Trevy, Thank you for your thoughts on what I think are really important concerns to consider, especially because we tend to consider technology distractions as being more an issue for younger folks. But maybe those who grew up with technology all around are learning to regulate their exposure. I find myself longing for more time to nourish my spirit these days, and for me, that means time outdoors in the nearby wild (an untended park or a wild-ish river trail rather than say, a manicured lawn and garden setting) or time spent without the distraction of laptop or phone. I don't have a watch or a tv, so that probably places me far outside the mainstream of Americans these days, but it makes me much less prone to electronic distractions. My word for the year is simplicity, which I think reflects my need for more restful quiet! And BTW, I chuckled at your example about chocolate versus walk. I am firmly in the camp of having both. Chocolate is an essential nutrient, isn't it? (Hah!) Blessings to you as you search for balance in these times.
Susan, I agree with your description of what time outdoors looks like and I do struggle with that a bit now since my recent move. At the old house, I could just open the door and walk outside and I was in it. I could go for a walk in my yard and be surrounded by forest. Of course, once I got down the driveway, there was nothing but other houses and here there's a whole world to explore that is not nature but is filled with community. It's very hard to find both!
Trevy, I understand how hard that adjustment can be, and I wonder if there is a trail somewhere within a short drive that would give you that immersion. When I travel, I always keep my eyes open for where there are bits of wildness tucked in alleys or behind commercial developments, or trails in unexpected places. I think one of the most short-sighted ways we plan development is that we assume that we can either have houses or wildness, or development or nature. We can have both, and we should plan the human community to integrate us with our home in nature!
I wholeheartedly agree! If only I could have entered town at the end of my old driveway, it would have been heaven. Maybe in the future, we'll get it right. Meanwhile I'm still looking for the right places here. Thanks, Susan.
I am currently experimenting with changing my phone screen to black and white instead of color. It does make it a bit less attractive. But not as much as I'd prefer it to.
I also enjoy walks in "real nature" but can't always get there easily. But I'd suggest that practicing deep awareness while walking anywhere can be rewarding. I find that one I stop the mental dialog of 'back here; same old same old' it is possible to look at things differently. And that opens up a whole new walk.
The crazy part, and truly sad, is when I pass people walking who are staring into their phones as they go along. Often with a sad unobserved dog along with them!
But back to awareness: i think that's the key to forging better days.
And don't get fooled by memory: you may think you were more together when you were younger, but you seem better than that now. The past really is selective memory, and gone to boot.
Comments like this are why I keep you around 😊. Staying present in whatever walk I have, and not clinging to what used to be is excellent advice. Thank you. I agree about people staring at their phones (or worse, talking on them) while they walk. I also have trouble walking with people who want to talk or gossip the whole time. And yes, enjoying the dog's experience is a big part of it. Good like-minded observations, Dave.
Trevy, Thank you for your thoughts on what I think are really important concerns to consider, especially because we tend to consider technology distractions as being more an issue for younger folks. But maybe those who grew up with technology all around are learning to regulate their exposure. I find myself longing for more time to nourish my spirit these days, and for me, that means time outdoors in the nearby wild (an untended park or a wild-ish river trail rather than say, a manicured lawn and garden setting) or time spent without the distraction of laptop or phone. I don't have a watch or a tv, so that probably places me far outside the mainstream of Americans these days, but it makes me much less prone to electronic distractions. My word for the year is simplicity, which I think reflects my need for more restful quiet! And BTW, I chuckled at your example about chocolate versus walk. I am firmly in the camp of having both. Chocolate is an essential nutrient, isn't it? (Hah!) Blessings to you as you search for balance in these times.
Susan, I agree with your description of what time outdoors looks like and I do struggle with that a bit now since my recent move. At the old house, I could just open the door and walk outside and I was in it. I could go for a walk in my yard and be surrounded by forest. Of course, once I got down the driveway, there was nothing but other houses and here there's a whole world to explore that is not nature but is filled with community. It's very hard to find both!
Trevy, I understand how hard that adjustment can be, and I wonder if there is a trail somewhere within a short drive that would give you that immersion. When I travel, I always keep my eyes open for where there are bits of wildness tucked in alleys or behind commercial developments, or trails in unexpected places. I think one of the most short-sighted ways we plan development is that we assume that we can either have houses or wildness, or development or nature. We can have both, and we should plan the human community to integrate us with our home in nature!
I wholeheartedly agree! If only I could have entered town at the end of my old driveway, it would have been heaven. Maybe in the future, we'll get it right. Meanwhile I'm still looking for the right places here. Thanks, Susan.
I'm sending all sorts of good wishes for the right places to appear there for you, soon, Trevy!
I love that❤️ Thank you, Susan!
I am currently experimenting with changing my phone screen to black and white instead of color. It does make it a bit less attractive. But not as much as I'd prefer it to.
Wow Rachel, I never thought of that. Thank you for sharing it! Even if it helps a little, it's something.
I also enjoy walks in "real nature" but can't always get there easily. But I'd suggest that practicing deep awareness while walking anywhere can be rewarding. I find that one I stop the mental dialog of 'back here; same old same old' it is possible to look at things differently. And that opens up a whole new walk.
The crazy part, and truly sad, is when I pass people walking who are staring into their phones as they go along. Often with a sad unobserved dog along with them!
But back to awareness: i think that's the key to forging better days.
And don't get fooled by memory: you may think you were more together when you were younger, but you seem better than that now. The past really is selective memory, and gone to boot.
Comments like this are why I keep you around 😊. Staying present in whatever walk I have, and not clinging to what used to be is excellent advice. Thank you. I agree about people staring at their phones (or worse, talking on them) while they walk. I also have trouble walking with people who want to talk or gossip the whole time. And yes, enjoying the dog's experience is a big part of it. Good like-minded observations, Dave.