All this noise of the 21 st century is all the more noticeable at night in my Lake Stevens house. I stepped outside into my backyard to enjoy the sunset the other day.
The absence of all this noise was readily apparent.
It got me thinking of the Kenny Chesney song, “Noise”. More or less he sings about all the ‘noise’ of modern day living with instant access to technology. Even the volume of information being shared is drowning out the message.
Trust me the irony is not lost on me as I wrote this post with Moleskine Bluetooth-enabled pen with a camera on it to record every stroke only to transcribe it digitally. Furthermore it’s being posted on a website – this website!
I digress.
Since we’ve moved to the Digital Age, l noticed a bit of a push-back from those that feel technology has taken over our lives. For example, I know several forks that don’t have social media accounts
such as Facebook, lnstagram, Twitter, etc. (or they do but aren’t active) Or they don’t have desktop computers o r tablets, cable / satellite TV, or even a smartphone. I noticed that no one faults
them for their-decision, either. To borrow a phrase, these folks are urban Amish. Or gone primitive. It is admirable.
I prefer technology so managing all the noise is simply part of the process.
I still remember when none of this existed. In fact it only existed in science fiction and dreams. So if it was all removed from my life today, I would carry on. I prefer it, but not a necessity.
There’s a fine line between want and need, but is it? Or is it only your prospective that makes that the difference in your head? Do you need to walk around your neighborhood to catch Pokemon? Or do you want to? Do you need to watch the news on TV which is easily accessible at several times the during the day? Or do you want to? Even if you don’t watch television, you can still gain access to news!
I, for one, don’t watch television. You wouldn’t believe the amount of funny looks when I declare that. I have no need to seek out my entertainment that way. Therefore I have no want or pretence
for it. Its not a priority so I don’t make it happen live been disenchanted with television since the cancellation of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In addition, I discovered a world of fitness, socializing and making memories. I started learning to enjoy an experiential life by using technology to enhance it. Not to overtake it and dominate it. or to destroy my socialization.
I’ve seen an internet memo circulated many times over with the same basic premise “live in this cabin / island / remote place for x amount of days without technology for y amount of dollars. Would you do it?” it dares you.
I smirk. Why do you need to be paid to make a free conscious decision?
My question of the week is: If an EMP bomb was set off in your city, thus killing all the noise would the silence be welcomed. Please comment below!
Until next week, be good like you should and if you can’t be good then be good at what you do!
Mic drop *bOoM*
‘los
Love Thy Neighbor
