The Balance Within You Without You

With all the good culture has given me, it has also offered some negative influences. I wonder how or if it is possible to find a healthy balance of cultural influence?

It is certain that there's plenty out there that is created with a certain lack of moral responsibility, and some with just a lack of creative influence what so ever. Both of these could be detrimental to your outlook on life if taken in too large doses (10 hours of crap t.v. a day), or if taken too seriously.

The solution to this issue remains where it always has: within the eye of the beholder. Zen philosophers teach that there is no right or wrong beyond ourselves, the only balance we need to consider is within ourselves.

If a movie you are watching turns you off, either for violence or sexual content, or even language, then it is up to you to identify what makes it offensive to you and find the words to express that. By finding that balance within, you get to influence how these negative force influence you.

Facing the Trash

Now, I understand that this may seem like taking a gun to a knife fight. Finding an inner balance in the midst of our surround sound lives can be difficult. There are a few things I like to do when face to face with some of the junk on television, when my first reaction is to practically shout, "What were these idiots thinking?"

• Imagine the conception- You will probably have to get out of your rational self for this one. Take the mindset of the producers of the show or movie and try to understand why they put effort into creating this monstrosity. More often than not, a dollar sign will be the bottom line.
• Visualize the audience - These shows are out there for one obvious reaso, people are willing to watch them. Usually, the producers are hitting a soft spot within the human condition that makes others suceptible. (Sweet 16 - envy or greed, Jerry Springer - pride, feelings of superiority)
• Realize why you don't fall for it. - This is actually pretty liberating and a healthy way to acknowledge self. If you get that disgusted feeling when crap culture has found its way into your living room, then don't deny it. Let it in and figure it out. Maybe you are content with what you have. Maybe the easy money contestants on a game show are getting is coming to them too easily, and you know it. Having those feelings pushes out the jive and brings in the love.
• Enjoy with contempt- Once you have identified why you don't agree with something, you can face it. So, if a part of you does have a longing for a guilty pleasure, or if you find yourself in a social situation in which others insist on viewing or talking about such a program, you can still be a part of it.

Keep Searching for the Good.

Of course, the best way to find a balance is to discover the yin inside the yang. Seek out programs, movies, and music that does indeed inspire and excite you. There is still plenty out there, even if it is buried. But all good things take some digging to find.