The Hit List - How to handle outrage

This week, I sent out my monthly newsletter (hey, if you’re not on it, do sign up). This month, I wrote about how to handle outrage. I got a ton of emails from people who really loved what I had to say so I decided to post the content here (along with some additional thoughts at the end**).

Here it is:

I’m normally a happy-go-lucky gal. Not much ruffles my Zen feathers. I like to credit yoga and strong boundaries for that (plus a glass of wine!).

But I also have a Libra rising…which means I can get a bit rattled when it comes to injustice or anything that smacks of cruelty (Libra rules justice). Like my friend Guy recently said to me: “You’re all about protecting the underdog.”

Yes.

When I read the story about Cecil the Lion getting slaughtered, I was alternating between tears and rage. What kind of person pays $50,000 to kill an endangered PROTECTED lion? Who on earth would find this practice acceptable? Did he even consider the consequences of his action?

Now because of this guy, Cecil’s cubs will die. A whole generation of lions…gone. Because of this man’s actions.

It is beyond the pale.

So what can we do? How can we express our outrage in an appropriate way when someone does something we find atrocious?

The first right action is to take a moment before reacting. In the heat of anger, it’s all too easy to do something violent with our actions and our words. Attacking this man’s business on Yelp makes no sense to me. Unless you’ve had a poor service from him, that’s not effective. Sure, it will shut his business down and probably prevent him from having the funds to go on another “adventure” like this but there are also other people that work there (and their families) who may also be affected by this. His actions should not take down the entire office. Closing down his livelihood may seem like fair compensation but when you consider the other people who may be hurt by this, it may be wise to pause before grabbing the pitchforks and hitting your keyboard.

Better options:

Educate people – or yourself – about the situation. In this case, learn about wildlife conservation, poaching, and endangered species and teach others about the importance of caring for the planet.

Contact government agencies and ask them for justice for Cecil. There is already a petition online demanding it. You can add your signature here: Demand Justice for Cecil.

Donate money to wildlife conservation agencies such as WWF and African Centre for Holistic Management.

Get involved! Speak out against poaching and other illegal activities. If you’re really hardcore, volunteer for the International Anti-Poaching Foundation.

If you are going to write anything online about this man or others like him, choose your words carefully. Remember – he may have children who don’t need to see that. Instead, favor intelligent debate and education. Express your anger but do not let it go the route of unnecessary cruelty. Focus on the issues and seeking solutions. Be effective with your anger, not just angry.

Maybe you’re not outraged at the Cecil thing. Maybe there is some other cause or situation that is upsetting you at this time. The advice above can be applied to any situation where you see injustice. You have a voice – use it but always be mindful of the consequences of YOUR words and actions.

As Martin Luther King Jr. so sagely said:

“Returning violence for violence multiplies violence,
adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness:
only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

**Additional thoughts:

While some of the actions above may seem to be “ineffective”, they are not. The petition for Cecil has gathered momentum and there is now talk about extraditing the person responsible for killing him back to Zimbabwe to face charges.

One reader wrote to me to ask about why I wasn’t outraged about other causes. Trust me, I AM. But I used one example because putting everything that offended me in one place is kind of a big task, no? The tips above can be used for ANY cause that gets you angry: human right violations, police brutality, people being unjustly imprisoned, homelessness, poverty, protecting the environment, animal abuse, child abuse, sex trafficking, etc. etc. etc. There are many, many awful things happening in the world and you can make your voice known to whichever one strikes a cord with you. (PS there are many GOOD things happening in the world too. Celebrate those just as loudly!)

Which brings me to this point: your outrage does not trump someone else’s outrage. Everyone gets upset about different things – and while you may feel that this lion doesn’t deserve the same attention as another issue, please refrain from diminishing what might be significant to another person. “My cause is bigger than your cause” solves nothing. Instead – stay focused on the issues that are important to you and be a strong advocate for that!

Is violence sometimes necessary? Yes. Riots and protests CAN and DO inspire change (for the record: I’ve been at a few violent ones myself). But I prefer the yogic path of ahimsa, non-violence.

Whichever cause you choose to fight, do it your way but just do it.

My little lion, TaoZen. I LOVE this guy.

Other stuff:

The Soulful Proprietor Retreat: A one-day business extravaganza for mystics, mediums, coaches, healers and other Chief Executive Oracles. Live and in person. Join me on October 2nd for the best little biz retreat and some luxe food! A few seats still left.

Smart stuff from Paige Zaferiou: My Advice For Someone New To All This Mystical Business.

Yes, there is a taco-themed ball gown.

How to ignore emails without alienating anyone. Sarah Von Bargen shows you how to do just that.

Interesting read: I’m a model…and I’m homeless.

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Check out this photo series: What it’s like to be in that richest 1%.

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Got a small biz? There is a change coming to credit cards that might affect you.