the others you mentioned. You have to be in a lot of pain to be that hateful."
what's really sad is that they don't know it- not actually! forgive them for they no not what they are doing We can only hold them in compassion and love. I bet that would tickle them.
Treasure yourself,
Ed
The old way of doing things have changed the internet has proven that the way things have been done is becoming obsolete- Thanks to Arianna Huffington and others who are pioneers in the way people can get the news no one can control what people read and think unless they are foolish enough to let them.
The good guy/gal has won or at least is winning the news/truth game- we can now know what is what unfiltered.
Slowly but sure people will wake up to a more conscious way of living.
Joyfully,
Ed
The behavior and arrogance of the Repubs is old and boring- they have an archaic approach to a 21st century reality. tell the people what they want them to believe- use hate and negativity and that will solve their case. BUT thanks to the internet their voice has been stunted-
They need to grow up mature and see the truth or they will diappear.
Life is an adventure- dive in,
Ed
I would be willing to wager those people spouting all that rhetoric and hate talk would tell us all just how very much they LOVE the US. If they do have affection for our nation, why aren't they telling their fan base, "This nation means more than my personal politics. Let's see what the President can do if we help."
I don't have any problem with media holding politicians feet to the fire to make sure they do what they say they will do. But, they can do that without lobbing firebombs.
Your point of view is spot on- The EGO is a hard nut to crack. When people are possessed by their ego they become self-centered slaves to a nasty culprit- as the ego-mind only things of "ME"
"WHAT ABOUT ME" becomes the mantra of the self-obsessed- so they can't think of others- it is an illness- the ME ME's
What hopefully happens is a breakthrough or if necessary (eventually) a breakdown may occur. It is the darkness that allows the LIGHT to shine brighter. Obama is a BRIGHT LIGHT- we are very fortunate.
Enjoy the journey RCC,
ED
I learned long ago that hating from within, hurts only me. I wouldn't say I'm an optimist, but I do like to be positive. I suppose I'm more of a realist. I tell my kids, Even though "my best" might not always look so good, I am always trying to do "my best". And yes, I derive happiness from my friends, family, community members and leaders, when they are successful in their life ambitions. Their successes actually inspire me and even enlighten me to have a better understanding of those around me.
I feel so wealthy with the riches of life, I sometimes forget I have NO money!!! Love and respect is the what holds my family together.
Thanks for asking us the question, I also enjoyed everyone's response!
you got the magic name - Hope in Sanskrit is Asha meaning Big Hope - Hope for all- or Divine Hope- Universal Hope it is vast and holds all-
It's more fun to be positive - to laugh and have fun - life is a great adventure - children are the best teachers- we can learn from them they just get on with it. so yeah be positive it's great for your physical and mental health
Coincidence is the Universes way of being anonymous- I am happy you enjoyed Deb and my blog'
Treasure yourself,
Ed
The jewel in the heart of the lotus - is your peace and happiness!
May all things go well for you,
Ed
P.S. and may you attract all the money you need!!!!!!
Keep up the great posts - they are pithy and pertinent!! Thanks.
I believe that Obama is coming from a whole different place from the old guard and they are baffled by him- they cannot get him- he is a new phenomenon. They are trying to use old tricks to box in a young fox- they still can't believe they have lost the battle of the minds- one reason is he has a heart-
Without trying and with his winning smile- he can out do them AND he is not even trying because they will self destruct- simply and clearly - and with their pants down- he is just doing what needs to be done and they are running around like chickens without a head- and - one of the great wonders is the internet and the HuffPost.com with the most talented bloggers -
Joyfully,
Ed
with people as cheerful as you how can we miss.
If we spread the word and it has already started we can't miss.
Have a joyful life,
Ed
But it probably won't hurt those that pay Rush's salary.
If President Obama fails the whole country will suffer longer. But the rich will survive and the poor and middle class will be further marginalized. This is the Republican plan. Increase the power and wealth of the rich at the expense of the poor and middle class.
Their greatest fear is that President Obama will succeed and the middle class will take the country back.
I believe Obama will not fail- he has confidence- intelligence and humility -- this is one truly brilliant person a rare precious jewel- just how he conducted himself these last few days in Europe at the G20 was remarkable.
There was the possibility of chaos and he created harmony- he is fearless. He is sane- now let us trust and have faith in the human condition. Let the past ignorance pave way for the future of humanity to succeed. Within us all is the potential for a good life.
Enjoy the journey,
Ed
I love your blog.
I just wrote a long (and hopefully) thought provoking response to your wonderful blog. It involved so different things--from how there are people out there who try to manipulate through fear and lies. And how this may be sometimes effective, but in the long run, it will not last.
I think you and your reads would have found it pretty interesting. But as I got ready to post ithis comment I hit the wrong button and everything disappeared.
Since I am working on completing a new book, I must get back to it. But I want to wish you continued success with this blog and the very best with your new book.
Jonathan Goldman
This is a great teaching (what just happened to you) It shows how everything is transitory and impermanent- here today- we make a big fuss and - gone tomorrow-
I remember talking to a British nun who became a Buddhist nun- I said to her,
"some day we will die and go to heaven- and she replied, Yes and we will say what was that all about?'
May your book be well received and read and benefit may!
Blessings,
Ed