What is your energetic relationship with news and media?

This week a client asked me, with concern and angst written across his face, if we’ll be okay considering what is happening in the world right now.

Though I don’t do future-telling in my practice, I do read the energy that I have access to. It’s a bit like reading the weather. I can see the configuration of energy right now, and maybe a little into the future, but that future can change based on how energy, intentions and desires move as things unfold.

Usually when I check in with a client’s energy who does ask a question like this, I can sense that they have been consuming a lot of news. In these cases their energy has spread out from their body and is pretty entangled with what they have been focusing on. They seem depleted and depressed about the state of things.

Here’s a quick rough sketch of what this can look/feel like.

For generations, one was considered a good citizen of the community and the world by paying attention to current events. The news seemed simple: facts and reports on the goings-on locally, nationally and internationally. In a sense, it brought the community together. In those times, there were few sources of news. It was given at a calmer, slower pace and was minimally available. The variety, amount of access and quality of news that is created and consumed today is very different than in those days.

There is certainly a thread of that old way that remains true. However, a lot of what is available has become extreme on many levels both in quantity and quality.

Does the news or media you consume make you feel:

• depressed

• helpless

• angry and resentful

• spikes of emotional intensity?

Despite these feelings, do you continue to reach for them again and again?

Here is my suggestion for you.

Significantly minimize or take a break from the sources you are engaging with. They can provide a spike of adrenaline and all sorts of emotional responses that can set off a sticky addictive pattern without you hardly noticing. Even -and especially- when the information feels really relevant and important. However, the relevancy I’m concerned with is the relationship you have to the emotional spikes and drops these inputs provide you. Are you are containing your own energy or giving it away to these sources?

News and media are an inevitable and important part of our present lives. This is just an invitation to observe and be mindful of how you feel when you are engaged with them and how often you reach for them.

If you are able to maintain balance, you likely have much more energy, clarity, will and ability to respond productively and take actions that support your values and beliefs. If you are engaged too much or in an imbalanced way, you likely will feel depleted and exhausted. There will be far less of your energy left to care for yourself and the world and to take the actions aligned with how you can help things heal.

Here’s my invitation: Take 10 days to two weeks to disengage with your usual media inputs and engage elsewhere. Try watching TED Talks in areas that interest you. Look on Substack for writers that are discussing things you are passionate about. Try alternate sources of education and media. You might get inspired. Maybe look into learning about a hobby you love or about something you’ve been curious about.

Just like taking a break from a big project and going for a walk, resetting your energy and taking care of your nervous system will help you function better. This very much applies to how we consume news and media too. If you find you have a hard time taking a break and keep reaching for it, this might be a good sign that a break is much needed. There are many other perspectives right within reach that are important and that you can do your best work engaging with to make a difference. It starts with kindness, rest and love for yourself, then radiates outward.

I’d love to hear what you think and how this goes for you if you decide to say yes to this invitation. Please use the comment section below.

Some other ideas (make sure you read the last one!):

• Learn about another country’s recipes, language and culture.

• Read poetry, experience artwork.

• Read a fun novel or children’s book out loud with your partner, friends or family.

• Expand your awareness and notice what that feels like.

• Go to the library or book store and explore new areas.

• Make a plan to do something educational and community oriented with your family.

• Volunteer in some way for your community.

• Be creative, paint (your walls or on paper or canvas), reorganize your space, declutter.

• Rest. Allow yourself to think, write in your journal, stare out the window and sleep.

• Go on a retreat - MY RETREAT!! Coming up May 24-26, 2024 in Hood River, OR. - just now LIVE! It sells out each time and is limited to 15 people this time for a very cool reason! Check it out to learn more.