<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alesadam/3869366195/sizes/m/in/photostream/" target="_blank"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3227" title="candlelight" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/candlelight-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" /></a>Day 105 was a sad day for my home state of Arizona and a sad day for America. </p>

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<p>Usually I am not a news watcher.  Years ago, I followed Dr. Andrew Weil's advice on news fasting, and I never looked back. </p>

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<p>On Saturday, I couldn't tear myself away from the news.  Perhaps because this particular tragedy hit so close to home.</p>

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<p>When a candlelit vigil at the state capitol was announced, I immediately felt called to ditch my evening plans (and blog project plans) of dancing to participate in the vigil.  I wasn't in the mood for a country bar.  I craved personal quiet time for reflection. </p>

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<p>I couldn't find anyone to go to the capitol with me, and I didn't want to head downtown alone.  Instead, I conducted a candlelit vigil on my own at home. </p>

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<p>I lit a candle and listened to selections from <strong><a href="http://www.soundstrue.com/shop/To-Bless-the-Space-Between-Us/536.pd" target="_blank">To Bless the Space Between Us:  A Collection of Invocations and Blessings</a></strong> by John O'Donohue. </p>

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<p>I prayed for the victims and their families.  I prayed for an end to senseless tragedies.  I prayed for hope, peace and love to expand in our world. </p>

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<p>Since then, I have not turned the news back on.  I am back to my fast. </p>

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<p>What I despise about the news is its incessant harboring on all that is bad and ugly in this world.  The news media are like vultures when a tragedy occurs.  They pick apart every disgusting detail. </p>

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<p>Do we really need to know all the details? </p>

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<p>What if the news focused on what is beautiful and positive in this world?  What if the news took a break from its current coverage from Tucson and shared stories of hope and wisdom and courage? </p>

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<p>Is this really so Pollyana-ish?  I don't think so.  The news media is a business.  And business is based on supply and demand.  If we demand different news stories, the media will deliver. </p>

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<p><a href="http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02034/simple-steps-to-a-better-life.html#rejuvenate" target="_blank"><strong>Will you join me in a news fast?</strong> </a></p>