Sunday, November 21, 2010

TV can save your Soul... or at least point you in the right direction...

My hubby and I are frequent ...yet discriminating... tv viewers.  We only watch shows that uplift our soul and leave us better informed or better feeling!  A favorite show from years past has been VH1's The Pick Up Artist.  The premise-- men lacking in confidence were "schooled" in wooing women.  Of course the surface level was simply dudes learning how to score, yet on the transformational level, we were moved by the heartfelt maturation and glowing self esteem of these lovable characters.

VH1 aired this 5 years ago and it has remained one of our sweeter addictions.  Cut to present day as darling hubby and I were watching Lie to Me.  An actor on the show looked much like Pick Up Artist winner Kosmo.

We recalled his face fondly reminiscing on his awkward start.  We applauded his self fulfillment of becoming an actor overcoming his self confidence hurdles.  He had achieved such success from the show he was able to manifest his dreams.  Huzah!



Jumping onto IMBD to confirm that indeed this was our former ugly duckling, we were met with the page of a successful actor, a mixed martial artist and celebrity interviewer.  This was no gawky boy but rather a young man who oozed confidence.  An actor-- paid and played!

We conceded to the heavy realization that the show was a farce written and performed to win over the viewers.  Kudos for fooling an empath and a psychic!  Geesh, what we will overlook when our sentiment is engaged.

Most every reality show does have writers.  I've been curious about this in the past but allowed myself to enjoy the ride.  Reality tv allows us to feel the awkward, uncomfortable parts of ourselves in a safe way.  This is why people come back week after week.  

Reality tv gives us a safe outlet of self exploration and airs out our shadow selves without us having to go through the emotional layer peeling.   Confronting ourselves is challenging!  But when we can turn on the tube and let others do it for us, what a relief it can be to take the emotional ride without the work. 

However, many viewers are not so discerning nor aware of the drama being played out before them.  With awareness comes growth.  Can we accept our tv habit as an opportunity for spiritual growth?  Can we enjoy the ride as much knowing we are being mislead?

I think we can!  As a race we are approaching a time of great honesty and emotional awareness.  If we can turn to our television as a tool of ascension, we may find amongst the channels a cliff notes of spiritual mastery.  Can we watch Kosmo overcome his shyness to get a girl's number?  Can I see my own awkward and unloved parts and applaud my success as much as I do his?

Awareness brings a greater commitment to self.  This is never easy but is mandatory for self mastery.   If we see things in ourselves that require healing, we must take the necessary (and sometimes difficult) steps to heal it!  Next time you're lost in hours of tv, take a moment to check in with yourself and see how your body feels.  Is it tight?  Are you anxious?  Or are you blissful and relaxed?   Can you take the emotional response your body is conveying and look inside to see what parts of yourself can be healed?

I find after a few shows, I need a break to check in with myself.  I often find emotions I wasn't aware of while the show was playing.  Breath into this energy and allow it to teach you something about yourself.  In this way we can still engage in a bad habit by bringing awareness to it.    

As parents we have an even greater responsibility to make sure our kids understand tv (reality or no) is in no way reality!  To think weight loss can only occur on Biggest Loser or that love can only be found on the Bachelor creates a misguided reality.

The true gift of reality tv is in not exposing the fraud but in accepting the suspension of "reality" and allowing it to guide us to the wounded parts of ourselves.

Thanks Kosmo and Mystery for a delicious indulgence and for allowing me to nurture my own ugly duckling parts that sometimes hide in my heart!


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