Neglect

Neglect

Neglect in this context means "The state or fact of being uncared for." Neglect is a very common action for people this days. They neglect their health, their home, their car, and each other, including their own family. Life is never an easy journey, and it can become much worse on a person when the ones that are supposed to love them neglect the person in question. Even friends neglect each other. Often it becomes the "old shoe" scenario. Children are neglected, in fact they are neglected all the time.

It's important to note that neglect is often (if not all the time) a passive form of abuse. Neglect can be physical, mental, or emotional in nature. When a person is neglected they often develop low self-esteem. When we fail to care for our family or loved-ones in general there are many subtle and noticeable consequences. When we neglect people just expect for karma to reflect negatively upon you. Bad karma will catch up to you if you neglect someone. I'm afraid though we can't control other's actions, let alone even our own in the end. We can alleviate suffering, and that is through following the eightfold path and achieving enlightenment. When our suffering disappears our reactions to life and other's misdoings becomes more acceptable to our mind. Is feeling pain really all we do in life? Is life nothing but pain? When we are neglected we feel intense pain. This pain is very real, and think and try as we might, we aren't able to control people and their behavior. Anyone who has ever tried knows just how true this is.

Why does Neglect Occur?

We've already discussed a few reasons why neglect occurs. Most people who neglect others might be going through emotional problems themselves. To believe anyone would ever willingly neglect a person might be a false belief. One who has been neglected might neglect others themselves. Also, one who might be depressed may neglect everyone and isolate themselves in general. Ones who are working a regular job may have had to do overtime might be too tired and have gone to rest without having a chance to tend to others. We must be understanding in this life as we all have priorities and even the greatest people have a hard time balancing it all.

But what of actual neglect? When does it occur the most? Based on your past experience, does it seem like it always happen at the worst possible time? I am not quite sure why this seems like always the case, but perhaps it is some sort of karmic balance. We always perceive things worst than they really are. It just might be perception. Bad things aren't the end of the world. We must rise above them, no matter what.

There is one thing though that leads me to believe neglect isn't always an accident or a result of karma. People often avoid others by choice. It's an awful thing, I know. Some people don't want to hassle with people they name a "hassle." This completely a choice that builds up bad karma and the negative consequences that comes with it. Avoid doing this yourself. I'm sure you know fully well what it is like to be neglected. Avoid the karmic chain by paying attention to people and their needs and emotions. You might really hurt someone if you neglect them. Be above the crowd. The emotional one who does love and cares about others will always prevail in the end. Trade the world for sagehood. It's always the right decision.