As humanity progressed through the years, the flood of information we encounter daily has grown exponentially. This dynamic is even more profoundly felt in our current digital age, where we find ourselves ensnared in a relentless flood of data at every turn. News headlines, social media updates, and viral trends inundate our consciousness, shaping our perceptions and identities. My heart fills with sorrow when I contemplate the profound implications this continuous influx of media has on our sense of self. It creates an illusion of wholeness and well-being, when in fact it fragments us and distances us further from our core values and beliefs.

The way I see our society currently unfolding reminds me of the ancient art of papier-mâché. This craft involves layering strips of paper to create a form, an external shell that masks the underlying structure. In the same manner, our minds become enveloped by layers of media, each headline and social media post adding another strip to the ever-thickening shell that surrounds our true selves. We are truly becoming walking amalgamations of external influences, losing touch with our intrinsic identity.

空っぽの器 (karappo no utsuwa), a Japanese phrase meaning "empty vessels," aptly defines the essence of this phenomenon. Many of us have become hollow inside, our true selves buried beneath the endless storm of content we are constantly flooded with on media. Our inner worlds, once rich with emotions, reflections, and unique perspectives, are now dominated by the superficial noise of the digital landscape. The most alarming aspect is that we are not filled with our own thoughts and feelings but with those projected onto us by the media.

But is this what we truly desire? Do we want to become passive vessels, defined by external narratives rather than our own? This is not solely about the loss of our individuality but also about the erosion of critical thinking and personal agency. In today's world, where numerous technological advancements can change our lives for better or worse, and where we face life-changing decisions more frequently than ever if we allow media to dominate our consciousness, we automatically surrender our ability to form independent opinions and make informed decisions. Is this truly what we want?

Certainly, not all of us are experiencing this phenomenon, as many have come to understand the influence media has on our lives. But for those who find themselves in the previously described position, I believe that the first step in reclaiming your true self is to acknowledge the extent of the media's influence. You need to immerse yourself in a conscious effort to peel away the layers that obscure your identity. It's an introspective journey that demands mindfulness and deliberate action. You need to cultivate spaces for reflection (as no one will offer them to you), away from the cacophony of the media. Meditation, journaling, and spending time in nature are just a few of the practices that have allowed others to reconnect with their true selves. They may not work for you; only you can discover and understand what activity works best for you!

The second step, in my opinion, should be to learn how to consume media and to become discerning consumers of it. Not all information that reaches our eyes or ears holds equal value; some enriches our understanding, while other merely adds to the chaos. We need to start critically evaluating the media we engage with, as it is only through this approach that we can begin filtering out the noise and focus on content that aligns with our values and interests. By focusing on mindful rather than mindless consumption, we can regain control over our mental landscape, filling it with meaningful and enriching content.

The third and most important step we need to take to anchor ourselves in our true identity is to foster more genuine human connections. We are living in a world that is increasingly mediated by screens, one in which only face-to-face interactions can remind us of the importance of love, kindness, empathy, and shared experiences. These are the connections that ground us in reality, counteracting the often distorted and fragmented narratives presented by the media.

This journey towards rediscovering our true selves is neither easy nor quick. It's a continuous process of peeling back the layers, challenging the external influences that seek to define us, and nurturing the essence that lies beneath. It is about finding balance—acknowledging the role of media in our lives, but not allowing it to overshadow our individuality.

Let us strive to be more than empty vessels. Let's start navigating the media landscape more consciously, engage in introspective practices, and foster more genuine connections. These, I believe, are some of the only ways of ridding ourselves of the external influences that have taken over our souls and rediscovering our true selves. And remember, even though often overshadowed, our essence is always worth uncovering and celebrating.

I felt that the message expressed in the lines above needed more than just a textual manifestation. Thus, I've decided to breathe life into it through a visual piece entitled "Papier-Mâché". This is my first ever piece on Foundation, and as I love to start any of my journeys with something memorable, I've decided that this message—one that has weighed heavily on my heart for a while—is the best way to begin.

"Papier-Mâché" is a visual representation of the metaphor for the struggle against media saturation. The figure in the piece signifies how our true essence is often hidden beneath the weight of external information. Yet, it also offers hope—the potential to strip away these layers and reveal the authentic self beneath.

You can follow this link to explore the visual piece closely, and if it resonates, you can also make it yours there.

Thank you!

Have a blessed day!🌹

Eduard🌹