On a recent train ride I felt privileged to witness a rainbow stretch across the horizon with the fluidity, elegance and beauty of a peacock unfurling its tail. It was one of those rare Minties Moments.
Yet, as I looked around I had no one to share it with; my fellow commuters were so intoxicated by their iGizmos (Galaxy, BlackBerry etc.) they were missing the show. Shame really – it was definitely tweetworthy.
Life’s much easier being green!
Affronted by the underwhelming response from its audience, the rainbow recoiled and the sun sulked behind some clouds, closing the curtain on nature’s impromptu performance.
I wondered: had there been a Like/Dislike button accompanying the spectacle, would there have been a few more lookers? I suspect there might. But then I surmised that it wouldn’t have mattered much because most would have delivered a thumbs down feeling duped they’d been forced to spend precious nanoseconds toiling in the real world.
I think it’s a shame. So many people, by virtue of their new and continually evolving e-toys, are losing touch with nature which seems to be of absolutely no consequence any more.
Unless of course she – Mother Nature – is flexing her ample muscles (think hurricanes, earthquakes, fires and floods) during which times we’ll power down, sit up, and take notice. But only for as long as it takes to secure our own safety. Because then it becomes our societal duty to capture some hi-def footage of the suffering of others before uploading the same to YouTube. Such is life in our new technologically-advanced society.
Praise be to Apple!
It seems to me in our desperate bid to become more connected and accepted within a world dominated by devices and social media, we’re severing our ties with reality.
Or perhaps it’s me who’s losing touch. In fact, I know I am.
I don’t carry a mobile, don’t do Facebook, and don’t miss either. I do have a website, but only because as an aspiring writer I’m told it’s necessary.
Call me a weirdo – I’m sure many do – but I’m reasonably content with my lot.
Because my reality is real, not virtual. It’s tangible. I can touch, taste, smell, see and hear it. All at the same time. I challenge you to do that on any touch pad. Yes, perhaps I am becoming disconnected, but mostly, I don’t care. Because I’m free to do whatever I want and go wherever I please. Without Big Brother tracking my coordinates.
Should I get lost sans-GPS – fantastic – I’ll embark on a new adventure. And if my wife can’t reach me at the pub, well… I’ll enjoy the precious peace before heading home to have my ear chewed off.
Of course I can see some value in the technological tools of the trade. I should. I work in the IT industry. But in my opinion, they are just that – tools of the trade. And at the end of the day I take great delight in putting them down and shutting them down thereby silencing the cacophony of the modern world before reacquainting myself with life. And nature.
Feeling life’s pinch? Check out Kermie’s clip above. I guarantee you’ll feel better. But first – turn off your bloody mobile.
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