Emotions and Inner Life
Why do I need to process my own emotions when I often listen to friends’ troubles?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
Listening to friends’ troubles can affect your own mood too. Willingness to care is good, but afterwards you also need to know how to adjust your emotions. Some friends have told me that because they are usually cheerful and positive, many people enjoy talking to them and sharing their worries. After listening to a great deal, however, they also need to process their own feelings.
I have used the comparison of people dumping their inner rubbish onto you. The reminder is that listeners need to know how to change perspective too. Do not assume that being positive to begin with makes you immune to being affected. If other people’s sadness and anger continually remain in your heart, your own emotions may change with them. While caring for others, pay attention to your own feelings and learn to adjust, rather than keeping all those emotions within yourself.