Coming Travels

I enjoyed a pretty nice little Saturday, reference intended, in that I planned some trips over the next year. Besides being privileged enough to do that, I was appreciative of the state of the world improving enough to travel. 

There is so much adventure out in the world, and it’s been lying there undiscovered throughout this pandemic. As more people across the globe have accumulated more wealth, scenic spots have become more sought out. 

The pandemic changed that temporarily, but we are a curious species, and it was only a matter of time before visits resumed. To travel is to seek life’s rhythm, so that we may match our own. 

Anticipating Things

On this planet at least, we are the leaders in anticipation. There are no other animals that can predict future actions the way we can. 

Before we organize a parade for ourselves, we should analyze the implications of this. Is our ability really that substantial, and if so how can we leverage it?

If we consider our species’ abilities in this sense, we can organize better and accomplish priorities. How special are we, and how special do we want to be? 

Change Together

We unconsciously adapt to our environmental circumstances, which can make it hard to see self change. But sometimes you wake up one day and can’t believe how different things are, how different you are. 

Channeling this continual change proves to be one of life’s great challenges, and adventures. How we navigate this other world determines our concept of time as well as the results. 

We all share this struggle, this journey, and it can serve as a common experience upon which to rally. We are not alone; we are here on this rock together, and what we decide to do echos through the void. 

One Autumn Morning

Taking the dog for a throw early this morning, I was mesmerized by the sky and the inclement seasonal changes. The air was crisp and light, and you could literally see the winds of change high above, moving the light of the morning. 

It struck me, standing in that open field surrounded by tall trees, my feet treading dew and my breath visible before me, how incredibly beautiful a morning can be. Even an “ordinary” one becomes magnificent in the still early hours, away from technology, as the Earth slowly rotates toward the sun. 

We face problems and contemplate solutions and live and die on this Earth, and all the while it provides the most splendid home we could ask for. As we head into Autumn with yet another opportunity to witness this magical seasonal change, let us remember to treasure our home. 

Dogs and Monkeys

I grew up around dogs, and so never really questioned our domestication of other animals. When you zoom out to somewhere else in our solar system, it is kind of a wild concept. 

Because at the end of the day, we are upright monkeys with oddly shaped heads. We see ourselves as normal, but taken from this far off vantage point, we are nothing short of extraordinary. 

Which is why we must consider the big picture, the one hundred million mile view. Such perspective unlocks new potential, collaboration, and wonder; to see is to be. 

Public Concept

I realized today there is no such thing as a public sector. It’s all political; public institutions are simply those backed by power. 

We call something public when a large number of people, or enough powerful people, participate in the idea of something. Is California’s public education system public to people in Sudan?

We are tribal creatures living in a political world, still figuring out how to organize. What can we make public for all?

Fighting to Thrive

It’s not fatalistic to take a look around at the world and say we’ve got some serious problems; it’s the truth. And the most important obstacle we face is to recognize that and keep fighting. 

Our species is not healthy, our planet isn’t healthy, and our collective will seems to be dissipating. But we have the power to change it all, and we will. 

Humanity has something unique and beautiful to offer the universe. When we remember that, the future fades from focus…and is replaced by an embrace of the present—we can do this. 

To Celebrate

We may celebrate too many things too much in modern society, but it’s important to celebrate. Life is amazing, and part of its magic is to embrace, enjoy, and honor what this all is. 

Commemorating the union between two individuals is one of my favorite forms of celebration. At a wedding, everything outside the here and now is discarded; people acquiesce to the beauty of the moment.

May we continue evolving in our celebrations of life as a society, and may we recognize the things worth celebrating. They are often the most simple and most beautiful. 

Considering Growth

Our system’s core tenet is growth, which diametrically opposes sustainability. It’s no wonder our economics are uncompromising, our politics inconsiderate. 

Of course entropy remains inescapable, but perhaps we can adjust our approach. We can at least strive to better balance longevity and openness, and reward creativity and exploration. 

Growth isn’t inherently bad, but it’s only one element in the equation. Do we want it to be our generation’s legacy?

Together Support

I’ve noticed that my tribe experiences the worst of me, and I aim to change that. But at the same time, their support elevates my perspective. 

We generally expose ourselves the most to those we care about the most. If we recognize that and acknowledge its reverse, it can allow us to provide the same support. 

It comes back to the basic bottom line: we are social creatures that thrive together. And “together” means all of us. 

Good Things Coming

There are good things happening in the world all the time. Today I got to be privy to just another one of them. 

Growing up is developing your tribe even further, at least in the modern world. We are the company we keep, and in today’s age, we mostly get to choose our company. 

There is hope on the horizon, we just have to look toward it. We never know what’s coming, and that’s one of the many things that makes life worth living. 

Considering Time

I was viewing a library page online that used the term “60 days.” It surprised me when the date shown read November 27, 2021. 

November doesn’t seem so far away, but 60 days feels like a new person will exist where I am now. It makes me ponder the nature of a “week,” how we internalize its importance as a society. 

Our perception of time is merely…that. Our time is what we make of it. 

The Power of the Internet

The internet has changed the world, and should be treated as a public utility. It enables new functionality in every home, much of which has been necessary during the pandemic. 

While we maybe need to take a break from our phones more often, their power with the internet is undeniable. This second layer of the internet creates new ways to interact and engage in commerce.

Much like automobiles and airplanes in how they changed transportation, the internet is changing what’s possible for the average person. If we protect and encourage these possibilities, we’ll inhabit a more connected, and more equal, world. 

Football Season?

I’ve watched more football in the past 2 weeks than in the previous 3 years. It‘a an American tradition right?

There’s certainly effervescence in the stadium, amongst thousands of souls. It’s an interesting sociological phenomenon, to say the least. 

It makes me wonder if we can rally for a more collective purpose. What do we choose to act on?

Passing Down Wisdom

There’s some kind of hallowed reverence around father-son time. Something primordial that people respect. 

In today’s world, it can be as simple as watching a football game—the American gladiator games. In the past it may have been temperance with other tribes. 

The passing down of knowledge is only the first layer. The true transference, for the past few hundred thousand years, is multidirectional wisdom. 

Energy Choices

Energy comes and goes, and part of life is catching it. I often feel there’s strategy in riding out the lows.

We keep marching onwards in time, and must choose the moments we fully embrace. Those decisions determine the path we ultimately walk. 

So where are we going to go, individually and as a society? There’s only so much energy, and we have to choose. 

Meaning and Suffering

I have much to learn about Buddhist philosophy, but I was thinking today about the notion that attachment leads to suffering. It occurred to me that perhaps the orientation around avoiding suffering shouldn’t be the goal.

Maybe meaning, and in a sense value, can be our orientation to the universe. When we ascribe meaning to our existence, and everything else we choose, of course there will be inevitable suffering. 

But is that worthy of despair, of pushing back on the reality we experience? Acceptance of some suffering enables us to embrace the meaning and sheer amazingness of this thing we call the universe; and I’m starting to realize—even if there’s inherent suffering, it is worthwhile. 

Time over Distance

Space and distance are relative: a drive up to the city can seem short or far, depending on one’s mood and perspective. Same reason why the way back always feels faster. 

What I’ve come to realize is it feels better with your tribe, no matter the distance. Making the effort to spend time with them pays dividends in the future.

In the modern world we don’t always live close to our families, but we can also conquer distance. It’s our choice, how to spend the time given to us. 

Defeating Despair

There is always much to look forward to. If we remember that, we can conquer whatever the day may bring. 

Another strategy is to consider the big picture. Is life really so bad, compared to what others have experienced, compared to the large problems before our species?

No, we can pull ourselves up, put up, and contribute to a better world. Digging in and pushing back against despair is the way to fight it. 

Back to the World

We can change the world, while still maintaining balance in our own individual lives. Martyrdom isn’t necessary to make a difference on this planet. 

Some do it by turning their calling into their career, dedicating hours of effort every week. Others offer their passions outside of work, adding value through hobbies. 

There is no wrong answer, as long as we each do something, no matter how small or often. We enjoy luxurious lives compared to those who lives before—it’s only just to give back what we can to the world.