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On AmusementBy Bill RowsomeYou, like I, are sick of SARS, but we are the lucky ones not physically ill from the disease. It has devastated families, as any illness will and revealed our fears of the unknown. It is a very virulent disease, but no worse than the plagues that have in the past ravaged our earth. Thanks to modern medical practices its spread has been minimized and the inconveniences we are experiencing during hospital visits are tolerable compared to what could have been our fate.
It almost brought our health care system to its knees and has devastated Canada's tourist and entertainment industries. SARS, Mad Cow disease, the rising dollar and threat of West Nile Virus have all contributed to losses of hundreds of millions of dollars across the country. We are afraid to be amused in the big cities and that may be a good thing.
It is a sad reflection on ourselves when we are so dependent upon others for amusement. Why do we have to tour for amusement; pay outlandish admissions to watch sports, musical and theatre presentations? Why do we have to gather in large crowds to pay hollow homage to some hero who is now too frightened to make a public appearance in Toronto? It has only been since the onslaught of the latest edition of little wee bugs that that I have mused about our ability to self-amuse. I am easily amused, therefore haven't been obsessed, like many who need to have their funny bones tickled. What has happened that we are not content within family, friends and ourselves? Why do we have to seek beyond them to refresh body and soul?
We are being deprived of some community amusements. Local service clubs, recreation committees and non-profit organizations have also scaled back activities in the face of rising liability insurance costs along with lack of participation and volunteers. We are left to ourselves to amuse ourselves, and that is good. Perhaps this situation may force us to become introspective and creative.
Should I fear that too many of us will retreat to television's mind-numbing addiction and inactivity and thus cause additional problems? That would be ironic; escape from the little wee bugs swirling around the world only to be felled by obesity and its related diseases.
Let us take advantage of what looks like a catastrophe and better our personal health and souls. Walk along a forest path with or without a buddy. If you walk alone, talk to yourself; it is a great method to clarify inner thoughts and problems. There is something about hearing your own voice and contemplating your own questions that promotes better judgment.
Play with children or grandchildren, either your own or a neighbours if you are not blessed with little ones. A child's view of his or her emerging world is fascinating and their innocence a blessing in a world that is certainly not innocent.
Read and think. There is a wealth of knowledge in books, and now on the Internet the world's store of knowledge is at your fingertips. Ponder controversial material and gather different viewpoints, then try to resolve the controversy in your own mind, but stay open minded for change. It is surprising how many of yesterday's undisputed facts are today's fallacies.
Let us revert to more productive activities than amusing others or being amused by others. Build a shack, plant a garden, paint a picture, play some music, write a letter, go fishing or sew a quilt. I muse that the near collapse of the entertainment industry may be a good thing for our overall well-being.
