Engaged Buddhism message

Doug’s Dharma speaks out against the current US regime:

I recommend taking the time to watch the whole video, but here is a quick summary of the four actions he recommends:

1. Mindfulness of exposure: Pausing to become aware of your mental state while consuming news. Noticing when “information turns into indignation”, and understanding that anger becomes toxic.
2. Identify intoxicants Recognizing and avoiding the “24/7 propaganda” that is designed to delude and incite fear and outrage. “Put down the bottle" if a news source is making you feel rage or clouding your judgment.
3. Guarding the sense doors: Filter what you allow in through your senses. Once you have the facts, stop consuming more information on the same topic. Turn off the screen, go outside, and remind yourself that political reality is not the only reality.
4. Right action: Active engagement rather than passive consumption (which can lead to anxiety and depression). Right action, rooted in peace and compassion, is the antidote to despair and the politics of hatred. Engage in your community, get to know your neighbors, volunteer, and focus on what you can control in your immediate environment

I really admire Doug for standing up to say this and encourage his viewers.