I have known of the addictive qualities of television since the 70’s. When my first daughter was born, I kept the tv in the closet. It came out occasionally only to find that it often had a challanging time finding it’s way back into the closet. When I moved with her to the ocean, we had no tv for quite a while, there was none when her sister arrived in 1981. And I do not believe that we missed it. We had other things to do to keep us busy, and entertained. The ocean and nature’s sandbox were 3 blocks away. Even the backyard was full of life because of my sprouting business. There were always earthworms moving in and out of the soil, enriching as they went. Tray upon tray of buckwheat lettuce and sunflower greens lined the side of the fence along with wheatgrass. The composting trench along the back fence rewarded us with rich dark soil to grow the trays of greens. Life was simple. We lived close to the earth. Enjoying the sunshine and the rain.
I will no doubt miss the television. Having them pick up the box and the simple gesture of unplugging the thing brought peace. I know that if I absolutely need to find out what happens on the next season of Lost, I can go to abc.com and watch the episode right after it views on tv.
I remember reading a book by Jerry Mander in 1978, Four Arguments for the Elimination of TV. It was printed in Mother Earth News magazine in a series. His arguments are valid today & exhibited throughout this man made world we exist in.
I understand how life is different today compared to my youth. We lived in one of the first suburbs of our small hometown. Our days were spent outdoors as much as possible, having our own experiences, creating our own memories. Today’s youth have been brought up with the same imaginary friends, all growing up living vicariously thru the television. They do things and they have no idea why, they hold beliefs that they never made a choice in. Living en masse doing the same things as their friends.
I loved Mother Earth News magazine. It helped me stay connected to the earth when I was living in the apt. on Main St. It gave me a clue to my future business ventures as Living Greens.
Since returning to my hometown, I have been riding a bicycle for transportation. I have gotten to know the neighborhoods by riding through them, seeing all the flowers and the vegetable gardens. This is very much small town. You have to look for the pretty stuff because there is alot of decay. But, people still sit on their porch and have a conversation. They say hello as you ride by. I like the feel of that.
This is the best I have felt living in my hometown. Maybe it has to do with accepting. I am choosing to look for the good in everything and accepting those things I can not change. The courage to change the things I can… goodbye cable. hello freedom.
Tags: sprouting, acceptance, living foods, addiction, Peace, life experience by Deborah
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I was browsing a particular mail order catalog for the first time today. I enjoy seeing what other artistic folks are creating and came across an item for sale that touched me. I thought, gee, if everyone decided to adopt this Alphabet for Life, what a wonderful world it would be!
