Many years ago I first encountered this philosophy on a poster. The concept runs counter to what most people seem to feel. The majority of people find solitude oppressive and boring. Being alone with their thoughts is uncomfortable. I find it the ultimate in relaxation.
No television, cell phones or even other people to disturb the beauty of the moment. Cycling has always given me this, for I ride alone. Others would only destroy the mood for me. Total freedom and the time in which to enjoy it.
Our society in general has moved away from this. Most people simply must be 'in touch' all the time. Text messaging while driving, walking and even sitting on the toilet has become normal with somewhat predictable results. People cannot and will not allow themselves to be cut off from others for even a second. Why? What is it about their constant interaction with others they find so vital?
I must confess I don't get it. The world around me has always had more to offer than a phone conversation or text message. Turn off your phones people--look around! Let the silence and yes, the solitude set you free! Sounds corny I know but it's true. Far from making our lives easier, these devices have only added virtual chains around our collective ankles binding us to our jobs, friends and family.
So use that 'Off'' button now and then. Enjoy a little solitude and you just might find freedom.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
It's Still a Beautiful World
It's been over two months since Sarek went walkabout. The universe did not end. Spring eventually came and who knows? We may yet see summer although time is definitely running out. Yesterday it was warmer in Whitehorse than Calgary.
The world is still a beautiful place and it's wonderful to be alive enjoying it. Some things in my life have worked out rather well while others have not. I never did manage to sell any of my stories and eventually stopped writing them. That's right folks, I'm not a writer, just a reader.
On that front my vision has almost returned to normal and I am once again able to sit and enjoy a good book. Back in December my eyes were damaged during an assault at the gas station where I work. I have been assured that no permananet damage was done--sure did hurt though. Bruising someone's fist with your eye socket is not something I'd recommend to anyone.
In spite of what happened then and all the BS that has followed I still thing it's a good life. I look around and see most of the things that are important to me are still here. Cats (and people) have come into my life, stayed for a while and moved on. All have enriched my life in some way. I still have their pictures and all the fond memories they stir.
Maybe that's what life is all about in the end: photographs and memories. The collection grows as we age until it's all there is. If so, it's up to each of us to amass as beutiful a collection as we can. The beauty is out there. All we have to do is take the time to capture and remember it.
The world is still a beautiful place and it's wonderful to be alive enjoying it. Some things in my life have worked out rather well while others have not. I never did manage to sell any of my stories and eventually stopped writing them. That's right folks, I'm not a writer, just a reader.
On that front my vision has almost returned to normal and I am once again able to sit and enjoy a good book. Back in December my eyes were damaged during an assault at the gas station where I work. I have been assured that no permananet damage was done--sure did hurt though. Bruising someone's fist with your eye socket is not something I'd recommend to anyone.
In spite of what happened then and all the BS that has followed I still thing it's a good life. I look around and see most of the things that are important to me are still here. Cats (and people) have come into my life, stayed for a while and moved on. All have enriched my life in some way. I still have their pictures and all the fond memories they stir.
Maybe that's what life is all about in the end: photographs and memories. The collection grows as we age until it's all there is. If so, it's up to each of us to amass as beutiful a collection as we can. The beauty is out there. All we have to do is take the time to capture and remember it.
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