On Saturday I intended to go along to the Pasifika Festival. Instead I took my daughter along to a friends house where she swam in the pool and I made this moleskin doodle.
Some things are simply existential. This is one of them. Taking pleasure in simple things is an end in itself.
I've copied out an open letter by Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh, after he was invited to address a UNESCO delegation (spotted in Adbusters magazine). After the revelation that Al Gore has a gigantic carbon footprint I thought the idea of trying to live in such a way that the message becomes a true message; not just a call for action, but action itself. was especially salient.
"Only collective awakening can help solve the difficult problems in our world like war and global warming...I will propose that UNESCO oranise a global no car day - a day when people refrain from using their cars, except in emergencies...UNESCO can promote this day around the world and use it as a means to educate and inspire collective awakening concerning the present environmental dangers facing all of us on planet Earth. I will suggest that UNESCO itself, from the director to the ambassadors and other members, try to live in such a way that the message becomes a true message; not just a call for action, but action itself. In our daily lives, we should each try to drive a car that doesn't pollute the environment, or ride a bicycle more often, or use public transportation. Every one of us can do something to protect and care for our planet. We should live in such a way that makes a future possible."
I'd add that buying less stuff might be a good idea.
Marshall McLuhan comes to mind. Back in the 70's when TM was big some wag suggested they should advertise their meditation on billboards.
ReplyDeleteHowever this was inconsistent with their brand value. Seems to be an idea that many have forgotten.