The flexibility of technology and the power of media have given us the ability to listen, look or otherwise absorb whatever we want whenever we want. The freedom and control that we possess has never been experienced by any other generation! The power is all in our hands!
Yes, we have the power to focus where we want, whenever we want.
Yet…
We may believe we have control of where we direct our attention. And on one level we do have some control. Yet, take a moment to think about it.
For example, the last time there was a crisis, or some other event, somewhere in the world, how much did you know about it?
How much attention did you pay to it? Are there some other events that you heard nothing about? Are there some events that you heard too much about? How about the ones that you heard so much about that you became exhausted as a result? What about the ones that you heard so much about that you became mentally sick and became drained of feelings about the suffering that was taking place?
Why is that?
Are some people or events more ‘news-worthy’ than others?
Are some people or events more ‘important’ than others?
Why is it that innocent individuals can be suffering for years, and sometimes decades, in one part of the world and absolutely no relief efforts are called upon. No one draws attention to their plight. No one even glances in their direction.
Yet one day, in one part of the world, something happens.
And the world stops.
Charity events are created. People are interviewed. Memorials are constructed. Rehabilitation efforts are deployed.
And the people of the world collectively hold their breath.
It is almost as if the world tips forcefully and precariously in the direction of the crisis as a result of the exaggerated amount of attention which is suddenly and intensely being focussed on that one place.
So, does that mean that one day in someone’s life is actually more important than another day in someone else’s? Can one day in someone’s life be measured against a decade in another’s? Do we have a right to decide? Are we not all important? And are some crises as big (or as small) as someone would like us to believe?
If they (the powers that be) try to erase it from our minds, does it make the event go away?
Smoke and mirrors. Some believe that particular events are man-made to direct attention to one area so that people do not realize what is going on somewhere else. To steer an audience to one area while covering up another. To ‘re-direct’ the world’s focus, in effect. A ‘somewhere else’ where events are taking place that desperately need our attention but are blocked from view.
Perhaps that is true.
Energetically is that even a good thing? To focus so much attention on one place, on one group of people, has to have an effect. And what is the result? And is it desirable? Or does it perpetuate the crisis?
We are all important beings. We all have a right to a safe existence. But, unfortunately, in our world, in fact, since the beginning of time, not everyone enjoys that freedom, or that ‘right’.
Examples of this uneven, or cruel, division of freedom and fairness is brought to our attention on an almost daily basis. Yet, are we really aware of it?
So that our brains do not get ‘polluted’ from all this bombardment of information, it is important to stand back every so often.
And always question.
How does this make me feel? How does the author want me to feel? What are they doing to make me feel a certain way? Why are they doing it? Do they have an ulterior motive? And, do I agree with it? Or, am I being drawn in? Am I being mesmerized by the drama?
How does this article make you feel? Are you learning? Is your mind expanding? Are you feeling angry? Are you feeling uncomfortable? Sometimes, feeling uncomfortable or feeling angry is a good thing. Discomfort can spark dialogue. And dialogue can enlighten minds. And enlightened minds can be a catalyst for change. And, change can make things better.
Be the change – Ghandi
