I’m wondering how many of us are so bored with our own lives we find the TV and other venues giving us a sense of excitement in our lives. If we are not enjoying our lives, it’s easy to ‘wish’ our life could be different and find more fulfillment in a fantasy that often has nothing to do with us. The unfortunate part to this is a lot of what we see on TV, in movies and magazines is not true or happening the way it is portrayed.
From the headlines I notice on the tabloids by the check out line in the grocery store, I wouldn’t want the lives of most celebrities. They don’t appear content or happy, not to mention all the drama in their lives. Maybe we do sigh with relief thinking “I’m sure glad that isn’t happening to me” somehow making us feel better about our lives.
I found this article online about how the media affects most of the population: http://johnplaceonline.com/money_management/have-you-fallen-for-these-7-negative-attitudes-pushed-by-the-media/ The word that jumped out at me is ‘emptiness’. Do we feel so empty we’ll attempt to fill the void with anything promising to make us feel fuller? We not only overeat to fill the empty feeling, but we can over-indulge in media mania as well.
At some time or other, we all feel empty and seek something to fill the emptiness. What if we just sat and observed the empty feeling, letting it be O.K. Breathing into the space and allowing it to exist just as it is without rushing to fill it up. We might even ask “What would really fill this emptiness for me right now?” Rather than listening to the myriad of suggestions from our mind, listening to our heart and dare to follow its calling.
Once a friend of mine asked how I tell the difference between the messages from my mind and my heart. My response was “my mind shouts to get my attention and my heart whispers softly so I have to stop and listen closely.”
Solution: Whenever you are tempted to participate in media madness, stop and ask yourself “will this enhance my life?”
Healthier Choice: Just turn it off! In our household after not watching TV for several months, we had cable disconnected. After six years of going without TV, we don’t miss it at all plus we save money. Most shows can be viewed on DVD or online. The grandkids complained for awhile but quickly got over it. We carefully choose DVD’s we want to watch for entertainment. We’ve also discontinued our newspaper subscriptions. I don’t have a news page come on my computer screen but an uplifting screen saver.
Tried & True Tip: I avoid watching or reading about the news fully believing if I really need to know something, I will find out about it. I know it’s difficult when screens are blaring news 24/7 in health clubs, airports and other public places. What works best for me is getting as far away as I can and focusing on something else—I always have a good book with me to read or I can chat with another person and make a positive connection that just may leave both of us smiling and feeling better. And, it’s especially O.K. to just do nothing at all and just be.
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