How We Show Up in the World
I would like to share a lesson about dealing with religious trolls on the internet. Spiritual growth is not measured only by meditation, prayer, or spiritual experiences. It is also revealed by how we treat people who disagree with us. The image attached to this post is related to an attack on a message I wrote to a man who was grieving the loss of his father. When we first begin exploring spirituality, our convictions may still be developing. We may not yet be completely certain of our experiences or beliefs. Trolls often try to exploit that uncertainty by provoking emotional reactions, ridicule, or self-doubt. Do not fall into their emotional state. Remain calm, polite, and respectful. By doing so, you maintain control of the conversation and demonstrate the very principles you claim to believe in. Most importantly, remember that your response is not really for the troll. In many cases, they have already made up their minds. Your response is for every other person who reads the exchange. It is an opportunity to educate, inspire, and demonstrate emotional maturity. If the troll returns with more hostility, resist the temptation to engage in endless arguments. Often, silence is more powerful than another reply. It shows confidence, self-control, and a willingness to invest your energy where it can do the most good. Not every battle needs to be fought. Sometimes the strongest response is a respectful one, followed by moving on. The goal of spirituality is not to win arguments. It is to become a better human being. Jose Alves Community Curator