Sunday, May 22, 2011

a short interjection

I watch. The Alamo trees overhead sway gently announcing a change in weather. Any stubborn leaves still hanging on will eventually lose patience or strength and join their brethren to be swept into piles. Just like they have in years past. And years to come.

There is a simple complexity, or a complex simplicity, in the natural course of a year. In New York I was vaguely aware of the passing of time as a natural occurrence. Time was, instead, marked by the school year, a human creation. The seasons passed and left a taste in the mouth, like eggnog in the winter or fruit smoothies in the summer. But no matter the weather, life continued as normal, hardly batting a mascaraed eyelash. Anything could be done in any weather. That’s the convenience of a city. It allows us to be independent of season, moon phase, hours of sunlight, temperature maximums and minimums, wind. In fact, we hardly even notice them. And why should we? They’re just another thing to interfere with business as usual.

But what happens when we are unprotected? When we are exposed to the mercy of the weather? When survival depends on harnessing natural resources? When importance shifts from knowing how to use android apps to knowing how to use your hands? When we are forced to face raw life, rather than life filtered through a screen? Well, perspectives shift and priorities switch.

Comforts of modern society are just that, comfortable. They are shields. They protect. And most are fantastic! But they should be used in moderation. They are very easy to overdose on; one should be careful not to get addicted. They dilute life. They cloud our vision. They skew our senses. And what is the point of life if you’re not really living it?

I’m not saying that everyone should give up everything and go live in the countryside. Although that would be funny. No. The world works because there is a grand variety of people, interests, skills, and beliefs. What I’m saying is that perhaps it would do one good to step outside of the monotonous churnings of the daily grind every once in a while. Wipe your eyes. Blink. See something new. Sit in silence. Meditate on the nearest blade of grass. Appreciate the simple. Slow down. Try something new. Dance. Have a conversation with a stranger. Climb the next tree you see and feel the strength of the bark breathing under your fingertips. Smile more. Discover profound passion.

I found this Manifesto on my friend, Ashley’s, blog: www.miniskirtninja.com I thought I’d share it. Holstee is company that sells organic, recycled, fair trade… etc. goods. Check it out! www.holstee.com



y en castellano!

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