Good Envy

Sometimes I envy dogs.
Despite living as someone’s possession,
or wandering the streets in terrible conditions, they always find a reason to wag their tails from side to side. We, too, live as possessions of others, or generating possessions for others. We are also prone to living in conditions far from well-being, but it is harder for us to find those happy moments that help us carry on.

It’s better to feel that kind of envy toward dogs, though I know real envy is much closer and harder to control. I don’t think there are many people incapable of feeling envy. There’s something inside us that makes us feel pleasure when we see the misfortunes of those around us, or feel envy (even just a little) when those same people achieve success.

How to deal with this? I don’t know in any absolute way. Nowadays, what I do is learn from others or teach what I know. And although I don’t stop feeling envy toward others, at least I control it in my mind and don’t let it affect me. But I also live surrounded by people who do the opposite. I believe, in general, that Cubans are very envious.

I think I know the reasons for that widespread envy, but talking about Cuban politics gives me mouth ulcers, so I’ll have to leave you wanting to know. I can tell you, though, that there are many cases (especially among my neighbors)where someone in the neighborhood manages to improve their living conditions, but it’s almost always associated with being a thief, corrupt, or simply a sex worker.

It’s very serious to be envious, or simply a gossip. The more problems we have to fix in our way of living in the world, the more we focus on the lives of those next to us. I think it’s better to seek help from the very people we envy, even if it feels uncomfortable. If they don’t want to share the formula for being better, then that’s fine. Finding our own path is also very valuable.

Having a pet is also very valuable, especially a dog. That affection and zest for life these friends have will make you forget, for the most part, the urge to envy others. Don’t be envious, dude. I know you’ll never stop being one, but you can make sure it doesn’t affect you.

_{English isn't my native language. Text translated with DeepL}

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