Can you trust the world?

At a party this weekend, a conversation about giving teenagers freedom led to a profound statement: “I trust my teenager, but I don’t trust the world.”

This came from an intelligent, accomplished woman—someone deeply rooted in logic and reason, far removed from the spiritual realms I often explore.

Her words lingered with me, and I began to wonder:

What do we really mean when we say we don't trust the world?

Is it our neighbors, the bus driver, the banking system? The concept of “the world” is so broad that it becomes almost meaningless—a reflection of underlying anxiety, a sense of powerlessness that many of us feel but rarely examine.

But here’s the thing: This kind of anxiety can leave us stuck in a state of inaction. As leaders, parents, or individuals navigating our daily lives, this vague fear of "the world" doesn’t serve us. It clouds our judgment, making it harder to make clear, empowered decisions.

So, let’s break it down.

Logically, saying you don’t trust “the world” is too vague to be useful.

Do you trust your neighbor? Maybe with a spare key, but not with solving your health issues.

The bus driver? Yes, you trust them to get your kids to school safely.

The bank? Mostly.

Stangers your child will encounter? Well, that - if we stay on a logical side - has nothing to do with trust. We have no clue whom and under what circumstances they (or we) will encounter - it is much more useful to study the local crime and accidents statistics and use the probability theory. (It is a completely different story, when we using our intuitive knowing.)

When we generalize mistrust, we give away our power. We let fear dictate our re-actions—or worse, paralyze us from taking any appropriate, intelligente action at all.

Trust isn’t all-or-nothing; it’s situational. And when we start evaluating life in specific contexts—moment by moment—we reclaim our power. We move from anxiety to thoughtful discernment.

But let’s take this a step further.

For me, "the world" isn’t just the tangible reality we see. It’s the interconnectedness of life, the synchronicities, the collective, the unseen forces that shape our existence. If you pause and reflect on your life—considering all that had to happen for you to be here—you can’t help but marvel.

Think about it:

All your ancestors starting from the Stone Age did survive tigers, wars, famines, pandemics, childbirth complications, and countless other challenges that could have ended your family line. They survived long enough through excruciating conditions—witch hunts, natural disasters, and more for you to be born. (And for your teenager in this matter). And because they did, you’re here today.

When you consider the sheer number of events and decisions that had to align perfectly across generations for you to be born, it’s almost miraculous. Against incredible odds, you’re here—alive, thriving, and part of this miraculous and at the same time messed-up world.

This, for me, is where trust becomes inevitable. When you view life through this lens, it’s hard not to trust the world. Despite its challenges, the world has brought you here—not by accident, but through a complex, interconnected web of life that has worked in your favor in ways you may never fully understand.

So, how do we navigate moments when mistrust and anxiety creep in?

One practical approach is to tune into your intuition. When your mind spirals with worst-case scenarios, pause and consult your gut feeling. Close your eyes and sense your body's response:

• Expansion signifies ease and safety, indicating that things are likely fine.
• Contraction suggests discomfort or potential danger, signaling that caution may be warranted.

This simple check-in can serve as an internal compass, guiding you through uncertainty. While your mind may initially resist or overanalyze, consistently involving your gut feelings will help you sail more smoothly through anxious times, fostering a balanced sense of trust und calm confidence.

Whether you approach it logically—by dissecting what trust really means—or embrace the awe-inspiring reality of your existence, the conclusion remains the same: You have to trust the world. Not because it’s perfect, but because it’s the only one we have, and it’s carried you this far.

Trust the world—because, ultimately, it’s the only choice that makes sense.

Wishing you a wonderful day!