The 11 pm news came on as I was involved in light paper work. On and on it went about disease, murder, verbal and physical attacks, and vandalism. Keeping abreast of happenings in the world is important, but it’s also important that the news be presented in an unbiased way; that it educate, not disturb; and that the day’s developments not be about sensationalism and stress. If when we watch the news as it’s being presented year after year, and determine that it has enlightened many, and somehow contributed to positive changes, we’d have to agree that the news is worthy of air time. Mostly, however, it seems to bring fear and tension to the lives of viewers. Thankfully, there’s always the off switch. Whew! Peace restored.
Now there are people who have their own tv or radio talk shows whose main purpose is to project anger at, or deride most anyone with views contrary to theirs. Are they necessary? Can’t we think for ourselves? Why listen to them? At one time I tuned in when a certain person began his radio career, then I began thinking that it was all very unpleasant, and stopped. Last year as I got into a taxi, I heard once again the voice of that particular radio personality. Nothing changed; he’s still unpleasant.
The only reprieve on the night I listened to some of the news was the voice of a 90 year old woman being questioned. An arsonist’s hand was at work on the street where she lives causing tragedy. Listening to her was easy though. Her hair was wrapped in rollers, her posture was ramrod straight, there were no tears in her eyes, and her voice was strong as she spoke about the damage to neighbors’ homes. She said she was prepared to vacate her place – just in case. She was on the screen for only a short time, but somehow her presence was a breath of fresh air. I can only guess where her strength comes from.
We know there are great things occurring throughout the world. And should the news become more than what it now is viewers listening would feel more relaxed and grateful to be living in a fascinating world, and perhaps more clarity about issues would result. A mingling of the positive and the negative is important. By this is not meant stories of “celebrities” – their clothes, relationships, marriages, divorces, lifestyles. No. No. Positive news are stories of people going beyond the everyday to a place often read about, and achieved by just a few – although many can join. There’s a whole lot of beauty in the world, and a great many wonderful people. One day should the news media begin to report more expansively on this, the mass consciousness of the world would change. And that can only be a very good thing for all of us. Otherwise, if we’re focused on the worst of things, how will we ever get to the best of things?
We are what we think
All that we are arises with our thoughts.
With our thoughts we make the world. – the Buddha
It is well known that emotions of the soul affect the body and
produce great, significant and wide-ranging changes in the
state of health. Emotions of the soul should be watched
regularly examined, and kept well balanced. – Maimonides, twelfth-century Jewish sage