We have really put ourselves in a pickle in modern culture. I would argue that the need for perpetual movement (in order to simply survive) is a disease we suffer from most gravely in the US, ironically one of the most "blessed" societies in the world. Or is it?
On the one hand we have brilliantly figured out how to harness massive strength from our workforce and ingenuity in the US but at what cost? Thanks to women's lib and the cost of housing, we are all out there working, marketing, plotting how to make our money. We are lucky to have the opportunity, but do we contemplate what opportunities we have foregone. We eat on the run and haven't a moment to contemplate who we really are and what makes us happy; let alone actually concentrating on attaining inner-peace and dare I say joy.
In stillness we have the ability to look out and see what is around us. When we actually stop moving, creating, thinking we have the chance to evaluate whether our activity is out of desire or need. I am willing to bet, if given the opportunity to stop, would find that the path they are on are not going the direction that's best for them. We are only given one life and we should aim to thrive, not just survive. Is it possible to stop and make that happen? After all we have mortgages and student loans and children and a commute and promotions and retirement and all these things that we MUST put our efforts towards? OR, DO WE HAVE THE POWER TO REFUSE TO LIVE LIFE ACCORDING TO THESE RULES? I think yes.
Now, that I have changed my course the test will be whether I can achieve this elusive inner-peace and joy that we all desire. After finding stillness, I can now see what makes me happy and what drained the life-force. I also have the advantage of a healthy body. How many of us go without 8 hours of sleep, time to read leisure material that enriches our minds, time to stroll on the beach and reflect, and moments dedicated to connecting with our family. These are gifts of which no person should be denied in this short life. Why then, when we individuals make up our society, do we put up with these things being robbed from us for years on end?
I needed to read this today. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I needed to write this today!
ReplyDeleteWhy is it you needed to leave the US in order to stop the purpetual momentum you speak of? Is it that when you are here in that pace, that you actually enjoy it? Or is it that you adopt the pace of whatever environment you find yourself in? Possibly you would find joy if you adopted your own inner happy pace that did not change with your surroundings? Is that the true challenge in life, to not let the world around you determine your level of contentment.... (light thoughts for an early saturday morning :) )
ReplyDeleteI agree that finding your own rhythm is important, but when your pace is dictated- or at least influenced - by financial need it is difficult to change without changing your surroundings. Also, here in Italy the fact that the typical work week is less than 30 hours per week and there are more than 6 weeks of vacation for everybody, rich or poor, it really helps. The siesta or pausa pranzo really helps too because that is a mandatory shut-down period for three hours a day wherein you have time to spend with your family and rest. I am pretty sure that every boss in the US would fire an employee who stopped for a three hour lunch every day (even if they are willing to make that time up later).
ReplyDeleteGreat article! You should write for a magazine. Very insightful and nicely done.
ReplyDeleteI read this on my iPhone whilst rushing to class, and commented on it between a lab report and going to another class. It gave me No catharsis... and may capitalism have mercy on your soul.
ReplyDeleteIf you minus out the 15 hours of pausa pranzo from the 30 hours of work per week, you only get 15 hours of work in a work week......on this schedule it may take you decades to write a book.
ReplyDeleteThere is no question that it is more difficult to "get ahead" in your generation than it was in mine. And it can certainly be convincingly argued that there is an over emphasis on money and material things, especially in the urban areas of the US
ReplyDeleteBut human beings do have the need to derive some level of satisfaction from their activities on this Earth. Whether it be for money or just the satisfaction of accomplishment, there is a need in us for achievement. It might be fine for a while, but I would be bored stiff with 3 hour siestas, too much stillness and just working 15 hours per week.
The challenge is to find the right balance.
Uncle Stef