What Is Indifference and Why Does It Matter?

Indifference is a state of emotional detachment or lack of interest, concern, or sympathy toward something or someone. When a person is indifferent, they neither feel strongly for nor against a situation—they’re emotionally neutral. It’s often described as the absence of care or response, even when one might be expected.

For example:

• Indifference to a friend’s problems might look like not offering support or even acknowledging their struggle.

• Indifference to injustice might involve ignoring or dismissing unfair treatment, even when it’s happening in front of you.

Philosophically or emotionally, indifference can be protective (as a way to avoid pain), or it can be harmful (as a sign of apathy or disengagement from meaningful human connection).

Let's go deeper into indifference from several perspectives:

1. Emotional Perspective

Indifference is often seen as the opposite of passion or care. When someone is indifferent, they don’t feel joy, anger, sadness, or excitement about a particular person or situation. This can happen:

• Consciously, as a way to protect oneself from emotional pain (emotional numbing).

• Unconsciously, when someone is disconnected from their feelings, possibly due to trauma, depression, or burnout.

2. Psychological Perspective

In psychology, indifference can be:

• A defense mechanism—a way the mind copes with overwhelming emotions or stress. If caring is too painful, the mind may shut down emotional responses.

• A symptom—of conditions like depression, dissociation, or even narcissism.

• A learned behavior—someone may have grown up in an environment where emotions were ignored or punished, so they learned not to care as a form of survival.

3. Social and Ethical Perspective

Indifference can be dangerous when it leads to apathy in the face of injustice or suffering. Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor, famously said:

“The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.”

In this sense, indifference allows harm to happen because no one steps in to stop it. Socially, it can lead to disconnection, lack of empathy, and a breakdown in community care.

4. Philosophical/Spiritual Perspective

Some philosophies (like Stoicism) see a certain kind of indifference—called apatheia—as a virtue. It’s not about not caring, but about not being controlled by emotions. It’s an inner calm that allows someone to make decisions based on wisdom, not emotional reactivity.

In Buddhism, this might be akin to equanimity, which is emotional balance—not coldness, but the ability to remain peaceful amid life’s highs and lows.

5. Relational Perspective

In relationships, indifference can be more painful than anger. When someone is angry, they still care. But when they’re indifferent, they’ve often emotionally checked out. That’s why indifference is often seen as a sign that love or connection has faded.

Reiki and shamanic healing are both powerful energy-based practices, and combining them can create a deeply transformative and holistic healing experience. Here’s a breakdown of how they align and how they can be integrated:

Core Differences & Common Ground

Aspect Reiki Shamanic Healing

Origin Japan (early 20th century) Indigenous cultures (worldwide, ancient)

Energy Source Universal Life Force (Chi/Ki/Prana) Spirit world, nature, ancestors

Practitioner Role Channel for healing energy Guide or bridge between worlds

Tools Hands-on or distance energy transfer Drumming, rattles, journeying, spirit allies

Focus Balancing chakras, clearing blockages Soul retrieval, power animal connection, spiritual cleansing

How They Complement Each Other

• Reiki provides a steady, nurturing flow of energy that helps calm the body and mind.

• Shamanic practices bring intuitive, symbolic, and often more “active” spiritual healing—addressing root causes in the soul, not just the energy field.

• Together, they can offer deep cleansing, healing, guidance, and a return to wholeness.

Ways to Combine Reiki & Shamanic Healing

1. Before a Reiki Session: Shamanic Clearing

• Use drumming or smudging to clear the space and connect with spirit allies.

• Call in guides, ancestors, or power animals to assist in the healing.

2. During Reiki: Spiritual Journeying

• As Reiki flows, the practitioner can enter a light trance or intuitive state to receive messages or insights.

• Perform soul retrievals or energy extractions where needed, while Reiki continues to support the body energetically.

3. After Reiki: Grounding & Integration

• Close the session with earth-based grounding rituals, such as visualizing roots, using stones, or thanking the spirits.

• Sometimes a guided message or image from a journey can be shared with the receiver to help them integrate the healing.

Ritual Suggestions

• Create sacred space: Use candles, crystals, or feathers. Call in the directions (North, South, East, West, Above, Below, Within).

• Use symbols: Combine Reiki symbols (like Cho Ku Rei for power) with shamanic symbols or animal totems.

• Listen to rhythm: Drumming or rattling helps shift into a trance state where messages and energy flow more easily.

Benefits of the Combination

• Clears deep emotional wounds and energetic imprints.

• Helps with soul loss, trauma, or disconnection from self.

• Increases intuition, reconnects with nature and spirit guides.

• Balances subtle energy bodies while addressing the soul level.

Here are a few closing statements that can be used at the end of a Reiki and Shamanic healing session. They help ground the energy, offer gratitude, and bring a sense of sacred closure:

1. Gratitude-Based Closing

“With deep gratitude, we honor the energy that has moved, the spirits and guides who have joined us, and the healing that has taken place. May the peace of this moment continue to flow through your body, mind, and spirit. And so it is.”

2. Grounding Affirmation

“The healing is complete for now. May you walk forward grounded in the Earth, guided by Spirit, and nourished by the light within. You are whole, you are protected, you are loved.”

3. Directional Blessing (Shamanic-Inspired)

“Thank you to the spirits of the North, South, East, and West. Thank you to Mother Earth below, Father Sky above, and the spirit within. This sacred circle now closes, but the healing continues in perfect harmony and divine timing.”

4. Reiki Symbol Blessing (Optional)

“Cho Ku Rei, Cho Ku Rei, Cho Ku Rei. The energy is sealed in love and light. May it serve your highest good as you move forward with clarity, balance, and peace.”

Would you like me to create a custom one just for you, based on your goals or healing style?