I was watching a Ted Talk on Youtube late one night a couple of weeks ago. Paul Morgan was the speaker and his topic was, “How postmodern humans can wake up and find their groove.” There were a number of different things he said that really impacted me, such as:
–We live in a culture that nourishes distractions.
–The world we’re heading towards is of social and ecological chaos.
–A place without nature, eating food out of machines (like The Jetsons)
–A world full of high-tech stuff without a decent planet to put it on.
He said that we needed to start putting an emphasis on ‘being more’, instead of ‘buying more’ (really becoming happy not working hard, and then eating pills to become happy).
When I started to write this poem, I didn’t know where I was going with it. However, as I progressed with it, I knew I wanted to touch on this subject of depression and modern culture.
What do you think about Paul Morgan’s words? Do you agree, or disagree with what he said? Do you believe that a lot of the reason we are seeing an epidemic of depression is because of working too hard, aquiring too many things (hoping that they’ll bring happiness), and a falling away from values that were held in high regard in the past, especially during pre-indrustrial times (community, hospitality, etc.)?
stacilys.wordpress.com 
I think that we live in technological isolation. Look around the big cities – everyone staring into their smartphone, with earbuds on. There is nothing satisfying about it. Like eating too much sugar, you are left hungry and tired, only want more.
Yes, we really do isolate our selves so much because of technology now. I mean, I’m glad we have the internet, and I can’t see myself without it now that it exists, but it certainly does eat up a chunk of time. I’m just a little concerned with how future generation will develop and what will come about because of it all. I love your analogy of the sugar. It’s soooooo true. When I eat healthy, my body feels great. I have tons of energy and overall feel good.
Hope you had a great Halloween.
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AH! ( 😉 ) Staci… I love this poem and the photo…because I KNOW that sometimes “blue skies turn to grey” and that DESPAIR is more and more… despairing. And your last words:
“values lost, all thing cost…” it is so true, what a fair denunciation of materialism… values lost. You know Staci, sometimes I really wonder if Hell is… our world! There are so many turpitudes and despairing things… a “broken world” that … break our hearts. BUT we must not give up. Remember that … we are… RAINBOW 🙂 and “heirs of light”. Materialism is a mirage. Money is an illusion. It cannot save your soul, it cannot heal your pain…
As for Paul Morgan’s words, I think that he’s right, unfortunately, and a bit pessimistic.
We live in a culture that nourishes distractions. YES we do!!!!! And this a HUGE problem. The French philosopher Pascal noticed it centuries ago!!!…
But at the same time, in such a broken world, there are so many reasons to hope… I know you follow Natalie’s wonderful blog (I LOVE her!!!) – her amazing quotes and poem give us everyday so many reasons to keep on believing…and to refuse the “crimson tears” as you said of despair… MUCH LOVE TO YOU 🙂 ♥♥♥
Ohhhh, thank you so much Frederic. You’re input here in so valuable. It’s so sad that so many people miss out of life while trying to make it happen. Like working all the time, or placing such a high value of money and the material. The lures of materialism are so deceiving, because true happiness and contentment in life really don’t come from these things. I think of the ‘Our Father’ model of prayer, “Give us this day, our daily bread’ – If we have our needs met – food to eat, clothes to wear, shelter, and even some extra comforts (nothing wrong with that) – what more than.
“sometimes I really wonder if Hell is… our world”
–I see what you mean here. Like when we look at the atrocities that happen, the news, corruption, rape, murder, etc. When we hear of what is happening in different parts of the world, like with ISIS and the conflicts in the Middle East, it’s not very hard to say, “hell is our world”. I wouldn’t say that though, because as you mentioned, ‘in such a broken world, there are so many reasons to hope’. Love, compassion, giving, kindness, etc still exist. And there is beauty all around us in nature. For me, hell is the absense of God. And when there is no presence of God, sin, darkness and evil has full reign.
Thank you, one again Frederic for you wonderful comment. Have a wonderful Saturday and weekend and much love to you my friend.
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You’re welcome Staci! I hope you are well… hell is the absense of God… yes it is! … there is beauty all around us in nature, as you say, and in so many hearts… thanks for your thoughful reply my dear friend 🙂 ♥
I think depression is loneliness and lack of connection but what do I know and this constant striving to be more and jam more none sense into the little time we have.
Haha. You definitely have a point there. And the funny thing is, is that depression causes one to isolate themselves even more.
I know that I would love to have another 12 hours or so in a day, because I am one of those people that tries to jam more and more into the little precious time I do have.
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It is a double edge sword. When we are lonely we hold ourselver prisoner. I know this all too well my sweet friend.
I agree. Looking back over 60 years more has been gained than lost especially satisfaction and happiness. I sometimes wish I could show my grand kids how things were back when I was young, not as comfy to be sure, but the atmosphere was different, more wholesome, loving and idealistic, I’m sad they don’t have that so much now.
Thank you so much for sharing this Claire. I think so too. It seems like things were a lot more relaxed, especially before the internet.
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It is a “want more” mentality that leaves the human condition in a perpetual state of “want.” It seems to me that no matter how accomplished or how much STUFF someone has…what we all are truly looking for is LOVE! Just love! Two weeks ago a very prominent wonderful doctor in our community took his life. From the outside it appeared that he “had it all!” But apparently he was missing something. Very sad…very sad.
I hope you are super duper and ready to rock the weekend! ❤ ❤
Oh my goodness, that’s so sad. I’m so sorry to hear that Lorrie. This man seems to have lost hope, and when hope is lost, then life is unbearable.
Yes, we all need love. Did you know that if a baby receives the attention it needs to live (bathed, diaper change, fed) but doesn’t receive love, it will die. We are relational beings and need it.
THank you so Lorrie for sharing that. I hope you had a great Halloween and that your Sunday is wonderful.
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Thank you dear Staci!! Halloween was great…Our tennis team has an annual costume party…it is so much fun …I love making costumes!! 🙂 Blessed Sunday to you too! ❤
Ohhhhh, a party. That sounds great, and so much fun. I’m sure you make great costumes Lorrie.
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Just last weekend, my husband and I were reminiscing about what Sundays were like when we were growing up. On a regular basis, we would go to our grandparents’ homes and just spend time with them, and loads of aunts, uncles and cousins. Now, it’s hard to get our own extended families together more than a few times a year. Our kids have such a different relationship to the older generation than what we had, and although it is definitely a loss, I’m not sure how to improve the situation. It’s a sign of a bigger problem, and you’ve hit on it.
Hi Tina. You hit on something here that I would like to point out, “I’m not sure how to improve the situation.” It almost seems as if it can’t be improved upon, don’t you think? It’s as if culture is changing and we can’t really do much about it. It is sad, and who knows what this means for the future of humanity.
It really is different than when we were younger, isn’t it?
Hmmmmmm.
THanks Tina. Have a great week.
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I don’t know that I believe there’s more depression and brokenness in the world than ever before, but I do believe that because of the media that NEVER shuts down, we are much more aware of it than ever before. I don’t believe life has ever been easy for anyone, but we have had and still do have the ability to rise above that which tries to bring us down because God is still on the throne and in control. This world is no doubt a testing and teaching ground, and the universal lessons are love, forgiveness, compassion, trust and faith. And we come into this world with a purpose and the gifts we need to achieve that goal. I went through a very cynical period at one time in my life, but the good Lord dragged me, kicking and screaming at times, out of that part if my life and into the light, light that had become a flickering flame but that has now flared into a glowing fire. It is a flame that daily I have to fan with faith and trust, but one that is ever so worth the fanning. Jesus hung by nails and died on a cross for me and you and everyone else, and we can’t let that sacrifice be for naught. The instrument of His grace that brought me back into the light was the birth and the life of my child. Love and hugs, N 🙂 ❤
I hear what you’re saying here Natalie. I don’t believe there’s more brokenness, but I think that there just may be more depression. Maybe it’s because we are able to have the stats now, I don’t know, but I was watching something that showed how stats jumped some time in the 70s (or 60s or something like that) of people between the ages of 15 – 30 committing suicide. I believe that depression has always been around, even Martin Luther was said to suffer greatly with depression. However, I do think that it is quite possible that depression affects so many more people now in modern times. Or who knows, it could just be because the population of the Earth keeps increasing at rapid rates.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience Natalie. That’s great that God gently led you back, ‘kicking and screaming’. I think a lot of us go through that. I’ve gone through some major times of doubt and questioning and feeling so lost, but He is so faithful. I think it’s all a part of strengthening the faith muscle. Like the old saying goes, ‘no pain, no gain’.
Anyhow, I would be nowhere today if it weren’t for Jesus. He’s the one that gave me new eyes to see with, healed me of my past, and completely changed my worldview that, in fact, is constantly being formed and built upon. Amen for that eh. I truly believe that without him, I can do nothing and my life has no meaning. It’s like I’ve said before, “this Earth is not my home”. And not yours either. Isn’t that great? There will be no more pain, tears, shame. WooHoo!
Love and hugs to you, Natalie.
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St. Augustine once wrote that our hearts are restless until they find their rest in God. (paraphrased) I think that is one of the main problems is that God is being taken out of so many things in life today. And I’m just as guilty as the next when it comes to having the latest technology. I think there should be a national “No Cellphone Day” where for 24 hours no one uses their cell phone for anything. Maybe they already have that?!? 🙂
Oh, I love that. It’s so true. Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in God. I totally agree with you. If you take God out of it all, you end up with only your puny little finite mind to try and figure things out with (and I think it’s so funny how humans think they’re so smart, don’t you?) and a whole load of emotions to deal with as well.
Well, I don’t know if there is a national ‘No Cellphone Day’ or not, but imagine how restless the world would be on that day. Hahahahaha. Hmmmm, wouldn’t want to see all the crankiness.
I also am guilty when it comes to having the latest technology. I don’t know what I’d do without the internet.
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Ha!! Youvare probably right about that!! Did you get my email about the video?
Yes I did, however my internet is crazy right now and for some reason I haven’t been able to get into that gmail acct to respond yet. I think I’ll have to get totally out of gmail and then enter again for just that acct.
Thanks, you’ll be hearing from me soon, once I’m able to get in.
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I love this part: “A tear, a cry, a sigh, a sob.” It’s interesting how many words there are to describe grief and sadness, and their subtle difference. Hopefully we are many “heart ticks” away from total chaos. Have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks so much Benjamin. I like those kinds of sentences/phrases.
I hear you, loud and clear. Have you ever watched that music video by Nickelback where a person could actually see the time left on a person’s life registered above their heads? Let me know if you haven’t seen it and I’ll send you link to watch it. It’s really a powerful video and would love for you to see it if you haven’t yet.
Yes, let’s hope that we have many ‘heart ticks’ away from total chaos.
I’m so tired right now after my weekend. Hubby is traveling and I’ve been alone with the kids and house work and all that. Think I’ll sign off for now and do nothing (except eat – I’m hungry 🙂
Hope you have a great start to your week, my friend.
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You’re welcome.
And no, I’m not sure if I have seen it. But always can watch again if I have. Sounds powerful, for sure, and haunting in many ways. I don’t think I’d like to know that, though maybe it would be soothing in other ways.
Yes, many “heart ticks” hopefully.
That sounds like a tiring weekend. Kids certainly can drain some of your energy running around with them, but it’s always worth it in the end. I hope you get something to eat and get to relax for the rest of the evening.
Thanks. I hope your week is as peaceful as possible. 🙂
I know I definitely wouldn’t like to know my day’s end. That would be just too freaky. Anyhow, here is the link to the song I told you about. It’s really awesome and I love the idea they used to do this. Nickelback seems to like to do songs about time. Anyhow, let me know what you think ok. 🙂
Another beautiful poem, Staci, and yes, I think our consumeristic, technology-driven society is definitely having an impact on people spiritually and psychologically. It saddens me to be walking around my university campus and see so many people plugged into their headphones or texting on/staring at their phones, totally oblivious to those around them (I’ve had many people nearly run me over because they were so engrossed in their gadgets that they weren’t watching where they were going).
Even though I’m blessed with a large family that still gets together regularly, sometimes technology still gets in the way of true community and sharing, because many family members are glued to their phones during our gatherings. I’m still a technology “relic” and haven’t graduated to a smartphone yet, and to be quite honest, I’m not sure I ever want one, because I’m afraid it will become an addictive distraction. I think technology is beneficial in some respects, but it can also lead to very lonely, disconnected people, in my opinion. So, yes, I agree with Morgan’s perspective.
Hi April.
“addictive distraction”
–Yes, it truly does become an addictive distraction. It’s sad actually, because then some’thing’ takes importance over some’one’. I get upset with my hubby sometimes because of all the phone action going on. I know he’s busy and with his work he has to do a lot of communication online, but please… Let’s at least eat lunch together without the phone in hand eh.
Thank you so much April.
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That was a beautiful poem, Staci. Loved the last stanza and the line – value lost, all things cost. It’s so very true! 🙂
I have to say I agree with Paul Morgan about us focusing on ‘being more’ more than ‘buying more’ but is it possible? The generation we live in and the ones to come are pretty much designed to buy happy from shopping carts. The price we pay is the loneliness and the eventual depression. If we were not to nourish distractions what better can we do. After all the show must go on.
I’m sorry if my perspective on this is dismaying – maybe eventually it will change but that’s the way I feel right now.
Ohhh, thank you so much.
“‘being more’ more than ‘buying more’ but is it possible?”
–Now that’s the big question, isn’t it. I’m sure it’s possible if one really puts their mind to it. The problem is that, as Morgan said, we really are addicted to distractions. There’s so much grabbing for attention today, and to just say no is very hard.
It’s strange to think about what the future, and it’s generations hold. I was born, raised and educated in a world pre-internet, so I know what it’s like before it came around. But how about the generations that don’t know how that it. It’s a little strange to think about actually.
Hope you had a great Halloween and that you have a wonderful week.
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Yes, I feel the same. For me it’s different but for my brother, who is only six years younger to me – there is a drastic change in the way he sees things, supposedly it’s more practical. To explain the generations to come – what the world is beyond technology would be impossible.
I had a lovely Halloween! I stayed in, watched a movie and discovered that I am quite good at making jelly. 😀
Hope you are doing well. ❤
Oh wow, you made jelly. Can I try some pleassssseee? 🙂 What kind of jelly did you make?
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YES PLEASE! I will send over a jar! 😀
Oh, it was apply jelly – more like jam, ah it is jam indeed ahahaha but still it had such a pretty sunset-y colour that I made two large jars full and now every breakfast I have to eat bread and jam, while everyone else in the house is apparently ‘fed up’ of it. -.-
I loved making it, though!!
Yeah! I’ll be waiting. Wow, two large jars full. Ohhhhh, your family is already fed up of it. Not me. I’d be right there with you eating it all up every morning. But then again, after a couple of days there would probably be no more left. hehehe. Can you tell I can get a little extremist when I like something?
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Ahaha Oh I am the same, of course, if I like cooking I might as well cook the curtains! Now now no wonder we have a similar thought process – Extremists! 😀 ❤
Hahahahaha. I’m sure they would be the tastiest curtains ever. Yummmmmm.
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Wonderful and thought provoking post! Honest thoughts are well laid. Agree that instead of ‘being more’ we are ;buying more’. Our happiness is rested on pooling material things….it is inclined in opposite direction. Happiness is an innate thing and cannot be traced in material and outer world. Instead of sloping inwardly, we are doing the other way. Our bonding with our inner state is weaker than that with the outer things. To be happy from inside…..we have to be grateful for everything from the depth. Thank you so much for sharing such wonderful thoughts, Staci. Love you.
P.S. I am surprised that you have written so many posts and none of them appeared in my reader. I do not know what’s wrong. Unable to find your posts in reader…I landed directly on your blog site to check each. Do check the cause from ur end, dear.
Hi Reva
Thank you so much for your kind words and thought-provoking comment. I truly believe that true happiness is not found from that which is outside of us, from the material. It can only be found within the spirit.
Oh no, really? I’ve had the happen before too. Go into my blog and check in the top left hand corner if for some reason WordPress somehow go you to ‘unfollow’ me. I’ve had that happen and I’ve had to click on ‘follow’ again. I don’t really know why that happens, but sometimes it seems to.
Tons of love to you Reva, and thanks for letting me know.
Hugs 🙂 ❤
Pleasure is all mine, sweetie. I was lil worried that you unfollowed me for some reason. I did not want to lose amazing people like you. Fortunately….that is not the worry anymore.
Thanks for the love and hugs. Stay Happy! 🙂
Awww, I wouldn’t unfollow you R. No need to worry.
Love and blessings and you stay very happy.
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Thank you veryyyyyyyy muchhhhhhhhh. I am definitely happy now. 🙂
Thanks for the love and blessings. Wish you all the peaceful moments. 🙂
And many peaceful moments to you too sweetie.
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sounds like a great ted talk you were able to soak up – enjoyed reading the highlights of it – 🙂 hope you are having a nice month of November so far….