This New Year Learn To Ignore Things
Why does one need to be updated about everything happening in this world?
It’s definitely much easier to enjoy a piece of cake if you don’t realize the chunk you’re about to bite into has 450 calories (or more!) per serving, isn’t it? A lack of knowledge in this case can make for a guilt-free delight.
Don’t you think the same?
In our mystically interconnected universe, every event sends ripples through our lives, shaping our conditions whether we acknowledge it or not. However, there’s a certain humility in embracing “ignorance” that keeps human interactions healthy — sometimes, it’s good not to keep up with the pace of our fast-changing world.
Just think of the exhilaration of first love. During this time, they might be blissfully ignorant of potential heartbreaks, complexities in relationships, or the challenges of long-term commitments. The first few weeks of first-time dating are more memorable than the last week.
Or if you’d rather, Meet Grandma Edna, a delightful octogenarian who views the world through the lens of her trusty flip phone, which she lovingly refers to as “the communication contraption”. Unfamiliar with social media, she blissfully remains detached from the digital chaos, finding joy in crossword puzzles, classic novels, and baking the perfect apple pie. In her world, a “tweet” is the sound a bird makes, and a “post” is something attached to a fence.
Call it tranquility, well, I think it’s fitting.
Embracing a degree of ignorance can also benefit our mental well-being. We talk to ourselves a lot. In fact, the inner monologue can contain as much as 400 words per minute. If this radio is tuned to “self-criticism FM,” it can make you feel much worse about yourself. If you choose to ignore such thoughts you’ll be much happier.
Research suggests that the brain sometimes performs tasks more efficiently when it knows what to ignore rather than what to focus on. When struggling to concentrate, acknowledging distractions and actively ignoring them can be more effective than attempting to concentrate harder.
Ignoring things, such as the urge to do everything perfectly and please others is the definition of harboring unrealistic goals. Such pursuits often lead to nothing but anger and frustration. In reality, things don’t always go according to plan; we sometimes fail, expectations crash and burn, and we have to bend to situations like a tree bends in the wind and adapt and figure out what to do next.
In essence, a balanced approach to information and ignorance allows us to navigate the complexities of the world with a healthier perspective.
