Written by Don Shetterly
It is too easy for us to engage with behaviors we think are helpful, but not be fully engaged as human beings. We want to be conscious. We want to be aware, but more often than not, we participate in life unconsciously.
It is epidemic these days as so many find their sustenance through every news headline, broadcast, and news shows. They decry that which is said, but they cannot get enough of it. They thrive on all that is reported as if their life will crumple to the ground without it. If it is not the news, it is people that are like minded they listen to as if it is the gospel truth.
Many people say, "That's Not Me!"
Many will say, "I Don't Do That!"
Unfortunately, they do.
If as many people did not watch the TV news as said they did, we would see different programming. If as many people didn't crave everything politicians said or tweeted, we wouldn't see much of this stuff show up. If we learned to respect those we disagree with, we would be much more human and loving than we are.
The news and various people across the spectrum of our society get people cranked up. They say and do things that will get a rise out of people and get them to respond. Even while saying they won't, people seem not to be able to help themselves.
We worry far too much about what is in the news these days. My personal opinion is that there are little substance and value in the news reports. Our society bases so much of our life upon this while screaming and raving about it.
If you want to bring change to the world, then turn the TV off. There's very little value in what is purported to be news, and that is from all perspectives. There is not anything out there worth consuming. The more people that turn the TV off, the more things will change.
Yes, that is my view and opinion, but I do put my money where my mouth is. We no longer get regular TV because it just had very little value to it for the money spent. At first, I thought I could never do this, but I can tell you that I'm so happy we did. We no longer miss it, and I believe that we've found a little more peace in a day.
The people grandstanding for all to hear in these times, thrives on someone listening to them. If they are met with silence, it becomes like a clanging gong that no one needs to hear. The best thing you can do to stop it is to just not listen. Turn it off.
There is so much more to life, and we are consumed as a society by what is fed to us every day. Let us find the joy and the peace, not the anxiety and despair. Let us find love towards one another, not divisiveness and hatred.
The choice is up to each one of us in how we choose to live our daily lives and what we allow in. We are at a turning point I believe, and I hope that each one of us will choose wisely each and every morning we awaken.
Our body, mind, spirit, and heart will thank us for it.
