Far too many of the headlines today pull us deeper into the unfolding, astral drama of the world around us. Shootings, politics, devastation – the bad news continues to pour fourth. With it comes the emotions that surface as we interface with the news. We react – however it may manifest – as the article or story hit’s our different emotive buttons.
One of the dangers of contemporary media is the duality that is buried deep within the message: this happened (fact) and this or they are to blame (fiction). While I am in total disagreement with the dystopic message that “the media is the enemy of the people”, I do feel it is important to have some dissonance from the meme associated with the news today in order to discern fact from fiction.
When we allow ourselves (and our emotions) to get carried away by negative information, our emotional response drains us of our vital life force. Already taxed by the stresses of life, we succumb to negative content and further sap our energetic resources. The more we take in, the quicker we spiral downward into despair, disillusionment and fear. We no longer see the world as positive and full of hope.
Whenever I find myself stirred by something I’ve read or viewed, I take a moment to reflect on what’s going on inside of me. I pose the following questions:
Do I have any control over what I’ve just read? Can I do anything to change the outcome? Does this help me in any way?
A big part of personal clarity comes when we are able to step back from what’s happening in the moment and reflect on what we are experiencing. Having a sense of what is truly within our control and what is not. The above exercise helps reduce the anxiety and stress that our bodies experience when we react. We manager our emotional resources more effectively, thus no longer giving away our precious life source.
Tip: Always ask for clarity in your life, regardless.
So as you pick up your device for the latest news or social media post, be mindful on what you take in and what you let go. Find a good space and don’t allow yourself to be overcome by negative memes that are out of your control.
Lastly, take a moment to stop and check in with yourself. It’s your life and your choice.
Photo by Matteo Catanese on Unsplash
Ten Graces, LLC 