Turn off the TV and listen to the silence

Published on December 15, 2007

The interest in keeping the TV on stems from the fact that many who are single hate being alone. That's why so much partying goes on among this group, but at home they have no one to talk to so instead turn to TV shows for solace and company.

Indeed, the desire for communication, even if it's just one-way, is so strong that many people keep the TV on even when they have no interest in the programmes. I happen to do this regularly. I could keep the box on all day, from noon to midnight, without changing channels. That's a bad habit, I know. It uses a lot of electricity - not good for someone claiming to be an environmentally friendly person.

This winter, however, I experienced something that loosened my grip on my bad habit, if only for a few days.

I got a chance to take a break and decided to head off to Khao Khor in Phetchabun province. The temperature was a cool 8 degrees in the morning with thick fog from 6 to 9am. Staying in a bungalow provided by the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department meant total tranquillity as there were only seven other houses close by. At 10pm, the hush was all-pervasive and the only thing you could hear was the sound of crickets and other nocturnal creatures.

The peaceful environment extended to other nearby resorts, which line the main road that cuts through the area once occupied by communist guerrillas. But at the national park the silence is even more profound since there are no TV sets in any of the houses.

It was a real pleasure, even for a TV addict like me. I spent the days reading books, cherishing the cool weather and the scenery, bicycling, or driving out to taste local food and visit local attractions. At night, we had a few drinks and went to bed early, then woke up the next day before sunrise. Sometimes, I discovered, you find real peace of mind if you're given a quiet space to ponder problems in need of solutions. This was quality time, but I was spending it with myself.

Over the several days of my stay, my only contact with the outside world was through mobile phone SMS news services.

Once I'd arrived back home, I was surprised to find that I couldn't stand the noise of TV. What was once a comfort had become annoying and all the programmes looked duller than usual. That sense of annoyance lingered on for days. Though my bad TV-indulgence habit has come back, I'm glad that I got a taste of true tranquillity - and at least I could claim to be environmentally friendly for a short while.

Comments can be sent to e_nang30@yahoo.com.

by e-nang

The Nation