Greetings everyone,

Today I wanted to talk about media and how it affects the way we perceive our reality and who we are as beings! This is something that I have been thinking about a lot recently as I am constantly on my computer and phone due to school, hobbies, work, etc. I find myself constantly bombarded with different messages, experiences, and perceptions that shape who I am today.

This is not going to be a post where I tell you that all media is bad and that you should just go live in a cave in the mountains. For most of us, this is never going to happen. If we are to move forward in a positive way as a species, we have to include aspects of the modern world (technology, media, connectivity through the web) with the old world (earth, connection through feeling and presence). I feel that technology has provided us with ways to convey messages from those who may have otherwise not have had a voice to do so. It has helped us to learn, grow, and communicate with someone across the world! So cool! Technology has made it easier to be with others even when we are physically a part. Yet at the same time it is creating a gap between us. I think about the use of my phone when sitting down to have a conversation with someone. I try to put it away if I can and be in the present moment. This is difficult to do, but I feel that it is important for us to really connect with the people we are with. There are times to be on our phones and computers and times for us not to be.

I have also been thinking about what I am taking in lately. TV shows, movies, podcasts, articles, etc. I definitely can tell that I feel differently if I am listening to a podcast about murder (which is my guilty pleasure) or one about feminine leadership (which I also love too:) . I feel more empowered with the latter and with the former I at times feel paranoid and frightened of the world or walking in the woods by myself! Watching TV has been an interesting journey for me as well, sometimes I will go weeks without watching anything and instead meditating and journaling before bed; other times, I am bine-watching a show that I discovered. I try to ask myself (almost with anything) “what is this doing for me?” “Is it helping me to evolve into the best-version of myself?” or “is it taking away from me in terms of my well-being and spirit?”.

Sometimes I find myself craving too much media and looking outside of myself instead of inwards. I love learning new things and taking things in. However, I then feel too full on information from the books, articles, and podcasts that I am consuming. Even if they are aligned with my values. Sometimes there really is too much of a good thing. When this happens, I realize that it is time for me to spend time disconnecting and asking myself why I am filling up my time with so much media. What am I afraid to look at? Am I running from something? I like to meditate, go for a walk in nature, and journal as well as cook or paint. Something that is coming from inside of me instead of flowing in me.

Media can be a good thing. I have learned so much from the books, podcasts, shows, and articles that I have immersed myself in! I have felt part of a community from these things as well. But I have also lost myself in the process. It is about finding a balance and simply noticing without judgment what is best for you at the time.

I have created a list of books and podcasts that I have read and love listening to. They are under the tab sources on my page. I also recommend watching the streaming service Gaia! I love it. They have videos on yoga, consciousness, psychology, philosophy, nutrition, shamanism, and psychedelics among other things! I have also linked a few YouTube videos recently in another post that are about consciousness and our connection to the universe.

Thanks for reading. I hope that you all have a great weekend full of peace, wonder, and tranquility.

Mahalo,

Rylee

Link to Gaia: https://www.gaia.com

Link to videos: https://www.ishvarablog.com/home/consciousness-videos

Link to podcasts and books I love:

-Books: https://www.ishvarablog.com/home/books

-Podcasts: https://www.ishvarablog.com/home/podcasts-i-love

-Documentaries: https://www.ishvarablog.com/home/documentariesmovies