POSITIVE TELEVISION

If you are at all sensitive you should avoid shows that use mindless violence. Avoid the news other than what you absolutely have to know; you can get most of what you need to know by reading a local newspaper. Far less graphic, generally.

Avoid any shows which may upset you politically or emotionally. Some of the talk shows seem to thrive on human suffering and people's nastiness towards others. As an example, I've noticed some of the shows that have women who are considerably overweight, and who take pride in their appearance. Some audience members are absolutely vicious in their comments about the women, treating them as if they had committed some great crime by not fitting the societal norm. Some talk shows seem to glorify in getting people to fight, scream and argue with each other. This type of programming is trash tv at its worst.

So, avoid things like that. What can you watch, though, and profit from spiritually?

(1) Philosophy-oriented programs.

Now this is definitely a matter of personal taste, so you may not agree with my recommendations here. That's ok. Find your own shows you consider uplifting and watch them.

The Kung-Fu series is an excellent series for dealing with personal spirituality and strength via its flashbacks and via the behavior of Caine.

Some science fiction shows are able to deal with spiritual, moral and ethical concerns more openly than other shows because the powers-that-be see such shows as not threatening to people (or ratings) since they deal with make-believe, futuristic things, the unreal, etc. Yet shows such as Star Trek, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine and Alien Nation all have had some shows which have been outstanding examples of personal behavior and positive philosophy (they also have their share of clunkers, of course).

(2) Nature shows

Such shows allow you to see various aspects of nature that you might never be able to see, particularly when they deal with places far removed from where you live. Still, even here you have to be careful for some nature shows also glorify in showing the violence in nature, doing extreme closeups whenever blood and gore can be shown. At least one show was found to even stage scenes themselves rather than record actual nature activities.

(3) History shows

There have been a variety of shows dealing with Native American history and experiences. Some of these shows have been very balanced, educational and helpful in learning about the Medicine Path and its spiritual basis.

There has been a much smaller selection of programs dealing in a positive manner with Pagan/Wiccan themes. One of these is The Burning Times which dealt with the history of the Inquisition.

(4) Positive Networks

One of the best networks I have watched is the Food Network. The shows are often very interesting, educational and highly entertaining, particularly the series Iron Chef on Friday nights at 10:00. Likewise the PAX channel often shows good programs. AMC often has very nice movies you can watch. Look at your tv guide or other local tv programming guide. Pick out the programs and/or networks that you would like to watch and would not upset you and then watch those shows.

(5) Videotapes

Don't overlook these; your library probably has a slew of such tapes. There are ones for relaxation and meditation; ones dealing with Native American history; a large number of nature programs, and even music-oriented-relaxing videos such as Enya's videotape.

Keep this in mind: if you choose what you want to watch, then it will be you deciding what comes into your home via the television. You can have the vast majority of the material entering your home being positive and uplifting if you so choose. You are the one controlling the horizontal, the vertical, and the on/off button, so use your power to be selective