Inflation, war, extreme political polarization, are just a few of the stressors prevalent in many of our daily lives. These and many other challenges to our mental, emotional and physical health seem to be noticeable more and more, especially as we rely these days on television, radio, and social media both to keep current and to entertain us and distract us from our own personal issues and stuff.
These days T’ai Chi seems to be some good medicine to balance the constant drama that is available through the media. For me, sometimes watching the “Talking Lamp” (television, which for me often consists of commercial-free Youtube, sometimes current events such as American politics or the war in the Ukraine, and sometimes travel/adventure threads, often off-road or National park sojourns).
It can be a thin line between healthy relaxation, and an indulgence in escapism, getting caught up in dramas that are not here and now, which can sometimes rob me of time better spent involved in my own real life activities.
Ideally there should be a balance between both active and passive pursuits.
It used to be said that “After a certain age it’s all downhill”, but the new paradigm, that seems much more optimistic, might be “Use it or lose it.”, which one can apply to physical, but also to intellectual or emotional pursuits. These areas for me might include interpersonal or community oriented activities.
As I grow older, I find that I have become a part of several communities, each of which may open the door to new and interesting possibilities and opportunities for growth and service.
For the past year I have a renewed interest in astronomy, after a forty year hiatus, and last enjoyed in my youth. Recently the rainy season has slowed down my stargazing activities, but the door to a wonderful new community has opened and brought me new friends and activities that help me stay young and active.
Namaste,
Daniel
