Capitalists have constructed our reality. They have done so because it helps them hoard additional wealth. For whatever reason, these super-villains believe that they need more money than you or I could spend in thousands of lifetimes. They have filled our everyday existence with advertisements and gadgets that take our attention away from what really matters in life, because doing so funnels more cash from us, to them. It feels like there are few places I can go to escape these distractions, and focus on what I consider to be true reality.
You've been an inspiration to me. In November I moved away from FB, Instagram, etc. I do post my Substack there, but honestly, reclaiming my time has been incredible.
Quick question for you, as I have not let go of TV yet, how do you spend your time? What does a typical day look like for you?
I can relate to everything you say here. I too am struggling with maintaining focus - when reading, when writing, even when playing a game with my child. I can get into a deep flow state at work and can be totally present when out on the trail birding and observing the wildlife (thank goodness), but the concentration on home-based pleasures has eroded. Thanks for sharing your journey, I can learn from your trials!
Great essay, Carl. Love the bit about meditating at your desk, it being a sacred space to you—and your point about giving common birds the attention they too seldom get.
That photo of the male Mountain Blueibrds is very nice, Carl - I like the contrast of their colours with the scrub brush in the background. They must be an amazing bird to see in person!
I like your use of an analogue watch - that is something I should get back into using as well so my digital one tethered to my stops bothering me.
That one resource we all have - time - seems to be the one thing the system is after to steal away through distraction. In a sense, the more 'time-chit' IOUs (money) people hoard away by pilfering from others shows the hoarders their real fear. It's literally projected out by their showy and fake glitzy lifestyle: mortality.
You've been an inspiration to me. In November I moved away from FB, Instagram, etc. I do post my Substack there, but honestly, reclaiming my time has been incredible.
Quick question for you, as I have not let go of TV yet, how do you spend your time? What does a typical day look like for you?
I can relate to everything you say here. I too am struggling with maintaining focus - when reading, when writing, even when playing a game with my child. I can get into a deep flow state at work and can be totally present when out on the trail birding and observing the wildlife (thank goodness), but the concentration on home-based pleasures has eroded. Thanks for sharing your journey, I can learn from your trials!
Great essay, Carl. Love the bit about meditating at your desk, it being a sacred space to you—and your point about giving common birds the attention they too seldom get.
That photo of the male Mountain Blueibrds is very nice, Carl - I like the contrast of their colours with the scrub brush in the background. They must be an amazing bird to see in person!
I like your use of an analogue watch - that is something I should get back into using as well so my digital one tethered to my stops bothering me.
That one resource we all have - time - seems to be the one thing the system is after to steal away through distraction. In a sense, the more 'time-chit' IOUs (money) people hoard away by pilfering from others shows the hoarders their real fear. It's literally projected out by their showy and fake glitzy lifestyle: mortality.