Disguised negative emotions and the mindless brawl called an election With the election and all the hyperbole on both sides in the US,  I've never seen emotions running this high.. ever.. and I've been though elections since the 1950s.  Like just about everyone in the US I've gotten sucked into this incredibly unmindful sickness and it definitely has had an negative impact on my practice in the last month - I own this.   

I had been trying to practice loving kindness with both candidates and felt like it was working, but realized that there is a slightly more subtle emotion than raw hate that metta practice addresses, but not head on and I was sucked in.  So I wanted to comment on it - both because I suspect it may be tripping up others and see in general if anyone thinks it worth commenting on and has any advise. 

It concerns this word, and its effect on one's practice:


  scha·den·freu·de
  ˈSHädənˌfroidə/
  
  noun: Schadenfreude; noun: schadenfreude
  
  pleasure derived by someone from another person's misfortune.


Though I'd felt like I wished them both happiness, health, and to be free of suffering and its causes - and convinced I sincerely felt it.   I had discovered with some introspection a huge amount of glee felt when the candidate(s) not of my choice had some significant misfortune. It may sound obvious to many, but it wasn't to me.. Somehow it seemed rather innocuous to laugh when something bad happened to them and it didn't come to the forefront of my awareness like naked hatred - though it really is in a thin disguise. 

I realize just how much work I need, and that there is still a lot of media I now avoid. I would appreciate any constructive advice. 

Be Well!

yetanotherguy
Yes friend ...I think what you are referring to is media pollution or media puppetry ...as well as unresolved issues in your practice . the exertion if will power sometimes is not enough power to overcome ingrained emotional intelligence ie, hatred, anger ,fear all three if these go way back to when we were all in caves wondering how we would get the next  meal!! So Buddhism is unique as it allows the practitioner at any level to go further I.nquire a little more and learn through observing our own efforts and inner mind so that we can effect positive change.
Lastly staying away from powerful stimulus like media biast TV is not so bad after all for some its only a distraction from the real picture ...I wish you well..