What is indifference: the origins, types, ways of overcoming spiritual hardness

People who ask about the nature of indifference most often suffer from it themselves. It is because of the emptiness in the soul that the problem of indifference becomes actual for them. Arguments in defense of indifference are met infrequently: these people, rather, will be accused of callousness. But what is the source of indifference in each individual person? Is it always a negative characteristic or can it be due to external causes?

What is indifference?

Psychology claims that this condition is akin to apathy. It is characterized by a loss of interest in what was once significant and important, bringing joy. A person loses an active position in relation to life. For example, when an ex-spouse or a relationship partner becomes indifferent, it loses its meaning once it seemed important. Earlier the connection was filled with emotions, and it seemed that such indifference is impossible in principle. But time passes, and it becomes all the same where and how she or he is busy, in what state is the health of this person, with whom he spends his time.

What people can become indifferent

Sometimes indifference is a consequence of psychological characteristics. The owner of phlegmatic temperament at all desire can not experience such emotions, as a choleric or sanguine person.

In other cases, indifference has its roots in egoistic inclinations. This may be the result of education, being in a negative social environment, simply the absence of an ethical feeling.

But even far from a narcissistic person can cool down to another after causing any resentment. His heart closes, and he ceases to experience joy, positive feelings, fully feeling on himself what indifference is. But, at least, the lack of interest in comparison with emotional pain is subjectively transferred more easily.

Charity and modern man

Residents of megacities are more inclined to show indifference. Arguments can be: perpetual employment, problems, lack of time and money. However, this does not help in any way to improve the world, in which people die unjustly every day. Of course, every person is given the opportunity from time to time to do a good deed. For example, buy a kilogram of apples from an ancient old woman selling near the subway exit. But those who choose the quick pace of life as an excuse probably forget one important thing. This thing teaches us the Buddhist religion: there is nothing permanent. And those who earn millions today, and ordinary middle managers, and station wagons - all people come to this world and leave in the same way. The one who is now bathed in luxury, as sure as he is in his powers, he can lose everything or hear a terrible diagnosis tomorrow.

They say that such indifference is just a defensive reaction. But we must agree that this burial of the head in the sand is a completely childlike way of perceiving the world. All that a person can "take" with him to the next world is good deeds, a good attitude towards people.

What can be done to get rid of indifference?

It is necessary to let go of all grievances. If there is a goal to overcome the indifference to a person, you need to learn to control the flow of attention, even if it was a very bad deed. It is necessary to be able to redirect the focus from negative to positive moments in time, to learn to notice again the good in the neighbor. Since it is usually very difficult to do this, meditation can be of great help here.

The well-known psychologist Lyudmila Petranovskaya, speaking about the ethical feelings of children, compares him with talent. In the context of working with children in a group, it is recommended to help develop it. The same can be said about the ability to sympathize. It must be consciously cultivated, so that the heart does not become indifferent. A classic example of such cultivation is to help the poor or sick, to shelter the homeless dog.

If indifference manifests itself in relation to work or some kind of activity, then perhaps it is necessary to distract from routine for a while. Or consider alternative employment options.