Working with Refugees - Heavy Karma Yoga

[Butters]

I do volunteering work 2 - 4 hours a week with Ukrainian refugees. The work is massively satisfying, but it's not always easy. Today my heart was wide open while I spoke to a few refugees. This woman was being exploited at work, which is quite common unfortunately. Now she's unable to continue the work because it gave her some sort of arthritis. Her employer would yell at her and just plain bully these people. It's sad but it's so common. 

It reminds me of that Stanford prison experiment

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Conducted by psychologist Philip Zimbardo in 1971, the study involved college students assigned to be either "guards" or "prisoners" in a mock prison setting. The experiment was supposed to last two weeks but was terminated after only six days due to the extreme and unethical behavior displayed by the participants, particularly the guards. The study is often cited as evidence of the power of situational factors and authority roles in shaping human behavior, though it has also faced significant criticism regarding its methodology and ethical considerations.

 

 

 

But yeah my heart is open during this work and then I bring it home a little, like at home now I feel pain. Not colored by the ego, not anger at that lady's boss, just feeling their pain. 

Some of my female colleagues are less energetically open which I totally understand. It's probably smarter to not be 100% open but I feel this is my karma and I have to be open, honest and myself when I listen to a refugee tell their story. I wanna be there with them 100% present, that's the least I can do right? Like a gift. 

It's only a few hours and I leave when I feel in my body that it's time to leave, like my energy goes down. 

But I have other stuff to do when I get home. Any ways to deal with this? Yes I already shower and meditate, and hold some crystals. 

I do feel greatly supported by my colleagues, and I support them with my energy. So I give a lot but also receive a lot back from this work. But you know? This employer exploits these people physically and emotionally. I know the power of NLP but this is like reverse NLP used for evil. 

Edit: both practical advice and metaphysical takes are welcome. I can also understand how a person can find real enjoyment in holding that kind of power over people's emotions and their whole fate. 

Edited October 31, 2023 by Butters

[PurpleTree]

I might also do some work with refugees or elderly soon

might help me be less egoistic

[Butters]

On 10/31/2023 at 11:39 PM, PurpleTree said:

I might also do some work with refugees or elderly soon

might help me be less egoistic

It is very worthwhile work, I would definitely recommend it. 

Good point. I heard somebody say the only way to solve the current refugee crisis in Europe is to raise collective consiousness. I totally agree. 

Edited November 2, 2023 by Butters

[Salvijus]

The amount of that pain that you can transmute via acceptence, surrender, forgiveness and awareness. Is the amount of healing that occurs to the other person aswell i believe. I think meditation and prayer are the only ways to transmute this type of heavyness into light air.

Edited November 2, 2023 by Salvijus