I like the juxtaposition you wrote: that described my teenage daughter yesterday. It was a beautiful sunny day and we have a lovely garden.
One point: pretty much everything you mention as good for us is free.
The big businesses/ social media companies can't make money from us if we switch off our phones, go for a walk, have a nap and say 'hello' to a few people.
Unfortunately my income is below the poverty level and I will not be able to pay for the privilege--I'm thankful that I came across your article and experienced what you had to say
Hello from a fellow learner who also loves to optimize! I’m with you in realizing that the pressure to always be doing something (the more productive the better) is high. Here’s to more hours spent enjoying whatever it is we are doing instead of looking forward to the next thing.
Totally agree with everything. But going outside in my neighborhood most times lends to frustration with the people in it - trash, noise, etc.. My dream is to have a home where "outside" is part of my daily life and I want to be there.
I have been doing a lot of reading and youtube binge watching recently on all the Harvard and Stanford professors holding forth sagely on longevity, health and mental health. Most of what is said about going out, exercising, having happy relationships and eating non processed foods are really "Duh" and don't need the peer reviewed, double blinded studies which are quoted. I suppose we often search for evidence or validation of things we already know individually and collectively.
A few years ago, I did an experiment and stayed alone (but with my dogs) in a cabin by a lake. Spending so much time in nature made me move so that I could be outdoors every day. The only thing, social interactions, isn't that easy here.
The comparison between prisoners who are guaranteed 2 hours per day outside vs. where freedom is taking us is really telling. 👍🏼 PS: just came back from 5 hours of « forest bathing » and indulging in a bit of guilt-free screen time :)
I'm with you on the 'Duh!'
I like the juxtaposition you wrote: that described my teenage daughter yesterday. It was a beautiful sunny day and we have a lovely garden.
One point: pretty much everything you mention as good for us is free.
The big businesses/ social media companies can't make money from us if we switch off our phones, go for a walk, have a nap and say 'hello' to a few people.
Unfortunately my income is below the poverty level and I will not be able to pay for the privilege--I'm thankful that I came across your article and experienced what you had to say
Hello from a fellow learner who also loves to optimize! I’m with you in realizing that the pressure to always be doing something (the more productive the better) is high. Here’s to more hours spent enjoying whatever it is we are doing instead of looking forward to the next thing.
Totally agree with everything. But going outside in my neighborhood most times lends to frustration with the people in it - trash, noise, etc.. My dream is to have a home where "outside" is part of my daily life and I want to be there.
I have been doing a lot of reading and youtube binge watching recently on all the Harvard and Stanford professors holding forth sagely on longevity, health and mental health. Most of what is said about going out, exercising, having happy relationships and eating non processed foods are really "Duh" and don't need the peer reviewed, double blinded studies which are quoted. I suppose we often search for evidence or validation of things we already know individually and collectively.
A few years ago, I did an experiment and stayed alone (but with my dogs) in a cabin by a lake. Spending so much time in nature made me move so that I could be outdoors every day. The only thing, social interactions, isn't that easy here.
The comparison between prisoners who are guaranteed 2 hours per day outside vs. where freedom is taking us is really telling. 👍🏼 PS: just came back from 5 hours of « forest bathing » and indulging in a bit of guilt-free screen time :)
Needed to read this today -- thank you! ☀️