Slow down a little today
Take time to do and see beautiful things.
Most of us have been raised in a very utilitarian world where everything is about rushing and productivity. Our value is often equated only with what we do that is measurable and practical. This is a very quick and effective way to kill the human spirit.
We need to fight for more. We need to see again how vital other aspects of life are. We need to see that people offer so much just in their presence and in being who they are--ourselves included.
Take time today to defy the utilitarianism that has so infected our culture. Do something useless but wonderful, and reconnect to your value as having much more to do with your BEING than your DOING.
Thoughts, friends? This is an old post from another platform, but felt it was really worth sharing here.
A friend's wedding and then finally.. back in business here soon :).
Xx!
Kay
I will quote Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society:
"We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for."
Thank you for your post.
Amazing contribution. Poetry is one of those "useless" things that are completely, utterly essential. Thank you so much for your comment! xx
That's what kind of annoys me about society, everyone seems to be in a rush. They are all in a rush to their dead end job to pay off their house, car, credit cards that everyone else has and they to have too. Hopefully in the future when there's more autonomy and technological advances help us slow down and enjoy our lives more.
It's true.. it's so easy to get caught up in the rat race and live for what is really meaningless in the grand scheme of things. I wonder sometimes if, contrary to the goal of technology, it actually just pushes us further and further away from the simplicity that keeps us plugged in to what is truly valuable and worth taking time for. What do you think?
It certainly seems that way when you're out in public and everyone is staring at their phones. But what I believe is that technology will grow even further where autonomous vehicles, robotics, and the blockchain will free humans from doing tedious tasks and jobs and potentially solve problems we face. What I am trying to say is hopefully technology buys us more time so we then slow down enjoy ourselves our family and enjoy and treat nature with respect again.
I can hope for that! But sometimes I wonder if more conveniences just makes us even busier because people assume we have all the time in the world? I have found that with the ease of communication, for sure.
But.. to those who know how to use it well, it could CERTAINLY be as you describe. Could be amazing..!
You make a good point because we see the evidence in real life today, we can only be hopeful. We will see!
Do something useless but wonderful.
I love this, even its paradox <3
The "useless" is often the most wonderful thing. It turns out that the "useless" things are actually the MOST useful because they serve the human core. Incredible, hey?
Saw your post the other day that skyrocketed. Although I'm coming from a very different place on the subject matter, my fundamental response was: I really hope she does well so she doesn't have to do that anymore. It broke my heart to read it. I really hope Steem works out for you--and it looks like people really want to help you out! It's been very hopeful for me as well. xx
It's all about being in the now :)
Happy weekend to you!
Thanks! Sorry for being so MIA.. Only last week I was in LA, and then back in Washington, and then driving back here, unpacking, singing for my friend's wedding.. phew! But back in business :). Hope you are well! Nice follower count there, btw :). xx
Thank you! Yes you were missed haha :) Glad you're doing well and are gigging a lot!
It's amazing just how much people do judge themselves and others based upon what they do that is measurable... in dollars!
The world is an amazing place, and our lives are usually more full of blessings (even if little ones) than we realize. And yet all most of us can see is money, money, money. So we miss all the beauty and all the tiny delights and little treasures of life all around us, and end up sour, bitter, jaded people. But we don't have to be.
And I think, thankfully, at least some people are starting to wake up and realize life is worth more than just what you can fit in your wallet.
Thanks for your comment! It is truly sad when that's all it's about. I try not to be too hard on people caught up in it, because it's really so hard to get out of what you've been taught your whole life is what is valuable. It's a long road out! And you're right.. a lot of people are realizing that the almighty wallet isn't going to make them happy or peaceful. Lots of honest seekers these days! xx
Yes, it's important to always remember to go easy on others, because like you said, this is what pretty much all of us have been told since we were born. That our only value is in what kind of career we end up in and how much the world will respect it, and how much it pays.
Kind of like they teach us "you can do anything you want, if only you try hard enough." Only God can do anything, in any circumstances. The rest of us are going to have to deal with the reality. Not become depressed and throw the towel in... but learn that everyone's circumstances are different, and we don't get other people's. We have to figure out how to make the best of our own, do what we CAN do, and then do our best to make peace with the things we really can't change. But again, as a result of the lies the world beats into our heads from the cradle, people will attack those who are down in life for "not doing enough" even if there is literally nothing they can do.
Lots of the things the world has taught us are toxic lies. Sad thing is, they have real consequences when we fall for them. They hurt us and those around us.
You can only master the reality in which you live, as much as it really is possible for you, when you know the TRUTH about that reality. Operating on lies generally leads to disaster, whether great or small.
Learning to notice the beauty, the little things in life, and to appreciate them deeply, sometimes goes a long way in learning to see that truth. It's not usually as dark as we tend to think it is, when we're blind to all life's blessings!
Very beautiful thoughts on life and meaning. Taking time to enjoy beauty makes us more aware and alive.
Thank you! It really does.. I often wonder if that is a prescription of sorts for all sorts of ailments.. having a more peaceful heart from encountering beauty really does change things, sometimes in radical ways, for people. I think we have utterly underestimated its value and essentiality. xx
"Thoughts, friends? This is an old post from another platform, but felt it was really worth sharing here."
My thought is that you should share more this old posts. It is wonderful!
Haha! What a fun and sweet compliment. I will do so, then! It's so nice to have a place to share where I feel like it is truly appreciated.. elsewhere, I felt more and more that it was pointless to post, and no one was reading or really caring much. Thank you! xx
Looking good
haha thanks. The artistic merit goes to the friend who took the picture :)
Very good post :)
Thank you kindly :). xx
you are welcome :)
AMEN!!! Keep preaching sister!!!!
Haha! I love the all caps and exclamation points. It makes me really believe you :). Thanks so much for your comment and support! (!!!!!!).
Well, you can't see me waving my hands in support. I know that you are touching people below the surface and that is such a rare talent these days...keep being you.