“We can free ourselves from many involvements that seem necessary.” (ODAT, 25 September)
Little that lies outside the scope of my personal responsibility needs me to think about it. A light, insouciant cognisance of what is going on around me and in the world more broadly is not a bad idea, but even without going and looking for it, the necessary information tends to percolate into the consciousness by itself.
I’m not even involved in the facts, circumstances, past, and future of my life, at least not directly: that these be well is ensured by right action in the day, day after day, without me dwelling on the connection between the right action and favourable outcomes. I’m enjoined to ignore these, because my gloomy dwelling achieves nothing and prompts counterproductive meddling.
Hands off!