Is it good to be cynical? I asked in Part 1 of my post on the subject, I’d like to share a story with you:
Chassidic master Rabbi Dovid of Lelov was walking down the street when all of a sudden a woman jumped on him and began to beat him and scream at him. After a while she notice that the Rabbi was not the man she thought he was: her husband, who had left her to her fate and abandoned her many years ago. She burst into tears out of shame and remorse. Rabbi Dovid got back to his feet and consoled her, saying that she had not beaten him but her eloped husband.
So back to my question – to be or not to be cynical? Here’s how one of you responded:
Yes, one tends to get cynical after getting hurt a few times. But over the years, I have learnt to accept that I am basically trusting of others and THAT cannot change…..the knee jerk reaction of becoming cynical lasts for a wee while only and then I am back to being “me”……..the stupid trusting person and THAT is okay with me. ~ Evita – a reader of Everyday Gyaan
I’m afraid that cynicism will make me –
a. Defensive – see all criticism as negative – assuming that everyone is against me.
b. Emotionally distant – not allow myself to be vulnerable or get close to anyone.
c. Become preemptive in my behavior – hurt people before they hurt me.
Once again this would go against my nature. Do I want to become defensive, cold or unfeeling? And in protecting myself from getting hurt, do I want to cause hurt to others – especially those I love?
More about this subject in Part 3 of this topic.
May you be inspired – everyday!
You know Corinne..I had already started doing the first two. Where you mention that one gets defensive and emotionally distant.
Its with a lot of effort and constant self talks that I remind myself that that's not the way to be.
devouring each word on this topic.:)
It is helping a lot.
(((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))
love:)
You now ur blog is always so inspiring! How do u do it C ?!!! Lovely post with a wise lesson,as always!
Great story.