Cultural consumption and self-awareness

To those of you who prayed for the conference, thank you! It truly was a blessed day. All told, between participants, kids, and volunteers, we had about forty people there. As far as I could tell, the speakers were engaging; more significantly, the conversations people were having penetrated into the deep issues in their lives. Everyone offered very positive feedback, including the three nonbelievers present. We're still in the process of discussing "what next."

Some food for thought... At what level do you consume the goods of your culture? Meggan and I are in the midst of a ten-day media fast for one of our classes (the professor is a prolific blogger himself); we're abstaining from TV, movies, video games, and superfluous internet usage. (That last one is ironic, as here we are on a blog... For me, it primarily means abstention from ESPN.com, etc. for the duration.) Just for fun, I've tacked on a fast from caffeinated beverages for myself (though I have had some delicious coffee ice cream).

How much of your daily energy is given to activities of this nature? What are the effects of these media on your heart, mind, and relationships? Have recreation and entertainment become synonymous for you? Which of the following words ring true:
...thought-provoking?
...mind-numbing?
...distracting?
...relaxing?
...fun?
...inspiring?
...exciting?
...wasteful?
...enriching?
Others?

Take a minute to think about which words describe your cultural consumption (and which words do not). Honestly chew on that information. Consider trying a media fast, especially if you think it will help you to discern better the effects of these things in your life. I'm not saying one should run away from everything, but a little self-awareness could go a long way. Maybe Meggan and I will come out of this fast & choose to reduce our regular media intake. Maybe I will replace some ESPN.com time with conversation, or contemplation, or study, or prayer, or any manner of other truly enriching human engagement.

As always, comments are welcome...