Tired of the Noise?

We’re often told that to make a difference, we need to grab people’s attention—step into the spotlight, speak boldly, and convince others that our cause is right. We’re encouraged to fight fire with fire, to push back against harmful messages with persuasive arguments of our own. The world teaches us to promote our beliefs like a product—loud, emotional, polished, and persuasive.

But I’ve grown tired of all that noise.

Tired of the constant pressure to prove something. Tired of trying to convince people, as if truth were a contest. Tired of the way performance often replaces presence, and slogans take the place of real connection.

I used to think that with the right words or strategies, we could change minds. But now I see that the endless shouting and persuading is part of the problem. It pulls us away from our hearts. It dulls our awareness. It feeds the ego’s need to be right, to be seen, to win.

Real strength, I believe, lies somewhere else—quiet, steady, rooted in love. It doesn’t need to shine. It doesn’t need applause. It just needs to be real. When we let go of the need to control the outcome, we discover something deeper: the power of presence, of simply showing up with honesty and care.

As the Buddha taught, suffering often comes from craving and resistance. And propaganda feeds both—it creates fear, feeds division, and thrives on our desire to be right and make others wrong. But even a small moment of awakening—a glimpse of our shared humanity, of the deep interconnection of all things—can open our eyes.

In that space, we realize: we don’t need to force anyone to care. We don’t need clever words to prove that love, justice, and compassion matter. As Thich Nhat Hanh said, “The most powerful way to communicate is through your presence.” When we’re at peace, we stop shouting. When we’re grounded, we begin to truly listen.

There are times when we must take bold and risky action. But just as often, we’re called to a quieter courage: to sit still in the midst of discomfort, to watch our anger rise and fall without clinging to it, to respond with mindfulness instead of reacting from fear or pride.

I don’t think we’re quite wise enough yet to create the world we dream of. But I do believe we can grow into that wisdom—together. Through presence. Through humility. Through compassion and non-harming. Not by overpowering others, but by embodying love and justice in our daily lives.

So let’s not fight illusion with more illusion. Let’s meet this world—not with fear, but with clear eyes and open hearts. Let’s remember who we are, and how deeply we belong to one another.