I’m 23.  Not many people I know truly keep up with current events.  Why?  Is reading or listening to news too stuffy?  Is it too complicated?  Or is it that you just don’t care?  Most would probably say all of the above.  Being here in Pakistan has forced me to watch and read the news all the time.  It’s a good thing.  And guess what?  I understand it!  Can you believe it?  News is easy to understand —- if you really listen.  In some situations, news isn’t just reporting information, it is asking people to help.  We (the U.S.) have been at war since 2003 and I’ve paid ZERO ATTENTION.  It probably has a lot to do with U.S. Media wanting to keep the citizens distracted, so news about the war is reported, but it’s not constantly on T.V.  The “Real Housewives” shows are on T.V. though and I watch and enjoy them.  Why?  Because I don’t have to listen to any of the stuffy news reporting on important, life-changing issues.  Right?  We always want to be distracted or pushed until we can’t be pushed further - like avoiding writing that college paper at all costs.  Even if it means taking out the trash, cleaning the bathroom, or making the bed, but that paper won’t be written until it absolutely HAS to.  And you won’t pay any attention to the news until you absolutely HAVE to - when there’s another attack on the U.S. or tragedy on YOUR turf.  

How selfish can we be?       

There are horrific evils happening in the world at this very moment.  Savages who want to destroy good things in life so they can attain power, money, and whatever else.  Creatures who want to corrupt organizations or places for their own fulfillment.  There is evil in this world.  I know it sucks to think about, but it’s essential to keep that reminder on the back burner of your brain.  That way, when you have good things in your life you can truly APPRECIATE what you have.  Can you honestly say you appreciate your life?  Go a week without hot water.  Go two weeks without filtered drinking water.  Go a month without electricity.  How do you feel?  

Okay, let’s simplify things: try taking one “luxury” out of your life for one day.  Then, try two days… three days… a week.  See what happens.  Seriously, try it.  It’s an experiment.  Don’t worry, if you don’t like it, you can always go back to your normal life.    

Trust me, I’ve wanted to just retreat back to my life in L.A. and do yoga, go out to the movies, play games, etc.  I still miss those things (especially vegetables - gotta get that plug in here), but my life is changed.  My perspective is changed.  As simple and silly as it sounds: Now, I understand news.  And understanding is the key to knowledge. 

Here’s what I’m getting at:

Take 5 minutes out of your day to READ THE NEWS.  Ignore the reality shows, gossip magazines, texts, calls… Take a moment out of YOUR day to learn something about one of the many tragedies happening all over the world right now.  The China landslide, Pakistan floods, or Moscow heat-wave / wildfire smog.  

Read the news. 

b.e.d.