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 read a lot & study bird field guides. To be completely honest, I should say “I don’t watch subscription based and/or ad filled TV.” I do watch movies and such on an old fashioned DVD player.
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?
And I watch Dodger games. I’m not looking to change that.
I read a lot & study bird field guides. To be completely honest, I should say “I don’t watch subscription based and/or ad filled TV.” I do watch movies and such on an old fashioned DVD player.
Thanks for the reply Carl! I also love good movies and some older TV shows. And baseball will always be a go to for me tbh.
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!
I’m glad I’m not alone, although, I didn’t assume I was. Thank you for sharing. Good luck, it’s difficult.
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.
Thank you, James! Always love catching up on your writing.
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.
Thank you, Neil. Mountain Bluebirds are really moving through my county right now. They are one of the best birds out there.