It would appear to me that an artificial environment is in the process of closing in around us in our world these days.
Almost without notice, slowly and steadily, its shape and trappings tend to manifest bit by bit. And if we are not careful, they become part of our reality.
We humans, even though becoming gradually digitized and robotized, we are still very much a part of nature.
As a bird in flight or a rose in bloom, nature’s way is a pure and simple beauty.
How can artificial intelligence possibly compete with the radiant smile of a child, the wagging of a dog’s tail, the sweet chirping of birds in spring or the breathtaking sight of a double rainbow?
There is life and there is the imitation of life. You and I and our natural world are authentic, living, breathing life forms. There are many tools, gadgets and devices at our disposal and they have their uses. But they are tools; a creation of man.
The interests, well-being and happiness of my friends, family and community are items of most importance to me. I suppose, you could say, I tend more toward the humanities than the mechanical.
So, this is more of a personal communication with you, dear reader. How’s the world treating you these days? Are all the things the media tells you to fear and worry about getting you down? Or are you holding your head up and trying to be self-determined? Are you having fun and enjoying life in spite of it all?
That’s really the reward and payday as the end result as I see it. Fun, a few laughs, good friends goofing and poking jokes at each other, sharing joy, merriment and a zest for life, living in the moment and getting the most out of it.
I’ve been experiencing a fair share of this myself over the past few years and, I must say, it’s ever so pleasant.
I sometimes see my journey through life as walking cautiously on stepping stones. You try not to step in the mud, the pain, sorrow, loss and regret. They will only pull you down and trap you like a bug in a Roach Motel.
Well, to live long, survive, prosper and succeed in reaching most of your goals seems to me as balancing above the murky swamp lurking below the stepping stones. Also, the urge and desire to help brighten the pathway of another, to share the goodness and exuberance of living, to feel the love and joy for life while so many tell you all is dark and pointless - It’s a true calling.
It would be like shining a light into a dark world. And this world of ours surely could use a spark of brightness.
But I’m no guiding light of excellence myself. I’ve rolled around in the mud of that dirty swamp. I’m aware of that sinking feeling. I know how it grabs and pulls you under. No hope. No light. No future.
But somehow, like a volleyball being held under water, I’ve popped back up in these latter years. I’m no longer an isolated cocoon. I’ve rejoined the human race. I can smile, laugh and share pleasantries with my friends and neighbors. And I can share these few lines in written word form with you.
And these friends and neighbors of mine are precious. Once you get to really know them, it’s hard not to love them. They’ve lived long hard lives, working, raising families and helping to create an environment for future generations. They were once young, beautiful and vivacious. They made their marks on this world. They had their day in the sun, you could say.
These days they sit across the table from me at my local senior center. With grey hair, hollow eyes and wrinkles, they look in my eyes and smile. There’s still a spark of light there once you say: “Hello”.
Each has his or her own personal story to relate if you have an interest. It’s true and real. And there’s nothing artificial about it.
They’ve seen so many of their friends and family slip away. Still, they remain here dealing with the many changes life brings them.
After all this time and all these many years, there’s still the thrill of life and living as they, as well as you and I, put one foot in front of the other on to our next stepping stone.
Dan is at danhughoconnor@gmail.com