Above us only sky
Over the past couple of days I've been having these conversations about feeling trapped in a superficial society.
I've been thinking that we need chaos to shake all the shit out of our ears and eyes. So that we can reconnect to life and experience it instead of living vicariously through people we read about in the paper or see on TV or in movies. I've been thinking that we need destruction so that we can be present and experience survival, being real, really knowing and acknowledging where our food, shelter, clothing and entertainment come from. So that we can stop insulating ourselves from each other with walls of noise, brand names and possessions, stop filling the void with the latest DVDs or toys or furniture. So that we can look each other in the eyes comfortably and really see each other.
Sometimes it seems to me that our way of life continues to create more problems than it solves. Take cars and trucks for instance. Sure, my car allows me to travel long (or not so long) distances in a short period of time. It provides a comfortable, climate-controlled environment in which to travel. But it (along with all the others) is poisoning our air, water and earth. Not just with the exhaust but also with the remains of the car itself. The glass, metal, tires. Also, it indulges my laziness as convenience will do. How far will it go? Will it get to the point that to the point that the 'convenience' of not walking affects my health as it has for so many others? In addition, my car usually keeps me insulated from the world as I am passing it by. The radio is on and I drive home on auto-pilot. I get excited when I remember that there are the sights, sounds and smells of trees and plants outside (then I roll down the window, stick my arm out and wish that I were camping). And! Every day people use cars and trucks irresponsibly, injuring and killing themselves and each other. Sod it.
I want to learn to grow my own food and live in the damn woods, or even travel without being dependant on modern society. I don't need lawyers or malls or banks. I don't need a million friends or a hundred or even 30. How can I have a real relationship when you're dealing with so many people? Don't get me wrong I love my friends dearly - it's just so draining to keep up with all of them and have real meaningful relationships with each of them. Somehow I think it would be easier if we felt connected to everyone instead of just select people. Each connection would be special and different as is each person - but it would seem more free and easygoing. I think that if we felt connected to what we eat and wear and the land we live on, then we would also feel connected to the people with whom we share it. Imagine if everyone felt connected.
I just feel that we need to get back to basics in a major way and it is my hope that this 'reality-challenged' society will crumble within my lifetime. It's damn well time for a change. A REAL change.
I've been thinking that we need chaos to shake all the shit out of our ears and eyes. So that we can reconnect to life and experience it instead of living vicariously through people we read about in the paper or see on TV or in movies. I've been thinking that we need destruction so that we can be present and experience survival, being real, really knowing and acknowledging where our food, shelter, clothing and entertainment come from. So that we can stop insulating ourselves from each other with walls of noise, brand names and possessions, stop filling the void with the latest DVDs or toys or furniture. So that we can look each other in the eyes comfortably and really see each other.
Sometimes it seems to me that our way of life continues to create more problems than it solves. Take cars and trucks for instance. Sure, my car allows me to travel long (or not so long) distances in a short period of time. It provides a comfortable, climate-controlled environment in which to travel. But it (along with all the others) is poisoning our air, water and earth. Not just with the exhaust but also with the remains of the car itself. The glass, metal, tires. Also, it indulges my laziness as convenience will do. How far will it go? Will it get to the point that to the point that the 'convenience' of not walking affects my health as it has for so many others? In addition, my car usually keeps me insulated from the world as I am passing it by. The radio is on and I drive home on auto-pilot. I get excited when I remember that there are the sights, sounds and smells of trees and plants outside (then I roll down the window, stick my arm out and wish that I were camping). And! Every day people use cars and trucks irresponsibly, injuring and killing themselves and each other. Sod it.
I want to learn to grow my own food and live in the damn woods, or even travel without being dependant on modern society. I don't need lawyers or malls or banks. I don't need a million friends or a hundred or even 30. How can I have a real relationship when you're dealing with so many people? Don't get me wrong I love my friends dearly - it's just so draining to keep up with all of them and have real meaningful relationships with each of them. Somehow I think it would be easier if we felt connected to everyone instead of just select people. Each connection would be special and different as is each person - but it would seem more free and easygoing. I think that if we felt connected to what we eat and wear and the land we live on, then we would also feel connected to the people with whom we share it. Imagine if everyone felt connected.
I just feel that we need to get back to basics in a major way and it is my hope that this 'reality-challenged' society will crumble within my lifetime. It's damn well time for a change. A REAL change.