The repetitive nature of the media, with its constant humming of the same theme, hour after hour (is this what cable news created?) has the unfortunate effect of numbing the viewer's/listener's mind. How will we ever be able to let our creative selves out of the box of fear, if we continue to wallow in media "shout"?
It's established that never before have the three main sectors of the economy (housing, stock market, banks/financial institutions/credit) been 'down' all at the same time. Clearly, the troubles that beset us (& it's a global problem, not an isolated issue in one particular country) are societal. It's as if the expected modes of life, in evidence at the close of the 20th century, and still in effect in the opening chapters of the 21st, have been pulled out from under us, all at one fell swoop.
No one has a road map. This is probably why those we considered our "leaders" are as aimless in their responses as we ourselves are. We're adrift from the moorings we thought would always be there. In all this printing of paper money, also globally, with little to back same except "the government", in an effort to stave off disaster/return us to "the norm", have we unleashed the seeds of hyperinflation? Those who chant the mantra of deflation have good arguments to support that theory. Again, no middle ground, no gray area, just the "either...or" scenario.
Well, wasn't that what Kierkegaard was trying to get across to us, back at the close of the 19th Century? There really is no gray area...human to want such a thing, though, as the starkness of that "either...or" decision can be unnerving.
At such a time of unrest, with everything in question (the money supply, the safety of banks, the validity of equity in a house, the disastrous losses in savings, via the stock market, job security, etc. etc. etc.), it's easy to succumb to fear.
Important to remember to pay attention to life on a minute by minute basis. Go for a walk, enjoy the "surround sound" of your immediate environment, watch films that make you laugh, cook healthy meals, be sure to eat, try to maintain a regular routine of exercise and sleeping habits...rest revitalizes. Shakespeare was right about "sleep ravelling up the sleeve of care". A diet for media is also important...only 10 minutes a day of CNN, & related reporting.
Decide to educate your musical palette and learn about opera...listen with your heart.
Read a book about the philosophers of Ancient Greece (check out Heraclitus).
Volunteer...be there for those less fortunate.
At this seasonal time of giving, why not give funds to the Salvation Army, instead of gifts for our friends and relatives. Do it in their name. Those less fortunate will need more help than ever, this year.
If you pass a tree, with a gift tag, pick one up and buy a gift for an "unknown". You may never know what this gesture will create in another's life.
Remember your food bank.
It's about thinking of others, first, with whatever we have that can be shared. It's the best pick me up in the world.
Your ideas? Always welcome!
How may I help you to discover special Salt Spring Island & the Southern Gulf Islands? Call me!
