MEDIA AND ENERGY A TOXIC MIX
Navigating the media Minefield
I wanted to share something important with you that might shed some light on why you might be feeling some ups and downs in your energy, emotions, and overall vibe. It's also something that I believe holds significance for our collective spiritual wellness.
Have you ever noticed how after tuning in to the never-ending 24-7 news cycle, even just a few minutes of soaking in all the relentless negativity can leave you feeling agitated, aggravated, and anxious long after you've turned off the TV?
Well, it turns out that this is exactly what profit-driven media corporations want us to experience. The more inflamed and angry we are, the longer we stay tuned in - and the longer we watch, the more advertising dollars the networks rake in. The kind of traditional news coverage and journalistic integrity we once took for granted has now been replaced by carefully manipulated hyperbole designed to keep us hooked and constantly seeking out our next fix of "Breaking News."
And as if that weren't enough, reality shows seem to thrive on constant conflict and argumentative drama, interspersed with advertisements promoting medication for all your illnesses. It's getting tough to find something truly uplifting on TV these days.
While it's important to stay informed about current events and fulfill our responsibility as citizens, there are ways to do so without sacrificing our sanity and spiritual well-being to a self-serving media that doesn't prioritize our deeper interests. To protect yourself from the negative effects of fear-based media, consider these strategies:
UNPLUGGING FROM NEGATIVITY
Here are some suggestions that may help prevent feeling overwhelmed and anxious by the news:
1. Limiting News Exposure: Setting specific times to catch up on the news can help prevent information overload and reduce feelings of overwhelm. By designating specific windows of time for consuming news, you can stay informed while also controlling the amount of exposure you have to potentially distressing content.
2. Choosing Print Media: Print media, such as newspapers or magazines, can offer a more controlled and less emotionally charged way to stay informed. Unlike visual media, print sources allow you to engage with the news at your own pace and provide a buffer from the sensationalism often found in televised or online news.
3. Empowering Yourself to Control Your Media Intake: Recognizing that you have the agency to switch off the TV, close a web browser, or change the radio station can be empowering. When you feel overwhelmed by the news, don't hesitate to assert this control and take a break to protect your mental well-being.
4. Respecting Personal Boundaries: Everyone has different thresholds for consuming news, and it's important to acknowledge and respect your own limits. If a particular news story or topic causes distress, it's okay to step away or communicate your discomfort to others.
5. Disconnecting from Electronics: Designating a day to disconnect from electronic devices and immerse yourself in low-tech activities can provide a welcome reprieve from the constant barrage of news updates. Engaging in activities like reading a book, going for a nature walk, or pursuing a creative hobby can offer a sense of calm and respite from anxiety-inducing news.
Taking Back Control
Here are a few more strategies.
- Consider diversifying your news sources to gain a balanced perspective.
- Be mindful of the impact of the news on your mental and emotional well-being.
- Engage in activities that promote a sense of calm and relaxation, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time in nature.
By implementing these strategies, you can take proactive steps to manage your media consumption and safeguard your mental and emotional well-being in the face of fear-based news narratives