22 Comments
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Karen DeBonis's avatar

I was up early, too, Gail, full of ideas. And as I scrolled through emails, trying to catch up while I got focused on where to start, I was alternately full of despair and joy at all that's going on my world and our world. So that's where I'm at this Friday morning, mapless. So I'll take one step, then another, and see where it leads me...

3musesmerge's avatar

Hello fellow early riser! I appreciated Gary's comment about acknowledging and respecting our intuition. There is no map...just one foot in front of the other as you said. So glad to be walking with you in our effort to feed the good wolf. I am linking your site here in case any BFN readers want to check out your walk away from people pleasing... https://karendebonis.com/

Karen DeBonis's avatar

You're the best, Gail - thank you!!

Kathy Karn's avatar

We're part of the hope team Gail. We have to bring it to all corners. Keep on!

3musesmerge's avatar

I am so glad we're on the same hope team Kathy! I discussed the film with somebody yesterday and it became clear to me that not everyone has that hope--and perhaps they feel powerless to make change. What I learned is that I had to change myself first, and now I'm ready to invite others to join. I'm sharing a link to your site here Kathy in case any BFN readers want to check out your beautiful photos and stories about Africa. https://kathykarn.com/

Kathy Karn's avatar

Thanks you for sharing my website Gail. We can't have too much hope for a better world.

Bonnie Jacobs's avatar

Yes... The social delima ceases when we have learned the rules of the game which give us boundaries and balance in life. It was fascinating to me at first in Texas to never see anyone ever even have a cellphone lying on a dinner table at meal time. They still have regard for being present with those they are with. I use to never want to miss anyone in my early phases of technology. As I matured I knew that what I was missing was living my life by pleasing ever whim of that ding like Pavlov's dog. The ding doesn't bother me anymore now that I know there is a never ending stream I can and do put technology away. This means I miss the messages from my kids, who patiently wait for my life to make space from living for loving. The phone can ring in when it is necessary for immediate communication.

Monty's avatar

I certainly won't be the first one to throw stones.

Rodrigo Bressane's avatar

This one hit home. "The answer to how? is Yes!". Brilliant.

3musesmerge's avatar

Hi Rodrigo! Here is where I confess to "stealing like an artist". "The answer to How is Yes" is Peter Block's book title--I ran across it in another blog and was wowed by the statement. :) I've yet to read the book--just reading the description makes me think it's a good fit with today's BFN. https://www.amazon.com/Answer-How-Yes-Acting-Matters/dp/1576752712

Rodrigo Bressane's avatar

Hey, if you are going to steal, this is the way. 🙌🏻(our secret emoji)

3musesmerge's avatar

I'd forgotten about our secret emoji! Big smile in Waukesha WI!

Gary Spangler's avatar

Immensely thought-provoking! I’ve not taken the Elmer’s Glue bath just yet, but the subject matter seems to mirror J Krishnamurti’s recent quote on his view that computers would be our undoing! Forty years ago! I followed your link to E B White’s letter to the despairing person. Yes; hopeful. Then, at the page bottom, was a book review of Rethinking Fear. The author’s first idea for how to rethink fear - step out of the glue - is to acknowledge and respect our own Intuition. And strive to become more aware of, and develop, our intuitive skills. One possible result from that approach is to avoid living in constant fear. Would that approach allow us to operate more from a base of love, put emphasis more on joy than worry? Might that reduce the siren’s call of becoming a social media “influencer?” Result in more “attraction” (to our authentic selves) than “promotion” (becoming just another influencer-lemming headed for the sea). Glad you were up early, Gail. So glad to have your nudges to become our truest selves.

3musesmerge's avatar

I started watching on Wednesday and finished up the social dilemma last night. I was so keyed up by what I was seeing and hearing that I broke another rule and played a piece of the documentary at the dinner table. ;) There is a scene where conscientious tech defector Tristan Harris testifies before congress--quite powerful.

Perhaps I missed that JK meditation? I have a few unopened emails in my box.

I appreciate your question regarding moving from fear to love/joy. My personal experience is yes! And I was so incredibly timid, taking the smallest of steps in early days. I walked ever so cautiously while I opened to public scrutiny on the internet. Our youngest generations have never known a different way of being. When I was a kid, my cousin teased me for walking like a duck. Can you believe I still remember that? Only the kids at the bus stop heard. Can you imagine such information (or much worse) broadcast to all of your peers?

I was able to go back to sleep for a couple of hours. Full speed ahead.

Monty's avatar

What is this that you're watching?

3musesmerge's avatar

The documentary is on Netflix: 1:34 running time--the social dilemma--https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Social_Dilemma Do you have Netflix Monty? Do your grankids have smartphones?

Monty's avatar

I'll check it out. I've heard it said that smartphones and tablets are more addicting than cocaine!

3musesmerge's avatar

I tell myself I am “mostly responsible” with my usage and yet my phone is often like the Siren’s call. Too much checking...

Monty's avatar

Yes, to both questions

Gary Spangler's avatar

“We’re only as sick as our secrets,” I’ve heard it said. Your bus stop story from childhood perfectly illustrates the process of having the willingness to be vulnerable to achieve emotional peace. Einstein is credited with stating that our greatest life decision is deciding if the Universe is friendly or unfriendly. You seem to have addressed that fully!

3musesmerge's avatar

I'm wonder if the Universe becomes what we collectively decide--friendly or unfriendly.

The wear pattern on my shoes indicates I still walk like a duck. 😂

Monty's avatar

I should edit my comment to say they are as addicting as cocaine "to kids". That's what I've heard. BUT I'm on the phone, iPad, or computer a lot so maybe I'm the one addicted. LOL