Shocking, salacious and violent images fill our screens through our movies, video games, news and more. Many of us have been brought to a slow boil through fear based media acclimating to rising heat over time by utilizing various numbing strategies. The unfortunate consequence of this is the dulling of awareness and the loss of our natural state of aliveness, presence and peace. As if this loss was not enough, we are seeing increased levels of malaise, powerlessness and hopelessness further curtailing our motivation to take effective action. Many years ago, when an opportunity arose to opt out of this whole paradigm, I embraced it.

It began when my children first entered Waldorf school where television/internet viewing were strongly discouraged. As our family embraced and adopted these changes, the benefits quickly became apparent. Although my television viewing had never been excessive, watching nightly news programs had become a part of ‘relaxing and unwinding’ from my day. However, it was ultimately television’s absence that brought true relaxation through activities such as meditation, journaling, uplifting reading and family connection time. I was delighted to see my children engaging in more creative play and exploring nature in new ways. Also, free from the influence of advertising, much to my delight, they could no longer come up with a Santa’s list either! Over time, the benefits continued to expand.

Unplugging from mainstream media encouraged me to discover and follow my own inner guidance into new areas of life. As I focused more on my direct experience of reality rather than television’s version of it, feelings of fear and concern for the world began receding. My genuine needs and desires began surfacing which ultimately led me toward my spiritual path, healing work and meaningful community volunteer service.

I was, at first, greatly disturbed by the depth and breath of media’s negative influence on our world, but later this began to excite and ignite me as I realized the potential it could also have to create positive change. Soon I began discussing the possibility of creating a Good News program at our local television station with my partner. The process of researching and creating the pilot program was both an exciting and uplifting experience. Sadly it would be the first and last program we produced due to my partner’s untimely death. However, the spirit of this project never quite left me.

As my child rearing years came to an end, I began to feel a resurgence of inspiration. Internet use was now taking center stage in many people’s lives, and I saw this as a potent vehicle for change. The website Awakening Planet is my contribution toward shifting the paradigm of media. Rather than expending precious energy fighting old fear based paradigms, I want to report on new life affirming ones inviting and inspiring others to do the same through example. Through the transformative power of love, joy, and presence, we are creating our world anew.

This article appeared in the July, 2016 addition of SIBYL magazine.