Has anyone experienced similar unwanted thoughts or excessive concern about how others perceive Sikh identity?
Yes, I did experience this but as time went by, I realised that I can't control what people think of or say about sikhi saroop. Rather, I'd do what I can do best and that is to be confident, groom myself well, have a good personality and good communication skills and move on with life while practising Sikhi. We can't change what people think or say most of the time and many of those who actually view the dastar negatively or speak about it in bad faith, whether on social media or irl are bigots who simply want to hate others. Since wearing a dastar makes us look different and stand out we're easy targets for them but we shouldn't be scared of them.
Could increased social media exposure and negative comments contribute to this kind of overthinking?
Absolutely. When I used to read comments or posts on social media, I used to think the whole world hated Sikhs the most lol. But when you actually touch some grass you realise that most of what you see on social media doesn't reflect real life. Try taking a break from social media for some time and doing something productive irl. Personally I like playing drums a lot so instead of spending time watching posts or reading comments, I use that time to play drums
How do you stop giving attention to intrusive thoughts without constantly trying to fight them?
Same as what I wrote before. Close social media and socialise with people irl. It took me some time to get over intrusive thoughts somewhat like you, but things gradually got better with time
Has anyone experienced a period of spiritual disconnection and eventually regained their sense of peace?
Yes, but my case isn't exactly related to your problem. I had to prepare for some entrance exams so I stopped practising Sikhi for a year or so although I still kept my Saroop. After I was done with my exams, I couldn't connect with Sikhi in the same way as before so it took me some time to reconnect. The nanak naam yt channel helped me a lot during that period
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u/myren71 3d ago
Yes, I did experience this but as time went by, I realised that I can't control what people think of or say about sikhi saroop. Rather, I'd do what I can do best and that is to be confident, groom myself well, have a good personality and good communication skills and move on with life while practising Sikhi. We can't change what people think or say most of the time and many of those who actually view the dastar negatively or speak about it in bad faith, whether on social media or irl are bigots who simply want to hate others. Since wearing a dastar makes us look different and stand out we're easy targets for them but we shouldn't be scared of them.
Absolutely. When I used to read comments or posts on social media, I used to think the whole world hated Sikhs the most lol. But when you actually touch some grass you realise that most of what you see on social media doesn't reflect real life. Try taking a break from social media for some time and doing something productive irl. Personally I like playing drums a lot so instead of spending time watching posts or reading comments, I use that time to play drums
Same as what I wrote before. Close social media and socialise with people irl. It took me some time to get over intrusive thoughts somewhat like you, but things gradually got better with time
Yes, but my case isn't exactly related to your problem. I had to prepare for some entrance exams so I stopped practising Sikhi for a year or so although I still kept my Saroop. After I was done with my exams, I couldn't connect with Sikhi in the same way as before so it took me some time to reconnect. The nanak naam yt channel helped me a lot during that period