"We Do Not Feed on Other People's Problems; We Exercise Humanity"

"We Do Not Feed on Other People's Problems"
– Sadhguru
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This statement struck a chord with me recently. Many of you know I went through a tough time with my youngest daughter, Devin. In the midst of her struggles with topical steroid withdrawal, I joined several Facebook groups, desperate for knowledge or anything that could ease her suffering—and ours as a family.
What I quickly realized was unsettling. Many individuals, some of whom had suffered themselves or cared for loved ones, were now profiting from others’ pain. They sold promising “all-natural” herbs, concoctions, pastes, and even sleep strategies to exhausted mothers like me—mothers desperate for a glimmer of normalcy. I was one of those mothers, willing to purchase anything, at any cost.
During an early-morning workout, I heard these words from Sadhguru in an interview: “We do not feed on other people’s problems.” It resonated deeply, not only because it was something I already knew but because it challenged me to confront my own role in the world. In counseling, isn't that what we do? How could I reconcile my career choice with this conviction?

Recognizing the ProblemWhile I haven’t fully resolved this internal conflict, it has opened my eyes to the prevalence of this mindset in our world.

• Exploiting Needs: A neighbor asks for help feeding her dog, and we offer assistance—for $20 a day. Diabetes becomes an epidemic, and insulin prices skyrocket. Laws ensure medical supplies are available only through costly doctor visits. In the wake of crises like COVID-19, we see individuals and companies doubling prices for basic goods and food. It’s a get-rich-or-die-morally-trying mentality.
• Feeding on Gossip: On a different plane, this concept extends to our conversations. Gossip becomes a way to make morning commutes, brunches, or margarita hours more exciting—or a way to avoid facing our own issues. We indulge in discussing others' shortcomings, turning their struggles into entertainment.

A Call for ReflectionI don’t claim to have all the answers, but this concept is worth examining—especially now, as many of us find ourselves quarantined with time to reflect. Instead of feeding on others’ problems, what if we chose to practice humanity and morality? What if we met others’ needs with genuine compassion rather than a desire for personal gain?
This is a moment to reevaluate our character and the choices we make. Let’s move away from exploiting or consuming others’ struggles and focus on lifting each other up.