On Monday, marixxx and I carried out a one-day fast. A way to help cleanse the body, focus the mind and sharpen the spirit. It was a positive experiment. After Monday’s mental rerouting of the physical discomfort on to a reflective plane, yesterday offered a boost in energy and elation. We’ve now decided to repeat the experience on a weekly basis.
The whole thing got me thinking about forms of consumption. Take media for example, wouldn’t it be beneficial to abstain from information from time to time? But is it possible?
Even if I choose not to launch my browser, turn on my TV, open a newspaper, etc, can I really escape the infosphere? How do I cut out the television sounds that filter from my neighbour’s windows? How do I block out the billboards I encounter? How do I refrain from glancing at newsstands?
And if I try and avoid all form of data transfer and infotainment, shouldn’t I also close my email client, switch off my handset, interrupt the flow?
Let my media digestive system take a rest. Take time to reflect, time to ingest, time to ponder and time to savour.
I am doing an assignment for an online writing class. I have decided to do it on “media fasting”. A term my wife suggested to me on one of our pre-dates. She takes very little media in, but I have not listen, watched or read the news media for almost five years. I am amazed how informed I am. The big stuff one can’t seem to avoid.
The reason I am writing this to you is a three fold:
1. I came your article while gathering info for my assignment.
2. You had an address and comment space, and I just couldn’t help myself.
3. To let you know it is possible to fast the media if one is willing.
I have read more news media in the last couple days researching my assignment then I have in the past five years. I notice nothing has changed. People are still dying globally in a sundry of ways, politics and Government are still corrupt, and It would seem the press is still embellishing the truth, if not out and out lying.
I am one of those weaklings that carry the weight of bad news on my shoulders It effects the way I live my life. So, if I can’t trust the press, why should I allow myself to carry the weight of untrue bad news?
Yes one can media fast. I highly recommend it. Whenever this subject comes up, I challenge folk to do what I do for 30 days. See if their attitudes don’t pick up. If they don’t feel it does, then I tell them their misery will surely be refunded.
Guy