A few months ago, I did a Marie Kondo-level cleanout of the media I consume. This decision completely changed how I perceive my surroundings. No, it wasn’t easy, and no, I don’t have any regrets. Why did I do this you ask? Because, I became aware of the detriment of desensitization our media so willingly provides, and had to do something.
My cleanout began when, after telling a friend about my newest tv series, I was warned about increased sexual references and scenes in season three. I was furious. This show was about law, what did that have to do with sex?! Nothing. The answer is nothing. In the hopes of finding some fragment of good quality tv left, I began searching the internet for something – ANYTHING – that could exist without adding sexual implications. Sadly enough, almost every tv series increases in sexual language, implications, and scenes around season 3 or 4. As you can imagine, I was left in quite a pickle. (gherkin, if you will). Once I was aware of the quality of the content I consumed, I could no longer live in ignorant bliss. I had to make a decision. 1. I could continue desensitizing myself to the lack of dignity presented in media OR 2. I could never watch tv again. I chose to ignore both options and choose secret door number 3 … finding a way to be selective about the media I consumed.
As I thought long and hard about how to commit myself to letting go of media I knew I no longer wanted but loved oh so dearly (rom-coms, reality tv, and new releases), none other than Marie Kondo came to mind. I figured if this woman could convince a consumerist society to become minimalistic, maybe her methods would work for media consumption too. (any woman who can fold clothes like a magician automatically has my trust.) So what did I do? I used her tactic of thanking items for their time, reminiscing, and letting go. In my words, it sounded a bit more like: “Thank you for the short-term fun, I know you’re not making me a better person, so I am going to now respectfully throw you in the trash. Good day.”
So what happened after I tossed so much of my chosen leisure into the garbage? Well, I had a lot more time and discovered how difficult it is to find quality movies, and to be completely transparent, I find myself more sensitive to media that doesn’t align with my beliefs and morals. Have you ever thought about how desensitized we have become to not only foul language but intimacy and sex? It’s probably far more than you would think. I myself didn’t realize this until I took a step back and opened my eyes.
Whether you notice, are indifferent, or couldn’t care less, I’d like to propose a simple question. What is so bad about being sensitive in mind and heart? While today’s culture will say “Watch what you want, this is normal, it makes no difference what you see.” I offer a more realistic answer. What you choose to watch directly affects your attitude and perspective. If you expose yourself to dramatics, you will become dramatic and judgemental. If you spend time wishing for love in the future, you will not enjoy your present. If you watch intimacy that should be reserved for marriage, your boundaries begin to slip without you knowing. The truth is difficult, isn’t it?
Although the sacrifice to walk away from short-term joys is huge, I promise giving up this good for greater peace, love, and joy is worth every struggle. Our culture does not care about your soul, and it sadly does not have your best interest in mind. I, however, care about you, and Jesus certainly does. Your soul, mind, and heart deserve better than the watered-down good today’s media offers.
If you are interested in reading what I chose detox from in my media cleanout and why, please read the attached PDF. (I have separated to save space and time for you all).
All my love and prayers,
Monica +JMJ+
RESOURCES:
A Return to Modesty: Discovering the Lost Virtue BY: Wendy Shalit
Monica, your blogs are so beautiful and reflective!! I know that as you continue to write, you will reach more yearning souls who need to hear it from someone who turns the ordinary and practical into things to take to prayer. It is inspiring and you can count on me to follow along too! <3