I’m convinced it is.
My foray into learning about mushrooms has been an opportunity to replace my fear with knowledge. It’s empowering, exhilarating and fun.
I do not understand why our leaders are dedicated to creating an atmosphere of relentless fear and stress. It’s both physically and mentally unhealthy. Franklin Delano Roosevelt did our country a big favor when he said, “Nothing to fear but fear itself.” Hurricane Ernesto has moved on and I cannot wait to hit the trail. My mushroom guru, “Wildman” Steve Brill assures me that it does not have to be particularly warm for the mushrooms to appear.
Last year at this time I felt confident to pick two varieties of wild mushrooms. Now I can enjoy five. What an achievement! I feel more confident, hopeful and ready to learn than I have in a very long time.
Meanwhile, the mass media is going in the opposite direction. Who benefits here?
Why would I choose to be stressed and afraid? It’s like being in a cage with an unlocked door and refusing to leave. What’s safe about that?
I was afraid to mess with puffballs for the same reason everyone is afraid of wild mushrooms - poisonous look-a-likes. I admit to sitting in that mental cage for more years than was necessary - but once I read, studied, found knowledgeable experts and took initiative - I became a rock star.
So, what is keeping people with media power from educating, rather than dumbing down my fellow citizens?
I understand the desire to be safe and secure. I understand that risk-taking requires initiative and focus. Maybe it’s the realization that I’m getting older and life is precious. But fear is not the mind-set I want to dominate my day’s thoughts.
One blessing of living in the US is that I am free to walk out my front door into public spaces and forage to my heart’s content, at least for now. I can test any of my skills for surviving in a natural setting and become proficient - as long as I have the desire. I can view failed attempts as opportunities to fine-tune my skills. I am free. I simply refuse to commit to being afraid 24/7. It’s too much work. I’d rather be foraging.