Question: Psychic Ethics

[Seawolf]

Originally Posted by Ginger_Girl

I believe we have an obligation to help those we can, but I don't always know where that line lies: who I "can" or "can't" help. Sending love or compassion remotely is a good option to lean on when it's difficult to distinguish.

The reason to send love is because the other person's 'problem' that we notice is really inside of us. Helping others should be natural and not confusing, if it isn't then I am most likely the person that actually needs help. We don't easily see our own problems, we see them through others. So we think it's the other person that needs help. I've found when I work on myself, I'm much better help to others. But that takes courage to not project myself onto others. It's easier to handle emotionally when it's the other person needing help, but it's very hard to see it that way because I unconsciously don't want to look at myself. Basically, fearlessly facing ourselves and recognizing I am the one really needing help is the best way to help people in the end.

[Ginger_Girl]

Hmmm, this idea is also worth considering. However, while I do have problems of my own, they don't always match the problems of those I am drawn to. I happen to like helping other people. Perhaps it is true that this fulfills something lacking in myself.

But another question is: If I am not obligated by something Divine, why am I drawn to help? You suggest that I am drawn by subconscious selfish need. Selfish need isn't necessarily without merit. However, I believe there is something more to it, beyond self fulfillment. Or at least, beyond fixing our own problems. Perhaps helping others helps us to reach a higher ground spiritually. I don't know.

Perhaps it is naivety on my part, but I still believe that we are put on this earth to help each other. To propel each other forward. No one should feel alone.

So that brings me back to my original question. Do I or do I not reach out to someone who needs me or could benefit from me, regardless of who this person is? Maybe something will push me one way or the other enough that I do or don't do something, or maybe I'll just forget it over time. I suppose whatever will be will be.

[Gem]

Originally Posted by Ginger_Girl

Hmmm, this idea is also worth considering. However, while I do have problems of my own, they don't always match the problems of those I am drawn to. I happen to like helping other people. Perhaps it is true that this fulfills something lacking in myself.

But another question is: If I am not obligated by something Divine, why am I drawn to help? You suggest that I am drawn by subconscious selfish need. Selfish need isn't necessarily without merit. However, I believe there is something more to it, beyond self fulfillment. Or at least, beyond fixing our own problems. Perhaps helping others helps us to reach a higher ground spiritually. I don't know.

Perhaps it is naivety on my part, but I still believe that we are put on this earth to help each other. To propel each other forward. No one should feel alone.

So that brings me back to my original question. Do I or do I not reach out to someone who needs me or could benefit from me, regardless of who this person is? Maybe something will push me one way or the other enough that I do or don't do something, or maybe I'll just forget it over time. I suppose whatever will be will be.

Why not get some training in a profession that helps people, that would maximise your potential I think.

[wstein]

Originally Posted by Ginger_Girl

If I am not obligated by something Divine, why am I drawn to help?

I don’t know the specific answer for Ginger_Girl.

I have run across several reasons people feel drawn to help:
-part of the social nature of being human. They help each other (at least sometimes) in a loose agreement that they get helped sometimes.
-unaware social or religious conditioning
-family modeling, family members are supposed to help each other no matter what. As the definition of family is based on context, that does not limit this to biologically related persons.
-they grew up needing help and not getting it. In order to try to ‘fix’ that deficiency in the world, they help whenever they can
-empathy, empaths feel others pain/suffering so helping another relives their own pain and possibly replaces it with a ‘good’ feeling
-compulsive helpers: mostly they help others as a way to avoid having to fix their own problems, an avoidance technique
-ego, makes some people feel superior to be able to provide what others are unable to obtain on their own
-karma, person believes that good deeds go on their ‘spiritual balance sheet’ in the positive column
-they are bored
-they are isolated or lonely and hope some kind acts will attract some companionship

There are a lot more but I hope this gives some answers.

[Ginger_Girl]

Gem - yes, I had been thinking this over recently. Especially considering that I have recently found myself in need for a job. Thank you for reminding me. Have you heard of 80,000 Hours? They are an organization whose purpose is to help individuals find a career that will allow them to have the greatest positive impact.



wstein - lol, you make it sound so base, but you are right. But on the lighter side of it, this response is not only what keeps the human world operating, but what can ultimately make the world a better place for every living thing. So, that being true, sensing pain does, in a way, obligate us to heal it if we can. Being part of the human race and therefor dependent upon this mutual give-and-take we are required to give.

[Seawolf]

Originally Posted by Gem

Why not get some training in a profession that helps people, that would maximise your potential I think.

Those are the real heroes imo.. those who have humanitarian professions.

[CrystalSong]

Recently I've been given very interesting information on specific people from their supports on the 'other side' and actually told not to tell the person it concerned as it wouldn't help them to know at this time.
Other times it's left up to me to practice wisdom and discretion.
It seems to work good to error on the side of caution in these matters (not saying unless strongly urged to share info with the person by their Higher Self/Guides/Angels)

[sandalwood]

you would be responible for nothing. there are no tragedies in life, only events that move you into the next stage of life. if we cling to our preferences, we will see the change as negative.

If we receive a message for someone (whether we know them or not) we should ask their permission before giving it. It would be best to stick to
positive messages. If a private READING then any distressing message
should be carefully worded. Just remember, none of us are 100%
accurate in what we receive :)

[Uma]

a rule of thumb I use is
if it feels right (intuitively) to help, I do, if not I don't
and there should be no regret about it either