"Don’t let your life be governed by what disturbs you."
Abu al-Ala al-Ma’arri , c. 973-1058, Arab philosopher, poet, and writer.
I think this is very sound advice, especially these days when the news is so difficult. It is easy to get upset over current happenings and let anger and despair take over your awareness. But it is very important not to let these events dominate your life, to acknowledge what is happening, but maintain your own inner balance through your personal connection with that which sustains you best, and above all, what gives you joy.
I try to have a "witness" awareness, to observe and not get emotionally upset to see what is unfolding. Indeed, I have concern, but do not want to let outer events drive me into depression. You can see without hate, and know without being overwhelmed by grief.
"Think of your friends as life jackets." And your friends include all those poets and musicians and artists who have brought inspiration and vision into our world. The Beloved is always with us, no matter what!
P. S. "Abul ʿAla Al-Maʿarri ( 973–1057) was a blind Arab philosopher, poet, and writer. Al-Maʿarri held and expressed an irreligious worldview which was met with controversy, but in spite of it, he is regarded as one of the greatest classical Arabic poets.
Described as a "pessimistic freethinker", Al-Maʿarri was a controversial rationalist of his time, citing reason as the chief source of truth. He was pessimistic about life, describing himself as "a double prisoner" of blindness and isolation. He attacked the dogmas of religion and rejected Islam. He was equally sarcastic towards the religions of Jews, Christians and Zoroastrians. He advocated social justice, and lived a secluded, ascetic lifestyle." (from Wikipedia)
(image from internet)