Not to care is not always an indicator of selfishness or unkindness, but rather, in this context, is about equanimity. It is about not having an attachment or a dependency about an outcome, not fearing the reaction of other people to what you do or say, and not having an emotional involvement in what they do or think. Dropping caring, in this sense, leaves space and freedom to be yourself uninfluenced negatively by the opinions and actions of others. It enables life to be fun.
In advocating this approach I am not encouraging remoteness. “I care for you” is very different from “I care about you”: The former is the gift of loving family, friends, humanity, the planet, and it is this approach, unconditional love without demands or expectations, that is the spiritual key to everything. If you care about someone, you are entering the trap of emotional involvement in their situation, deeds and outcomes, even, perhaps, taking responsibility for their life when your only responsibility (apart from to those to whom you are a temporary guardian) is yourself.
Try, lovingly, not caring and see how it feels. When practised well it can be amazing.]]>
