Life can come at a person fast, and from every direction.
In the ultra-internet era of social media, art and entertainment have been digitally distilled down to be easily consumed in their purest and most powerful forms. In many ways, information has been weaponized against its audience, people often overwhelmed by an onslaught of words and images streaming into their brains, technologically injected into their cerebral cortex, a mainline flooding their mainframe around the clock.
This deluge of data takes a toll. Beyond simply being at the mercy of the almighty algorithm, we all have granted unprecedented access to others. Our phones now simply an extension of our brain and body—what I call my “robot appendage”, no matter where we may roam, we’re all always but a mere text message away.
Ominous phrases like “doom scroll”, “rage bait” and “brain rot” have become a part of our collective, common vernacular, and that doesn’t bode well. “Hot takes” and unqualified, unpopular opinions posted constantly, carelessly and with reckless abandon, blur our bandwith.
Among the most impressive technological advances in human history, a marvel and miracle of innovation, a tool capable of almost endless creation, our “smart” phone is often reduced to little more than a short attention-span, reality television, meme-screen, delivering cheap dopamine hits like a high definition vape—leaving our collective intellect to go up in a cloud of toxic smoke.
Old school maternal wisdom taught us as kids that “you are what you eat”. The gym really drove this message home, as athletes realized that the food they consume directly and dramatically impacted how they looked, felt and performed. What you ate, quite literally, would be what you were made of. If your food was healthy, hearty and full of nutrients, you could grow big and strong, jumping higher and running faster. If you sat around on the couch and ate junk all day, junk you would become.
I have always felt the same about the arts and entertainment. If you allow a steady stream of reality TV, mumble rap, blockbuster movies, bubble gum pop and AI slop into your mind, what do you think your brain will become? In the fitness field I have too often observed people so disciplined and meticulous about every calorie that enters their mouth, then showing no regard for what they allow into their eye and ear holes all day long.
The human mind is so powerful, capable of manifesting greatness, making something of tremendous stature out of seemingly thin air. But like every portion of our being, it too must be nourished. Just as consuming empty food calories over time will make us fat and sluggish, incapable of speed, strength and dexterity, junk food for the brain will do the same. Media lacking substance will drain us, throwing a wet blanket over the spark of inspiration that feeds the flame in our soul.
My desire is to not shame anyone for their taste in music or movies, but instead, to encourage you to be mindful about your intake. Just as we all deserve a cookie or some cake, a burger and a beer every so often, the exception simply cannot become the rule.
I have lived my adult life on guard against the numb oppression of dumb expression, in hopes of protecting my creative intellect and keeping my mind lean and mean. Training and eating for my brain as I do for my body. All in hopes of becoming stronger, more dynamic and resilient—ready, willing and capable to do extraordinary things. And whether those distractions or negative forces come in the form of people or programs or publishing, they have no place in my life. To remain positive and productive, I’ve gotta stay focused, man.
Focused on the doers of deeds, the creators, the visionaries… Locked in to messages, methods and mindsets that build… In harmony with the forces that make the world a better place, that make life beautiful, that help my fellow humans on their own individual path. Endeavouring to lead by example, becoming a source of direction and optimism for those many who so desperately need something to believe in.
Titling this piece “Guard The Gate” I sought to define this “filtering” process as I call it. Being cognizant at all times of what the super computer between my ears is processing—the thoughtful thought fuel I seek to eat versus that which I choose to avoid. Choosing wisdom over ignorance, confidence over criticism, hope over hate… Seeking to protect the limitless power and potential that lives within us all. In being mindful of what I mine for my mind, I am fighting for my dream, guarding the gate and charting the course for my future.
