I suppose it's inevitable but not universal that we become more reflective as we grow older. There is more to reflect on, good and bad, The iceberg under the present becomes just so much larger, the future shrinks.
Is this increased reflection a good thing? I do wonder some times. I know some who have a unique capacity to live in the present, to enjoy what they have even if that is much reduced. Others have the capacity to reinvent themselves, to move forward in new directions. In both cases, reflection may be put aside unless it adds value to the present.For still others, reflections on the past bring a sense of loss, loss of friends and loved ones, of lost opportunities, even guilt over past mistakes. This may lead to a sense of grievance, a feeling that life and especially people have let them down.
I'm not sure which group I fall into. I have elements of them all. I do know that I have become more reflective and I'm not sure that's such a good thing. How do I use that reflection in a positive way?
This brief meander was triggered this morning by an apparently unrelated event. I have long been fascinated by the dynamic elements in the patterns of human life. This morning there was a radio program on the fifteen minute city. This included an interview with Carlos Moreno who promoted the concept. As you will see from linked Conversation article, the whole concept has somehow been caught up in those terminally boring culture war debates between right and left. The article is written from something of a left perspective. Those sceptical of the concept are concerned that it will become another weapon in the armoury of those who wish to impose particular life styles on people for their own good and to preserve the environment.
I can see why they might feel that, but it's really beside the point. It's quite possible to have an objective discussion on the pluses and minuses of a concept or approach including experience in practice without becoming too involved in possibly related but peripheral arguments. Mixing metaphors, there is little value in chasing a fine red herring down a rabbit hole. Unless, of course. you wish to use the smell to distract!
This morning's radio discussion started reflections along two lines.
Now that I am back in Armidale I have become much involved in thinking about life in this little city that is again my home. I walk or drive the streets and surrounding countryside, bike riding is a bit beyond me at the moment, looking at the changing pattern of life. I read the local media and attend activities and functions. And where I can, I talk to people both face to face and on-line.This is a fascinating place undergoing change, one with a unique lifestyle. What does this tell us about the process of urban, community and social development? My argument is that it is a microcosm, a case study, of the broader discussions usually dominated by the metros.
The second line of reflection lay in a simple question; how did I come to be so interested in this area? What have I learned? How did I learn it? This question is a little self-indulgent. You must bear with me here.
Over coming weeks I will follow these two lines through, thus (hopefully) getting me back into writing mode.
9 comments:
Great to see you writing again Jim. A wonderful post, and I hope to read more.
Thank you for the kind comment Thomas. I will do my best! Are you still enjoying teaching?
Thoroughly enjoy! Moved schools earlier this year, and am enjoying the next context and new challenges that it presents. Wishing you and yours well!
Looking forward to reading more, Jim.
And wb!
I find Reflection a concomitant of age Jim, you need knowledge of yesterday to have capacity to reflect. It is also a means to contribute to the community of today that we are living in. At the personal level it also marks our awareness of our own mortality as we reflect on our own journey in life’s mortal coil. I am content with mine other than regret for any I may have let down. As always I am looking forward to your writing.
P.S. I would suggest that the mediaeval city was the original 15 minute city for centuries with everything a household required within walking distance.
Merry Christmas, Jim, and also to all readers here. May God bless you to always be healthy.
Sentiments returned, and to quote Luke, ' and on earth peace, good will to all mankind.
Keep up the writing Jim. Do it more pretty please.
In my view, sense of place is a need, like nourishing food and water. I am coming to the conclusion that there is some merit in the "Paleo" theory. The belief is that the lifestyle of the last 2000 years is an anomaly, and the last 20 is an extreme anomaly and we are still wired for the prehistoric life. If this is true then no wonder there is an epidemic of anxiety, depression and despair despite this era of "wealth" and choice. I'm not saying that pre-agrarian life was easy, and it was short. However, our ancestors usually had the following (not a comprehensive list but let me think); a sense of place, family, community, closeness to nature, time in the elements, simple natural food a sense of purpose (survival), lots of exercise, nature sounds, slow pace life. If you invert that list you get; mobility, dispersed families, isolation from others, lack of access to unspoilt nature, indoor lifestyles, processed/sugary food, pointless work, sedentary life and mechanical noise all around, accelerating pace of life. That's our lot these days unless you have seen the light, and have accumulated enough money to get lots of it. So my point is if you, Jim, have found the first thing on the list; "sense of place" then count yourself lucky as many of us don't have it. We moved alot as kids and then as adults for work opportunities or cost of living reasons, and then don't really feel at home anywhere. If we dig deep we can often identify a place somewhere that gives us that feeling (for me the south coast of NSW) but the less enlightened of us are mostly living elsewhere.
Yes indeed, sense of place and belonging is so important for personal well being and I also consider myself fortunate to have found mine on the Bellinger valley. First found in December 1959 and finally returned to in 2018 from an international move. From my sense of history I consider that I am a part of a Golden Generation, born into wartime but reaped the benefits won into my closing years and still privileged in home ownership and living standards. Passing through Armidale last week I thought of Jim and hoped he was still following the world with his keen eye.
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