I watched a video but I can't cope with what I saw

QUESTION - I was really stupid, I clicked on a link on the computer that wanted me to sign a petition for an dog that was abused. I knew it would upset me but I still clicked and now I can’t cope with what I saw and the images and words are in my mind and driving me mad. I need some way of wiping my mind clear of what I have seen. Can you help me? And can I curse the people that hurt the dog?

ANSWER – I get quite angry with social media and some of the posts that get onto people’s feeds these days. That isn’t to say that I think we should bury our heads in the sand about some of the vile things that go on in the world but equally I am not certain that graphic pictures and detailed descriptions of violence and cruelty are helping anybody.

It’s important to be aware that anything you see in the media is there for a reason and that reason is because it is unusual behaviour. If it was human nature to abuse animals it wouldn’t make the news as it would be an everyday event not worth reporting and therefore not newsworthy. So you need to remember that although the dog in the video you saw did suffer there are thousands and millions of dogs every day leading happy safe lives with owners that love them. These don’t make your FB feed or the newspaper headlines because these happy, cared for dogs are the norm.
So I do feel that a sense of perspective is very important. It is easy to become very despondent when you see these kinds of images and all our faith in humanity takes a bashing when we have to question what kind of sicko could torture an innocent animal but we do need to remember that the vast vast majority of domestic animals will be treated very well.

Granted that doesn’t help the odd animal who is cruelly treated. But if you are referring to the dog I think you are, that animal is at peace now. Its suffering is over and it has moved on to a better place.
There is no magical way of wiping your mind. I think it is crucial for your mental wellbeing that you actually don’t try to suppress these images but instead you get them out into your open mental space and confront them. I’m not suggesting you watch the video again but that you work with the images you already have. Face them, weep over them, understand them in the context of all the good that is in the world and after that you will find it easier to cope with them and to put them down and move on.

If any good can come out of the horror that is animal abuse it is that renewed sense of determination in us all not to let it happen again. Do something positive to redeem the tragedy and put some good back in the world. Donate a few hours to a local animal charity or set up an RSPCA direct debit. Bring something good out of the tragedy. Tell people what you are doing and why. Your example will help restore their faith in humanity and in so doing you are helping to make the world the better place you want it to be.

In terms of the cursing. I’d be a hypocrite if I said not to. Some of my most powerful hexes have been targeted at animal abusers. I will however say this. I don’t believe in Karma from the sense of a divine justice balancing the books but I do believe that a person who puts nothing but hate, violence and abuse into the world will create an environment that gives him much the same back. In the case of this animal abuser, a person who is this disconnected with empathy and kindness will reap the results of the evil he has sown into the world. I genuinely believe that. Instead of punishing the wrong, look to put a proportionate amount of kindness back into the world. It will heal you quicker than any amount of revenge ever could.

​(And I’m happy to tell you that this particular abuser is on quite a few hex lists anyway!)

Image - (Animal sleeping, not dead) Please advise of artist for credit.

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