« love thursday: living your crazy, sexy life with intention »
Even with all the noise, the chaos, the anger, the insanity, let your heart remain true. Photographed with Nikon D300, 35mm lens.
Have you turned on the news, lately? It's insane: the news coming at us from all directions seems to be all gloom and doom: the economy, the state of global affairs, the environment, crime - really, it's horrifying. Frankly, if I actually watched the news every day, I don't know how I would get up in the morning.
But I have a theory.
I have a theory that while yes, things are in a sad state of affairs, the reason we're being fed this constant stream of terrifying news is not just because "we have the right to know," as is often asserted, but because bad news sells. Collectively, we love staring at the screen (computer or television), watching the flashing images and scary words, and uniting ourselves in fear, and anger, and righteous indignation. And all the while, the media is eating it up, because more eyes watching their flashing images and scary words means that they can command more money from their advertisers. I have a theory that from the media's perspective, it's all good.
But you know what? I strongly believe that living in fear, anger and righteous indication is no way to live, even if we're united in those emotions. And I believe that there's a way to balance remaining informed without sinking into a quagmire of dispair. I think maintaining that balance is all about living with intention: it's about being very conscious and present in your life, as much as possible. It's about limiting the toxic, and choosing to focus on what is good and healthy for you and your family to consume -- and I'm not just talking about food, here, but what's on television and what's on the internet. What you read, how you speak, and the activities in which you choose to engage. What surrounds you in your home and in your life.
I realize that this may sound very saccharine and unrealistic to completely focus and intend on good, and trust me, I don't believe that one person can change the world. But I do, very much, believe that one person can change his or her world. And if enough people change their own worlds, that very well might be all we need to make a difference.
As part of my recent obsession with the power of intention, I came across the site of the inimitable and awe-inspiring Kris Carr of Crazy Sexy Cancer. Several years ago, Kris, a documentary filmmaker, was diagnosed with terminal, inoperable cancer, and told that she only had a very short time to live. If you still don't believe what I have to say about the power of intention, check out the 5-1/2 minute video below of media clips featuring this amazing woman. If she doesn't convince you that tweaking your outlook, your intention and your conviction can make magic happen, then nothing will.
TV appearances '07 from Crazy Sexy Life on Vimeo.
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Happy Love Thursday, everyone. Please leave links to your images, stories and thoughts of love in the comments below.
And may you live your crazy, sexy life with intention today.
Song: Street Life, as performed by Joe Sample and Lalah Hathaway
Thu, March 19, 2009
Reader Comments (46)
love this!!!
What a wonderful and perfectly timely post. You've echoed my thoughts and feelings perfectly. Couldn't have said it better myself. And it's true that one person cannot change the state of the world ...but if we each contribute our own little bit..then the world will change.
Here's a little hope and love on this Thursday morning:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=718
awesome and inspiring, thanks, it was exactly what I needed to hear today
thank you for a lovely reminder. i've been thinking quite a bit lately about the way i speak and about the impact that carelessly chosen words can have on others and on me.
Such an excellent message, and I couldn't agree with you more. I was just talking to someone about how I rarely watch the news for the exact reasons you've mentioned. And thanks for mentioning Kris Carr for those who haven't yet had the pleasure...so inspiring!
This week, a love stone sent to me by a reader and fellow blogger:
Love Thursday: Direct from a Southern Italian Beach
Happy Love Thursday everyone!
How beautifully said! Living a sexy, crazy life with intention is what I try to do on an hourly basis. I have stopped watching newscasts 3 years ago and I get my unvarnished headlines and stories from an unbiased free local paper that reports the news agency one-liner items. Sometimes thay are too much to bear as well. If you have kids, you know how I feel every day looking into the future.
Thank you for this post and thank you for spreading the love!
For a traditional taste of creamy, love-filled zeppole, come visit me in my small, informal and sunlit kitchen. Happy Love Thursday...Ciao!
Great post.
I first learned of "Crazy Sexy Cancer" from Operation You blog (http://www.operationyou.blogspot.com). Very inspiring women.
I also agree with your theory on the news and the promotion of the fear factor. Since I focus on the bright side of life, I limit my exposure and enjoy living in the present.
For Love Thursday: http://momentarysolace.blogspot.com/2009/03/nature.html
Happy Love Thursday everyone!
When I posted today for Love Thursday, I didn't know exactly why I chose this picture. (It's here: http://qussa.wordpress.com/2009/03/19/love-thursday-cat-nap/). Could very well be because to me they are the ultimate symbols of living simply... and only choosing the good stuff.
And what a beautiful video! Thank you.
I believe! Kris Carr is my inspiration. I began my blog Operation You just to insire others to better their world. Thank you for hitting this precious nerve. For those who need a little peace in tweaking your outlook, your body and you soul, I send positive energy your way, always!
http://operationyou.blogspot.com/2009/03/love-thursday-we-are-soul-mates.html#comments
Happy Love Thursday!
I just listened to the news and said to Barry, why is all the news bad? Where is the love? So I got up and found it here.
Happy Love Thursday
Margie has done a post for us today.
http://www.soeursdujour.com/2009/03/you-know-what-i-would-love-on-love-thursday.html
xo
Kath