News Break

O.K., I’ll admit it, I had become addicted to TV, especially news and political commentary. It was just easier to come in the door and flip on the switch to view someone else’s life than living my own to the fullest. It isn’t the first time this has happened to me; I go through this periodically even though I know better. TV is a potent drug that will easily numb the mind and body if one is not vigilant. It is way too easy to be caught up in the drama of events that one has no ability to change or even little opportunity to influence. Actually it’s much easier than dealing with the affairs of one’s own life that usually involve hard work and self-discipline. Fortunately, I was rescued from my addiction this week by a couple of projects that were far better for my mental and physical health than TV watching.

First, I had promised to create a Power Point for our non-traditional Midday Service using pictures from my hiking adventures in a meditation and reflection on nature and God. As usual, I left this project go until the last minute and needed all my spare time to complete it. As I began to search through my photos and hunt for music, quotes and opening and closing readings for the service, I found myself totally immersed in the project. The pictures brought back memories of joyous wonder and the feeling of oneness with all that is. Putting it together was a great creative exercise, and time seemed to have no meaning when I was working on it.

Second, my daughter and her husband needed my help getting their house ready to sell. They have a lot going on in their lives right now; spring house cleaning is not something they have time or energy to do. So, I spent Friday and Saturday making their house shine. Most people might not see this as a fun project, but for me it was a Zen like experience. Remember the Karate kid and Mr. Miyagi’s instructions, “Wax on, wax off, Daniel Son.” People may not believe this, but I can totally lose myself in scrubbing floors and walls. One of my favorite Zen Koans is,

“ A monk told Joshu: "I have just entered the monastery. Please teach me."
Joshu asked: "Have you eaten your rice porridge?"
The monk replied: "I have eaten"
Joshu said "Then you had better wash your bowl"

At that moment the monk was enlightened.

This week was filled with bowl washing, not numbing TV. I was fully present in creating the Power Point and in cleaning. I was able to give something to my daughter and son-in-law that they needed right now. I have little influence over the war in Iraq, world poverty, corrupt politicians, etc.. But I can make a difference in a dirty floor and shine sinks until you can almost see yourself in them. Watching TV numbs the spirit, not just the mind. Creating the Power Point brought me away from the TV world to remember what the real world is like. Spring is here and I need to go for some hikes. I plan to extend my TV break, so I probably won’t be writing about politics for a bit. I will be marveling at nature and washing my bowl.