Can Reality Televison Raise Your Consciousness?

I am a reality show junkie. Well, not really but I like to make my friends laugh by recounting bits and pieces of the most ridiculous happenings on some of my favorite shows. At first I thought watching these shows mindless fun. A time for me to relax, unwind, and to paraphrase the old George Henry Powell song, “Pack all my troubles in my old kit-bag and smile, smile, smile”. As I sat and laughed at the “stupid human tricks” folks performed just for some TV face time I began to understand something very important. There is something to learn from every life experience…even if you’re sitting on your sofa with some chocolate chip cookies as someone else is living the experience.

Yes, reality television as a spiritual tool! I know some of you may think I’m insane. Here’s the deal. Some shows are pretty ridiculous, and the prize is normally not worth all the public humiliation. I’m not talking about those shows.

I’m talking about shows like The Biggest Loser, American Idol, Top Chef and believe it or not, From G’s to Gents. These shows manage to teach a lesson without being overly didactic –whether they realize it or not. Often I find myself driven to tears because a poignant moment has deeply touched my soul.

The benefits to spirit and conscious awareness in The Biggest Loser and American Idol are obvious. Well, at least to me. In The Biggest Loser confidence, self-esteem and courage are

restored along with the physical health and beauty. The lesson here: We each control our own destiny. After all it was you who picked up that pint of ice cream, put it on the spoon, and stuck it in your mouth. In American Idol the lesson is staying the course, fulfilling your dreams, finding your purpose in life, and knowing you deserve the best no matter what America or Simon believe.

Here’s a question: Do you see any aspect of yourself in any of the contestants? You should, because as spirit we are all the same. We’re just at different levels of growth. Maybe this is why reality television is so intriguing to me. I can clearly see the plight and success of family and friends.

On MTV’s From G’s to Gents, I am touched by the contestants desire to change. Okay, okay, maybe at first it’s about "Celebreality" and the 100G’s. :D But eventually God’s message cuts through that dense human matter, and shines a light so bright that troubled young men everywhere begin to wonder if change is possible for them. Obama is not the only one who can bring change.

And yes, positive, self-edifying change is necessary for all. The mentor of the show, Farnsworth Bentley, (You’ve got to love the name.) listens to one heart breaking story after another. My sense is that Bentley knows he is not simply doing a reality show – he IS changing lives. I also feel that this came as an absolute surprise to those involved in creating the show. But The Higher Power is savvy and finds opportunity when and where it is needed the most.

Sometimes, I see me. I see myself, the person who wants to shower the world – the universe - with love, love, and more love.

Top’s Chef contestant Carla Hall is definitely a spiritualist and reminds me of myself...though I don’t cook. She showed respect for her competitors, and did not participate in the reality show behavioral norm – throwing folks under the proverbial bus. Carla rose like a phoenix to the final three. We saw her meditating while Stephan laughed at her. We got a quick glimpse of Carla happily slinking her way into the yogic Upward Dog pose, getting her blood flowing for the final challenge. One of my favorite Carla moments came when the judges told her they could taste the love, a necessary ingredient Carla apparently adds to every dish. Others may laugh and think her ridiculous, but then I'm sure they’ve never read Like Water for Chocolate, and understood the impact of emotions on food. But the BEST moment, the BESTEST MOMENT EVER came during her exit interview. A tearful Chef Carla Hall beautifully says: “When I came here I wanted to show people a different way of competing, to compete with love.” I love you for that Carla! You rock! Don’t ever change!

So people, get with the program (pun intended), and realize that when you decide to follow your spiritual path the higher frequency allows you to see God’s presence in everything, even in something as seemingly inane as a reality television show.

Don’t be shy. You can admit it. I won’t tell a soul. What are you learning from your favorite reality shows? Are you learning something about great human potential and LOVE?

Peace,
Emily Goddess
xo