"We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake, not by mechanical aids, but by an infinite expectation of the dawn, which does not forsake us in our soundest sleep."
I believe that people today do not value the reality of life. We use our cell phones as alarm clocks instead of waking up by the sun. We use an electronic gps to figure out what direction to go in instead of using our natural instincts. We have become so intertwined with technology that simple things in nature are foreign to us. On a nice summer day, instead of taking a hike to see a serene waterfall atop a beautiful mountain, many people would rather play video games or chat on their cell phones.
For the Thoreau challenge, I honestly do not think that I would be able to give up my technology. I could not work out without music. I could not stand not being able to use my cell phone. I definitely would go crazy without my computer. I guess I take these things for granted though. If I could get rid of technology in my life I know that I would learn way more and be a better student. I would be able to concentrate on homework more as well as the more important things in life such as enjoying a peaceful walk outside, hanging out with my family, etc. Technology does have a big impact in my life. I'm constantly checking Facebook or texting my friends. I guess I am addicted. I do believe that valuing nature and life have truly taken a backseat in my life.
I do believe that people need to step back and see the world around them. Our world is changing and so is everything in it. Lakes are being wiped out. Species are becoming sparce or extinct. Do we even realize these things going on? Or are we too involved in watching our television shows, chatting, etc.? Our world has beautiful wonders about it. From the Amazon Rainforest in South America to the deserts of the Sahara, there are many remarkable features of our mother Earth. If only we could take the chance to experience nature and all that there is to offer. We might just "awaken" and keep ourselves awake.
Just a few "wonders" of our world.
I agree that we too often get caught up in the "have-to-do's" in our lives. We need to reconsider what our true priorities are. I'd love to visit some of the places in your post, for example...wow!
ReplyDeleteI am glad to see that you touched upon the idea of how Nature has become second to a lot of our lives. No longer do we as a society take it upon ourselves to take a hike in the valley, or walk through a state park. We want to sit at a movie theater or walk through a mall instead. I feel that if more people took advantage of the world around them, they would respect and have a better grasp of life. We never care about the things that could really really effect how we live.
ReplyDelete"We spend every day knowing that there is something we HAVE to do..."
ReplyDeleteThis is such a good point! I honestly can't remember the last time I woke up without a list of things that I needed to get done. There are so many things that I want to do with my life (like seeing some of the places you've mentioned) but finding the time always seems impossible. Maybe if we disconnected and got back to nature we'd appreciate things more.
Love your thoughts!
So, I just had a big long post typed up and accidentally clicked a button that took me away from the screen and lost it all. So frustrating! haha Anyway, I'll just try summing it up. Your post just reminded me of a book we had to read for my literature class last year. The basic message/question that the author asked the reader was whether or not we are able to TRULY experience anything anymore. He used the example of visiting the Grand Canyon. Prior to going to the Grand Canyon, you would pretty much know exactly what to expect and what you were going to see before you got there from pictures, the internet, ect. So, would you truly be experiencing the Grand Canyon for all of its glory? That is, as apposed to someone visiting prior to when photography existed. Does having technology and photography at our finger tips take that "wow" factor away from nature/the world around us? I think it's pretty interesting to think about.
ReplyDeleteThe way you say we get too involved with things we must do is dead on in every aspect. I do not get up and look outside at how beautiful snow falling could be, rather I complain we don't have a delay. Since giving up my cell phone I have FOR THE FIRST time noticed how AMAZING the sunsetting looks in Shippensburg. The sky was purple and pink with orange coming from behind the clouds. To me, coming from a city with the street lights always drowning out the stars, this was truly amazing and it was the first thing I am thankful the project has done for me.
ReplyDelete