Maybe All We Need Is A Good Quest?
First of all, thanks for all the kind words of support for my latest short story, becoming. As someone who’s been on this platform for a very long time, it's an incredible feeling to experience that kind of enthusiasm for my work again.
I wanted to talk a bit about what my motivations and intentions were for writing that particular story. Mainly I wanted people to actually experience, through the story, what it would feel like to be faced with such a massive decision as the main character, Evan, was.
On a deeper level I wanted to explore how the decision to undertake a real risk-laden, adrenaline-fueled quest would affect someone in our modern times. In humanity’s not-so-distant past risks were experienced almost on a daily basis. Our risk tolerance was much higher probably in past centuries because it had to be for us to survive. I’d venture a guess that, even though their lives were shorter and more difficult, the average person five hundred years ago probably felt more fulfilled, satisfied, and alive than many people do today. Survival was their main focus.
The article above is an interesting take on the perils of a wandering mind. There’s been such a meteoric rise in mental illnesses and physical disease of all kinds in the past fifty years. Humanity as a whole, seems to have a sizable void inside them that they try to fill with all sorts of unhealthy things. Many of us lack that one, singular important thing to focus on. I can’t help but wonder how much of these maladies could be made better or even cured by a good old-fashioned challenge—an adventure-filled quest?
I'm a firm believer in the phrase, ambition without action becomes anxiety. Perhaps this is why hard work outs make us feel so incredibly good, puzzles are so satisfying to solve, and traveling to far-off, exotic places make our souls sing. We crave action and new experiences. I suspect most of us walk around with a certain longing inside of us that’s just too blurry around the edges to describe. Well, I imagine this next decade of our existence is going to provide us with a massive amount of these quests. It’s only a matter of time.
In Full Bloom
During our evening stroll through the woods and wetlands behind our house last night I noticed absolutely everything is in bloom. I took this photo with Portrait Mode on my iPhone 15 Pro. I always forget about this camera feature but it’s fun to play around with, having control of which part of the photo is in focus adds a whole new dimension to digital photography.
We're getting a little less sunlight every day now and it's already becoming noticeable. July 4th is the unofficial middle of summer for us in the Upper Midwest. Before we know it the leaves will be showing their colors, the evenings will grow crisp, and pumpkin spice lattes will be popping up at all the local coffee shops. Summer is slipping away before our very eyes and I intend to make the most of what's left.
All for now. Thanks for reading.
The rise in mental issues could also be a good sign. Given that we are living in a sick society, it would be scary if people had no mental issues, you know, like being OK with the state of the world. I think it was Hillman that commented on the irony that therapists are required to fix their patients' issues so they can be happy, and fit in a sick society.
Even if we avoid the news as much as possible, we know about the genocide in Gaza and somehow we manage to go about our day as if nothing was happening. Being witness to that horror is a trauma and we react like trauma victims by dissociating and trying to protect what's left of us.
I agree! Big Pharma is quick to give people meds to "help (numb)" them as well. Even if we can't change the way the world unfolds around us we can work on making ourselves healthier/happier. I've been on a conscious hiatus from mainstream media for going on ten years now but there's no escaping the news if you're on social media. I think doing difficult things could be a way of helping us pull out of the nosedive we're in as a species. Those in control figured out a long time ago that it's advantageous to keep us in negative/vulnerable emotional states. I started a Russian kettlebell routine about six months ago that absolutely kicks my @ss and I've noticed what a better perspective I have throughout the day because of that. I tend to make better choices of all different kinds too.
Getting involved in physical activities, tackling tough problems, or discovering new locations can act as remedies for the boredom that frequently comes with modern life.
Absolutely.
How are you, dear friend @ericvancewalton? Good afternoon.
I'm glad you've experienced that feeling of satisfaction in what you do. I think that's what a writer seeks; knowing that what they do reaches people, and the feedback they receive is a source of satisfaction for the soul.
It's great that you have this natural space behind your home, and that you're experimenting with the camera's features; you've taken beautiful spring shots.
Enjoy a beautiful afternoon.
All is well on this end, I hope you are too! Thank you Luis. Have a wonderful week!
I noticed that things are staying a little darker longer in the morning. I thought at first it was just because I was getting up a little earlier, but then I realized we are just past that point. They recently created some wetland trails near where my wife and I live and I noticed the other day on the way to my parents they are full of wildflowers. It's quite beautiful. I might try to get out and walk one of the trails on Friday if it isn't too hot!
It's becoming so apparent that we're on the downslide here. With all the precipitation we've had this summer I'm cringing at the thought of how much snow we'll get...1" of rain = 4" of snow. I hope you can get out on the trails!
I actually wouldn't mind a big snowy winter as long as the ice stays away.
I don't see how we arrive at so much anxiety when there are so few people with genuine ambition. I say this not to discount existential anxiety and related disorders, but a lot of therapy and wellness is quite literally asserting to yourself that you can change things.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, etc - its just about convincing yourself that there's a different outlook, or different perspectives available.
What, to me, gets really interesting is the notion that smart people are generally sadder people, because they can much more often foresee the outcome or perceived lack of control in situations.
I had a discussion on the weekend with a stranger. I hope they won't be a stranger for long. I was collecting my art work from the gallery (unfortunately, it didn't sell) - and she was close to her 90s; standing upright in the sun, and she spoke about the fact that the world she grew up in wasn't the world she lived in today.
She lamented the plight of younger people, and acknowledged that perhaps people not having children were the smartest of all, for there didn't seem to be much joy left in the world to inherit.
We talked about death, art, and the future. I do hope she'll be at the gallery's opening on Fridaay night. I'd very much like to continue that conversation with her.
I think it's possible that ambition is laying latent in everyone, underneath layers of fear and false beliefs and their lack of action causes a vicious loop. Although I would agree higher IQ individuals generally are less happy, I wonder how much of this unhappiness could be attributed to a unbalanced mental/psychological states more than the higher IQ? A lot of really smart people I've met are smart in a somewhat concentrated/narrow band but fall short in other areas lower IQ individuals excel in.
I'm sorry the art didn't sell. That's so great when we connect with people like that from other generations! I always enjoy hearing their perspectives on things. We have so much to learn from one another. I'd love to see organized meet-ups where the younger and older generations are paired together regularly for socializing and conversation. That used to be baked into society when it was common for elderly parents to move in with their children but now most elderly are cordoned off in retirement communities.
Could also be they sense a higher level of responsibility / understanding of event driven causality.
This is something I've been trying to work on. I know my weaknesses, both academically and socially. The social awkwardness and anxiety I get in a room of strangers in unsettling, but I'm consciously making myself more available.
Regarding generational gaps, the national broadcaster, The ABC, here in Australia, did a show where they forced (as much as you can do that in the days of ethics committees and human rights) collaborative acts of problem solving upon young and old, together.
Both the oldies and the little brats both gained respect and admiration for one another, and it was a beautiful anthropological/ psychological study into ageism.
Very true! I bet that show was fascinating to watch. I really do believe society needs to lean in that direction—more interaction between generations. I learned some of my most valuable lessons as a boy from our elderly neighbor. She was way ahead of her time, raised three daughters on her own in the 1940's, traveled the world by herself, and never stopped learning.
She sounds like a brilliant human being. I decided to go trawling for the show I spoke about. Not sure about its availability outside of Australian streaming services, but it is called.
Old People's Home For Teenagers and the other series of it, Old People's Home for 4 Year Olds
They be on netflix Internationally, but I have no idea. It was on in the background one day when I was visiting the inlaws. It was more interesting than it had any right to be.
She was! Here's a blog I wrote about her last year.
Thanks for the name of the series! I'll look for it. It sounds right up my alley.
If you do track it down and watch it, I will definitely be reading your thoughts on it. :)
I found it on YouTube! (edit) Unfortunately, they're just short clips, not full eps.
I think Internationally, they may have pushed it to netflix? If you have a VPN and can access an Australian host, it may be on ABC iView (an Australian catch up TV web service)
It looks like it's unavailable on Netflix in the US market. I'd have to subscribe to a VPN and watch it on my laptop or try ABC iView.
https://x.com/jewellery_all/status/1947402448668430836
#hive
I just have that appreciation. The same happens with the number of special children, with any type of disorders, to a lesser or greater degree, that are being born. I was telling a friend that it might be due to diet, pollution, some types of drugs, but without a doubt, I agree with you: people need challenges, physical activities, fresh air, and to interact with others. A lack of vitamin D can create depressive states. I love yellow flowers; they are my favorites. Small, but beautiful. Keep enjoying the weather, my friend. Hugs.🫂🌻
I agree Nancy. I think nature and connecting in a healthy way with other humans is like a vitamin that a whole lot of people are deficient in right now. It's so beautiful around here right now. This is peak season for all of the flowering plants. I hope the week is going well for you! Thanks!
https://x.com/lee19389/status/1947426850269020314
#hive #posh
We really need to upgrade our phones my wife is still on iPhone 11 PRO and I am in S20 FE :) These phones are really getting out of date not to mention having battery life issues...
Wow, that's impressive that you've managed to keep those phones going for so long! There really have been a remarkable amount of improvements since those models were introduced. Our son has the newest Samsung and it blows the iPhone out of the water in almost every way. I'm considering the Nothing phone next because they say it's easily repairable and has a battery that's easier to swap out when the time comes. When I switch to the Nothing I'll probably replace the Apple Watch with a Suunto. I, honestly, can't wait to break free from Apple's walled garden.
Which Samsung does he have? I was considering Samsung 25 Ultra or the Google Pixel 10 that is about to come out in August and the latest iPhone PRO Max for my wife, but we are waiting for the new generation of iPhone which should be around in a few months.
I never heard of Nothing phone, will have to research that one as I see version 3 is out, though I doubt it will be available via my carrier.
He has the Galaxy 25, I think. The Nothing phone isn't the best out there but it has a good balance of features for the price and the UI is amazing. I have a pair of their headphones and they're the best I've ever owned, the blow the regular AirPods out of the water. Who's your carrier?
Our carrier is T-Mobile
I think Nothing works on T-Mobile.
Hello dear @ericvancewalton
Good thing the end of the post has a beautiful landscape with yellow and purple flowers, plus a predominant green due to the prevailing vegetation.
I do not know what has happened that from some time to date diseases have increased and apparently we have a setback in the quality of life of people, despite the advances in science and technology.
What is happening with the brain?
Are we eating properly?
Is the hurry with which we live doing us good or bad?
In the next decade we will have to analyze several things that we are not doing right.
We need to look at our ancestors.
Thanks for sharing
Again, congratulations on your literary successes.
Cheers and best regards.
Thank you! I think our decline is a combination of a lot of things, really. One big one is our brains can't adapt fast enough to use our rapidly evolving technology in a proper/balanced way. Cheers to you my friend!