Joyful Ruins

Entertainment is both a place of freedom for me and a place of struggle.

It is nearly impossible to watch a show or movie these days without coming across ideas, situations, and characters which are contrary, even opposed to God’s heart.

At times, I draw strict lines on what I watch. Something in my spirit says, “no” clearly and I easily switch it off and walk away.

Other times I feel no sense of conviction as a quality of goodness, growth, etc. stands out and gives me a sense that I am benefiting from it rather than not.

Then, there are times I continue to watch but wonder. I may not feel a strong conviction but I seem to know there is something wrong.

Recently, I watched the second season of a show called Bridgerton. The second season, unlike the first season, had limited amounts of sexual content (until the last two episodes that is). I confess to admiring some of the messages of the show, the maturity of love, that is communicated, albeit in a shallow package.

I could argue for or against watching a show like Bridgerton successfully, but I am not writing for that purpose. Nor, am I writing to convince or convict you of anything. I just wanted to share something I noticed in myself after finishing the season. As I nurture the curious observer in me, I am learning a lot about what brings health, not only to my mind and body, but my soul as well.

Oftentimes, I watch a show or movie and reflect on what it taught me – the funny moments, the deep characters- and then I move on. Yes, I still obsess from time to time, but even then, it’s a fulfilled obsession, an admiration that lifts me up by hero’s journeys or contemplations of life.

With something like Bridgerton however, I noticed how it consumed me more than the usual shows I watch.

Rather than reflecting and accepting the show for what it was, my brain could not move on. It replayed the drama, the images. My emotions replayed the intense feelings, the ups and downs. My mind was obsessed but was learning nothing, gaining nothing. My brain felt mentally stuck.

I was surprised by this. Why would something so unimportant like a tv show consume my thoughts to the point that I struggled not to think about it?

I have my theories as to why it had this effect, and I think each of us are effected differently by different things. We just have to learn more about ourselves and how we are made over time.

This happened to be soul zapping for me. I did not get energy from it (not lasting healthy energy that is). I was not encouraged, uplifted. I received little to nothing from it.

This bothered me and in the end, I realized I’d never watch Bridgerton again or read the books (even if I may be tempted to do so).

I noticed how my soul, mind, body responded to it, recognized the unhealth, and made a choice to support my health (Especially my spiritual health).

I wonder if you have ever experienced the same after reading a certain book, watching a particular YouTube video, consuming a specific news article, or playing a certain video game.

Can you remain curious and observant about its effects on you?

Just notice how you feel after it, what your thoughts are. Just observe, for now, don’t judge it.

My observations lead me to a choice, yours might too.

Let’s try to be healthier and wiser consumers of media.

Start by noticing its effects on you. That is the 1st step.