Once in a year or so I rant about how technology is taking over our lives and we are becoming have become a slave to machines. In fact, reading one of my old posts makes me feel like a broken tape recorder. However the time has come to remind the world, once again, about the joy of nothingness.
Remember the phrase "staring into space"? Whatever happened to that? Right now one would probably say "staring into his/her phone to avoid awkward moments". Or to pass time. Or whatever. But staring into space is amazing. I don't have any statistics to back me up - but you can trust me on this. I stare at a screen for around 10-12 hours a day. How can society except me to be strong and do the same the other precious few hours I have?
Anytime I am not looking at a screen (shoo, not now) - I pounce on it with the eagerness of a hungry rabbit. In this world, doing nothing has become an art. One needs to attend meditation classes or "go outside" to learn it. Bull shit I assure you. Every time you feel the need to do something that involves you looking zombie-like at a screen - shake your head vigorously, turn away, pick an object...stare at it until your mind goes blank - and enjoy the beauty of nothingness. I have heard it is not easy - but what do you have to lose? Nothing.
Long ago, when the Indian subcontinent was full of bustling kingdoms and zillions of gods were competing with one another... one prince had had enough and decided to "fuck it all". This was none other than Buddha who in modern times has become the universal symbol of simplicity and nothingness. The fact that there is even a religion that advocates this idea clinches the deal. What more do you need?
Log out. And do nothing.
Notes
1. I have recently learnt that there exists a term for one who is skeptical of modern technology - a neo-luddite
2. The Buddha reference was randomly inserted.
3. Yes, I wrote this using a computer. Also duly shared on all the internets.
4. If you are desperate read How to Do Nothing
5. Do log back in to comment #hypocrisy
Remember the phrase "staring into space"? Whatever happened to that? Right now one would probably say "staring into his/her phone to avoid awkward moments". Or to pass time. Or whatever. But staring into space is amazing. I don't have any statistics to back me up - but you can trust me on this. I stare at a screen for around 10-12 hours a day. How can society except me to be strong and do the same the other precious few hours I have?
Anytime I am not looking at a screen (shoo, not now) - I pounce on it with the eagerness of a hungry rabbit. In this world, doing nothing has become an art. One needs to attend meditation classes or "go outside" to learn it. Bull shit I assure you. Every time you feel the need to do something that involves you looking zombie-like at a screen - shake your head vigorously, turn away, pick an object...stare at it until your mind goes blank - and enjoy the beauty of nothingness. I have heard it is not easy - but what do you have to lose? Nothing.
Long ago, when the Indian subcontinent was full of bustling kingdoms and zillions of gods were competing with one another... one prince had had enough and decided to "fuck it all". This was none other than Buddha who in modern times has become the universal symbol of simplicity and nothingness. The fact that there is even a religion that advocates this idea clinches the deal. What more do you need?
Log out. And do nothing.
Notes
1. I have recently learnt that there exists a term for one who is skeptical of modern technology - a neo-luddite
2. The Buddha reference was randomly inserted.
3. Yes, I wrote this using a computer. Also duly shared on all the internets.
4. If you are desperate read How to Do Nothing
5. Do log back in to comment #hypocrisy
