In a sea of talking heads and endless information how do we know what is the truth in today's society? Who do we trust?

I think the truth can safely be defined as something we all want to get closer to which is also something that is in our own best interests to know.

Here are five ways we can improve the likelihood that we meet the truth in the busyness of modern times:

1. Avoid messages with too many emotionally charged words.

Words like liberal, conservative, terrorist, enemy, insurgents, Islam and national security are often used because they evoke a strong emotional reaction in us. We give away our own power when we allow those who use these emotionally charged words to direct our energy towards some end. By learning to recognize the usage of these words in the media and then separate ourselves from their emotional effects we begin develop our own discernment for truth.

The truth should be something that is in our own best interests to know.

 

2. Avoid fear. It's easy to see how messages that incite fear are best kept at a distance. To be afraid is to lose control. Why would we want to expose ourselves to chaotic, fearful vibrations when we can choose to listen to other messages that are uplifting and vibrate positively? Something true would not contain fear if we have defined truth as something that we want to get closer to.

3. Who benefits? Too much information is often intended to direct our energies in a particular direction that is meant to benefit someone else. We must look closely to see if our own best interests are being served. Do they listen to us? Do they understand, not just our angers, but our dreams for ourselves and our society? Often our trust in others is taken advantage of when we choose to let fear guide our actions.

4. Be curious. Take time to absorb different viewpoints in a wide variety of subjects. The more knowledge we have the more likely we are to understand events in life. Sometimes the truth is hard to accept because it surprises us with its suddenness or its profound meaning. But we should be cautious here of letting this shock turn into a fear of accepting a new truth. We should not shut down from listening just because information seems outside our comfort zone.

5. A Trusted Friend. It is also a good idea to find a friend or relative that can be trusted and use them as a resource, and we can always ask a senior citizen.