From our creation of smart phones with all of their capabilities, to the television and every means of distraction it possesses. We are inundated with distractions.
Have you ever wondered why we celebrate holidays such as Christmas, the way we do today?
It is part of several that are primarily profit-driven. That is not bad in and of itself but when it becomes expected; that is where we are today. Not only that, but these holidays begin to consume our minds well before they are upon us. They tend to make us spend much effort, time and money.
Much in the pursuit of things we do not really need. Material things or candies and treats to gifts that often are not used for very long as far as children go. The children grow bored of most things after a while. Then it may be recycled to other children or it becomes waste in a landfill.
Consider religions, (Christianity having several holidays attached to it.) If you take a step back away from it all. Peel away the layers, you find the illusions of it all. It's main purpose, outside of making a profit is being a predictable and focused distraction for all who become 'identified' or attached to it.
Distract us from what? The bigger picture of life or the meaning of our lives. If you pay attention, you see that so much is part of a means of continual distractions. To direct our focus outward instead of inward. Within ourselves and what our purpose here, individually truly might be. Survive is what we first learn, and then to grow, achieve and maintain, but to what end?
Overall, most are attached to the material world and all that one may posess (materially) while you are here. A means of status in the world you live. Think of those depicted on television shows like 'Jersey Shore' or even 'Friends'. Both who you are, where you live and what you wear; look like or own is all apart of 'status'.
~Does anything go with us to the otherworld when we pass away (die)? Hmmm
Movies, shows or other programs are all a means of distraction as well as simple amusement. But it indeed goes futher than that.
How obsessed do some become with the music industry (rap, metal or rock music, to even country)? Obsessed with any new trend or 'what is in' at least for a time?
With entertainment such as the WWE; and actors like Arnold Schwarzenegger, you get men/women obsessed with their bodies. Thus you have gym memberships for all. Obsessed with an immaculate body. For who and to what end? That is great to achieve such levels with the human body however, But for society? Does our immaculate body or appearance remain for all time? No but there is a bit of personal gratitude in such feats or achievements.
Look closer at our obsession in the sports arena; basketball, football (America), soccer and baseball. All favorite past-times but also major parts of our focused distractions. Something our Ego becomes attached to, in a big way.
Other aspects such as the outdoor activities like skiing, both water and snow. ATV riding and hang gliding. All wonderful ways to enjoy the outdoor life, however it becomes a status symbol for many.
An obsession that is a magnifier of the ego; that is where it is no longer for leisure and recreation. It becomes related to that of the 'for-profit' industry. Overall, it has a purpose of distracting us besides simply an outlet or recreation.
Many are counting on the numbers (you) to be there so their profit remains. Wonderful; nothing wrong with that until you go into a city and you have four or five different chicken or hamburger places to eat from. Automobiles for sale galore and by the way; who is possibly buying them all? Ask yourself; why do we constantly feel we need new, or newer? Just a question (things to ponder) Think outside the impulses of life.
So many distractions and the pursuit of something other than what is found within
'inner peace'.
Life is an adventure for some, and for many others; they are trying to fit in.
So you have social media today: It speaks for itself.
How many children are affected in a positive way, as a result of social media?
Just keep in mind, you only need to make you happy. You need to function and survive, wherever you are in the world.. Start with the essential, basics of living. Plan out life beyond there and look inward, find out who you really are and ask yourself:
Are you in control?
Look at yourself and awaken. Discover life and yourself beyond the distractions meant to keep us from seeing the bigger picture in our lives. What matters to you, not to everyone around you.
I've found that looking at ways to help others, is far more rewarding than just pleasing yourself in this world. We all could learn and discover more!
