It just jumped into my mind how many things we as a society are being offered to fix our lives. Things that are meant to enhance our lives and are, instead, isolating us.
Work
Obviously this is what makes most worlds go round, but the addition of stuff to our lives now means that in many cases both parents must work and time with children and as a family is lost.
We can no longer look after our elderly and need care homes. The family unit is often miles apart due to work or housing not being available in your own town or city.
Stuff
I wonder how many of us would be amazed if we laid everything we own out and could look at it? Would we be asking ourselves why we ‘need’ all that? I know I would. I’m decluttering now, and buying consciously. Do I really need that?
If I look back 55 years, we had the bare minimum but it was also, conversely, enough. We could have done with a little more money, that’s true, but not very much more. Housework was a dream though, there was almost nothing to move to sweep (no vacuum cleaner) or dust.
Life was so simple and relaxing.
As we’ve fallen into the trap of advertisers. As the lack of phone boxes has cost us hundreds for mobiles, because parents are not five minutes from schools so mobiles are a necessity. As we’re all miles from work and home cars have become necessary, and due to the lack of public transport everyone has to have a car not just dad. All these things and more have driven up the household costs to stratospheric proportions.
You could have bought 7 of my childhood homes for what our last car cost. It’s not a fancy car just a nice one.
Social Media
Not only does it take up vast amounts of time, it’s a failed experiment.
“And in the naked light I saw
Ten thousand people, maybe more
People talking without speaking
People hearing without listening
People writing songs that voices never share
No one dared
Disturb the sound of silence”
Simon and Garfunkel – 1964!!!!
We’re having a meal or coffee with friends and loved ones and we’re on our phones. “Talking without speaking and hearing without listening.” We’re not connecting.
If you wonder why you feel isolated look at your phone. If you wonder why you’re lonely go on social media and look at the names of all the people who wouldn’t have a coffee with you. Huge respect to those who do reach out though. 💖
It’s a failed experiment that separates far more than it connects and brings hate speech, sarcasm, and disconnection right to the end of your arm. Slaps the worst of humanity right before your eyes.
I’m not being a negative Nelly, I have positive, life affirming connections on social media, and Threads started off really well with people who don’t want all the arguments, talking about huge issues courteously. It’s deteriorating though.
But even so actual, real connections, with a hug involved, sharing smiles, making each other laugh until we ache. Putting a hand on a shoulder and saying “I’m here”. These are all so much more important.
The Myth of Progress
We haven’t progressed despite all the technology at our disposal. There is more stress, more illness, more anger, more war, more starvation, climate problems, as well as ineffectual political policies leading to more poverty. Businesses bleed the ordinary person dry of emotion, family connection and time.
We’re in survival mode and many aren’t, suicide is on the rise particularly amongst the young. The term metal health is a byword for anxiety and depression.
What to do?
I wish I knew. We can’t go backward and to go forward in a healthier more life affirming way will require a huge mindset shift. Especially as since Covid more people are convincing themselves that they don’t need people. Coincidentally becoming more isolated and depressed and building up towards an isolated old age.
I hate negativity but failure to face and acknowledge the negative solves nothing.
Perhaps all I can say is:
“Fools” said I, “You do not know
Silence like a cancer grows
Hear my words that I might teach you
Take my arms that I might reach you”
But my words like silent raindrops fell
And echoed in the wells of silence.”
Simon and Garfunkel
Nineteen Sixty Four!
Think about it.
To a better future
Deb xx
Deb Hawken - Amorah 