Great writing, Spiff. All joy (like all experiences) is within us. We can choose to be envious, greedy, or violent. Or we can go "inside" and appreciate the life that God has give us.
Yeah, we should focus on what's real. In every sense. I believe reality isn't just about the things we can see, touch, or measure, but also about our identity, who we are, and why we do what we do. Great post.
I suppose a theme adjacent to this lovely piece is contained in something I read once that stuck with me,and has served me well on occasion when a sort of 'slough of despond' was felt descending at certain points. Which is that, in essence, for the majority of most people's mundane lives outside of those extremes of joy or despair that make fleeting appearances, one can choose happiness or unhappiness as one's default mindset. A mindset which then dictates our whole experience of life whether in solitude or of course in our engagements with our fellow humans. Easier said than done I acknowledge, but perhaps a life skill that can be cultivated with habit-forming self-awareness.
Yes, I have often wondered this too. There is a growing faction who insist we must control our minds and not let our minds control us. You decide the default setting.
So perhaps you can choose to be happy or at least not sad. I do think practicing gratitude helps. It seems to reset us for a while.
I remember hearing about a guy who toured Vanderbilt's Biltmore estate. His impression, after seeing how the richest man in the world lived compared to his simple life was interesting.
Vanderbilt had a huge and impressive library, but this guy had all the information in the world at his fingers thanks to the internet. He also had air conditioning and the ability to travel long distances quickly, something Vanderbilt never had.
This is a comparison of an average person to the richest man in the world, only a hundred years ago. People take for granted how well we live today.
No matter how much or how little the material comfort, everyone has the inspiration and joy of what God has given us in creation. Who would trade seeing sunsets or the fragrance of flowers for an easier life?
Yes, I agree. Queen Victoria was the richest woman in history, but she never had access to cheap painkillers like ibuprofen which we can all access. A small thing, but it illustrates how wealthy we are compared to the very rich only 150 years ago.
I think we're due for the younger generation to enjoy a fad for abandoning screens. Real-life interaction, old-fashioned pen-and-paper letters, the whole works.
I went to a party hosted by a Gen Z girl. Her parents were out of town, so her dad insisted she do the rebel thing and throw a party. So of course she invited all her parents' friends she grew up around. ^_^
But she did invite some of her Gen Z classmates from college. I was struck by what one of them said, a few hours into the party: "It's been really cool just, like, *hanging out* like this!" Kids don't do that anymore. I think they're due.
I agree. Apparently there are a glut of searches for iPods which were discontinued a few years ago. The kids are sick even of infinity downloads. They want a record collection.
A sign of things to come. That’s why the rental mentality doesn’t work. We need our own stuff.
I did. You seem to trash the quiet life as boring and want instead to be part of something. Go for it. Enjoy the excitement of being part of something not quiet or boring. Hope it works out for you.
I don't think we need to equate Thoreau's suggestion to a boring life where nothing happens. I do think it is worth considering the role of money, consumerism, distractions and ease. Perhaps the distinction is to avoid passive consumption. That seems to be the culprit in the decline of most people. They don't do the collaborative things you suggest. They watch Netflix or browse social media. I would argue Thoreau's life was more active than that.
Great writing, Spiff. All joy (like all experiences) is within us. We can choose to be envious, greedy, or violent. Or we can go "inside" and appreciate the life that God has give us.
Namaste.
Agreed. Not always easy with all the distractions around us.
Yeah, we should focus on what's real. In every sense. I believe reality isn't just about the things we can see, touch, or measure, but also about our identity, who we are, and why we do what we do. Great post.
Yes. The real is partly about rejecting the fake too. Fake identities foisted upon us via media consumption, for example.
I totally agree.
I suppose a theme adjacent to this lovely piece is contained in something I read once that stuck with me,and has served me well on occasion when a sort of 'slough of despond' was felt descending at certain points. Which is that, in essence, for the majority of most people's mundane lives outside of those extremes of joy or despair that make fleeting appearances, one can choose happiness or unhappiness as one's default mindset. A mindset which then dictates our whole experience of life whether in solitude or of course in our engagements with our fellow humans. Easier said than done I acknowledge, but perhaps a life skill that can be cultivated with habit-forming self-awareness.
Yes, I have often wondered this too. There is a growing faction who insist we must control our minds and not let our minds control us. You decide the default setting.
So perhaps you can choose to be happy or at least not sad. I do think practicing gratitude helps. It seems to reset us for a while.
Looking at life, and things therein, as if you have Aladdin's lamp on hand is what leads to loads of unhappiness.
One can frame that in religious or psychological discourse if need be, but it's all the same anyway.
Beauty is nowadays I feel to passive an experience - it is to be quested for. Climb the tree to get the apple rather than sitting beneath it waiting.
Some effort definitely helps. If it comes easy we often do not appreciate it.
I remember hearing about a guy who toured Vanderbilt's Biltmore estate. His impression, after seeing how the richest man in the world lived compared to his simple life was interesting.
Vanderbilt had a huge and impressive library, but this guy had all the information in the world at his fingers thanks to the internet. He also had air conditioning and the ability to travel long distances quickly, something Vanderbilt never had.
This is a comparison of an average person to the richest man in the world, only a hundred years ago. People take for granted how well we live today.
No matter how much or how little the material comfort, everyone has the inspiration and joy of what God has given us in creation. Who would trade seeing sunsets or the fragrance of flowers for an easier life?
Yes, I agree. Queen Victoria was the richest woman in history, but she never had access to cheap painkillers like ibuprofen which we can all access. A small thing, but it illustrates how wealthy we are compared to the very rich only 150 years ago.
I think we're due for the younger generation to enjoy a fad for abandoning screens. Real-life interaction, old-fashioned pen-and-paper letters, the whole works.
I went to a party hosted by a Gen Z girl. Her parents were out of town, so her dad insisted she do the rebel thing and throw a party. So of course she invited all her parents' friends she grew up around. ^_^
But she did invite some of her Gen Z classmates from college. I was struck by what one of them said, a few hours into the party: "It's been really cool just, like, *hanging out* like this!" Kids don't do that anymore. I think they're due.
I agree. Apparently there are a glut of searches for iPods which were discontinued a few years ago. The kids are sick even of infinity downloads. They want a record collection.
A sign of things to come. That’s why the rental mentality doesn’t work. We need our own stuff.
Nice article, Spiff, but how about something a little more apropos to the current world situation?
I'm processing all that. A lot is happening. Although I took a break too as it gets depressing. Working on a few pieces.
Then enjoy your excitement. Just remember it has a price.
I did. You seem to trash the quiet life as boring and want instead to be part of something. Go for it. Enjoy the excitement of being part of something not quiet or boring. Hope it works out for you.
No need. Dialogue is welcome.
I don't think we need to equate Thoreau's suggestion to a boring life where nothing happens. I do think it is worth considering the role of money, consumerism, distractions and ease. Perhaps the distinction is to avoid passive consumption. That seems to be the culprit in the decline of most people. They don't do the collaborative things you suggest. They watch Netflix or browse social media. I would argue Thoreau's life was more active than that.