Civilization threatens my well being

[oliver.rochford]

The point in life is simple: Survival and Procreation.

I don't know why people have such a hard time understanding that.

Untold creatures lived, evolved and died before us, and they will long after we are gone.

It's so beautiful, because of the simplicity.

So while you are surviving and procreating, you can try and find some happiness. Happiness comes in many forms, for some people as being rich or successful(wrong form imo), but for most being with a mate, kin and friends and being able to laugh once in a while.

We are creatures born of this earth, so we should try and enjoy it and do what creatures do best. Live.

Ollie

[Michelle in Ga]

Nice answer Deb, you tried.

[Chip Haynes]

   I think maybe Ponzu's frustration points to a much larger problem with our high-tech modern society in general: The expectation that there should be more to life than simple pleasures and quiet happiness. We see the images all the time: People on TV look perfect and lead exciting (well-scripted) lives. The movies show us adventures we can never have, and music gives us a soundtrack we have to live up to.

But it's not real.
   
   We've all seen people that can't tolerate silence and stillness. They must always be doing something and going someplace. The fast-paced way of life, whether real or a product of whatever commercial medium, is addicting. Just like oil. As a matter of fact, most of it is fueled by oil. Now, as that oil goes away, too many people are going to be left with the one thing they fear the most: Their own thoughts. No background noise, no flashy images, just the real, natural world around them, 24/7. It can be pretty frightening.

Wecome to peak oil, Ponzu. I recommend you take up bicycle riding. It's about the most optimistic passtime around.

It helps.

   

[kaykay]

Bingo Chip....well said.  As a teacher I have hated the trend to structure and account for every minute of a family's life.  There is no down time anymore......the perception is that if you're sitting around reading or talking or sewing...you're lazy, you need to DO something.  People also don't know how to talk to each other anymore. 
I remember as a kid lying in the grass and watching bugs and clouds or sitting under a tree and daydreaming or walking in the woods....I still do this stuff, but not many others do.

[heretic]

civilization is definatley bad for this guy's wellbeing.

http://www.ebaumsworld.com/2006/10/bad-day-at-the-office.html

[Dennis from Oregon]

I could say alot but "me too" pretty well sums it up...

[kceaton]

If I could do it all over again I think I'd make it a point to under achieve.  That's probably the best way to counter today's overly corporatized culture.  Most of our hard work ends up benefiting the elites anyway.  I've worked too hard though, so I might was well try to do something with all that invested effort. 

Well Ponzu over achiever, now is your chance to shine! You see, I feel it is the folks who are willing to learn, educate themselves, and develop new skills that are going to have a leg up in this whole crash scenario. My husband has been buying all sorts of new "reference" books  for our "crash" library, and let me tell you, there is a LOT to learn. But given the right attitude, it can be interesting, entertaining, and in the end can save your life. Check out the "skills vs. stuff" discussion. Lots of interesting skills to learn, and stuff to get. If you are an overachiever- overachive by learning some new skills that might benefit you and other in times of crisis. While you're in the here and now living  in this crazy corporarte world, you can still take advantage of the conveniences it has to offer while preparing for the next phase.

And you know, all the advice about slowing down and tuning out- good idea. Appreciate the small things, the simple things.

And taking a nice long walk always helps. Hope you feel better. One step at a time...