Category: Writing

While we still grapple with all the realities of the pandemic, more and more issues arise. One issue is the increase in device usage for the bulk of the population. According to PC Magazine:

“People have also been depending on their devices more for personal use. In 2020, US online merchants saw more than $860 billion in sales, an increase of 44% year over year, according to estimates from Digital Commerce 360, a media and research firm. That figure is nearly triple the increase seen from 2018 to 2019. Specifically, online sales of sporting goods, puzzles, games, and craft supplies all rose sharply. And internet shopping during the pandemic hasn’t been just for entertainment. Online grocery revenue surged to more than 350% higher in late March 2020 compared to pre-pandemic levels and has since leveled out to be around 230% higher, according to the Digital Economy Index by Adobe Analytics.”

At the same time, light exposure from devices is messing with circadian rhythms, disrupting sleep, dopamine, and serotonin levels. Understanding that stepping out into the light of day everyday is an important human need, it’s enough to wonder what other complications may arise as a result of the COVID pandemic.

Sometimes it feels like a small failing. This pressing urge to create that, once left unanswered, the self-fulfilling prophecy of non-creation comes true.

And yes, I’ve been reluctant to resume my blogging habit. Honestly, any writing at all has been pushed to the side. I don’t really have an excuse, other than once the routine is broken, it’s inordinately difficult for me to jumpstart it again.

So, sitting down to write, I look at the pile of notes I’ve made in the past few months. A wealth of thoughts – things to consider, rabbit holes to explore. This is my point of exploration, and the resumption of the journey that I wish to take.

It’s difficult for me to accept that it’s been since April since I’ve posted anything. Last year was bereft of the external, this year seems to reverse towards the internal. And what I notice is that, there is something missing.

For someone who searches, which I believe myself to be, a balance must be struck between the external and the internal. Pushing one or the other to the side for so long will inevitably result in downfall or a breakdown, both of which I’ve been susceptible to in the past.

All that to say, here I am once again. I don’t know what this habit will look like. But I expect at least weekly musings on many topics, and hopefully a bit more stability in my life going forward.

Being in your element means that you are comfortable in the situation, capable, and performing at or near peak. It’s important to be I. Your element.

Finding your element is a bit more challenging. Sometimes it’s not the obvious choice. But sticking with it, not giving up, and creating it for yourself can be just as rewarding.

Many things can make a good day. For some it’s the grandiose, while others enjoy the simpler pleasures. According to Japanese poet and zen monk Santōka:

“Days I don’t enjoy; Any day I don’t walk. Any day I don’t drink sake. Any day I don’t compose haiku.”

And there you are – an easy path to a good day.

We sometimes find ourselves in completely insular situations. We maintain tunnel vision, ignoring that which is around us. When feedback comes, we can all but ignore it, or, worse yet, attempt to kill the messenger.

But being open to feedback is critical to both success and growth. It can be the razor line between success and failure.

The biggest thing: the vaccine. I received J&J’s vaccine this week. Admittedly, the day after was a hell of a hangover. But I’m glad to play my part.

What I’m reading: Beowulf, new translation by Maria Dahvana Headley. I first read a translation of Beowulf nearly twenty years ago. In reading this, the la gauge is updated and it feels way fresh. Also, she really did her research.

A quote to consider: “Who can own a tree? Who can own a rock? Only the Great Spirit.” – Ernest Gods to Camp.

I remember hearing once that if you read every day for seven years about a topic, you could consider yourself an expert in that field. Even if you knew nothing when you started.

Time is needed to become someone you want to be. And, since the time is going to pass anyway, why not just spend it (at least some of it) in working to better yourself?

“There’s an estimated $60 billion worth of treasure on the ocean floor, nestled in the wreckage of what researchers believe are around three million shipwrecks, the vast majority of which we’ve never seen.”

For a culture that excels at exploration, we’ve left plenty in the unexplored depths. And even more is there than what we’ve deposited.

I believe that everyone wants to make a discovery. That seeking something within the unknown if a fundamental human need.

And even in failing, the journey of discovery is what legends are made of.

Picked up a new edition of Beowulf, this one a new translation from Maria Dahvana Headley. Translating is a tricky business. I do a little myself, from Japanese to English (though, not well.)

In reading this Beowulf, I’m struck by how the story stays the same, yet differs. And that can come from perspectives of the translator, or knowledge of the language, or many other number of variables.

When reading a translation, you’re also viewing the internal workings of the translator’s consciousness. It’s a highly rewarding experience.

When we look around, it seems like everyone is navigating their lives a little (or a lot) better than we are. We try to emulate, to position the uncertain ahead of us in some semblance of order.

What we don’t realize is that everyone else is just doing the same.

You can’t know what someone else is feeling, or thinking, or going through. Everyone is just putting on a mask of keeping it together. Only the very special people in our lives get to see the truth behind how we face uncertainty.

And that is okay.