Social media algorithms and mainstream media conglomerates have perfected the exploitation our emotions, hijacked our brain chemicals, and have separated society so effectively for so long that many of us can no longer agree to disagree. Many in our society view those who don’t agree with them as the enemy. The opposing group, right on the other side of that line, in their minds, are responsible for most (if not all) of the world’s ills.
As a result, trolls are perusing social media platforms, chips stacked upon their shoulders, itching to be triggered and engage in the fight to prove they’re right, to show they’re smarter, and (in their minds) to “save the world”.
In addition to all this there is this ever present feeling of frustration and helplessness constantly running in the background of our lives. A big reason why is that our political leaders' main interests are to enrich themselves and their constituents and expand their realm of power instead of working for the good of the people who elected them in the first place. This is all old news to anyone who is paying even a small sliver of attention.
Despite metrics saying this is, statistically, the safest era in humanity’s history our world is an extremely stressful place right now. The stress of our modern age largely stems from media manipulation and technology growing multitudes faster than our brains can adapt to it. The air is always thick, moods are usually heavy, most people are perpetually serious. Humor is hard to come by. Ostentatiousness is the real epidemic.
The Presidential primaries are under full swing in America. We have ten more months of watching these old men flash their pearly whites while lying through them, making promises they never intend to keep. Right now the political climate seems the same way in almost every country in the world. It actually sickens me to watch and listen to any of it on television. I no longer believe it on any level, although life was sometimes easier when I did. The fact that corruption is so prevalent is one way I know a major shift is coming.
You see, change is incredibly hard. Usually, that transitional period that exists between being “satisfied and comfortable but generally bored” to “challenged but evolving” is the hardest part. I refer to this as “the suck” and the suck, well just plain sucks. A new you is being born, and like any birth it isn’t much fun, it’s often painful and torturous.
The thing is, I look back across my five decades of life and realize things have always seemed to be at their absolute worst, most hopeless, and intolerable just before a massive breakthrough for the better. A substantial shift is usually right around that next corner. Yes, things might seem like they suck but I can guarantee you that the suck doesn’t last forever.
Now more than ever is a time to guard your own physical, psychological and spiritual well being. Don't let anything eclipse your light or extinguish your flame. This is a time to ground yourself. Be conscious of everything you consume. Do whatever you need to do to protect your peace – whether it be an unscheduled day off of work, a massage, a solitary drive listening to your favorite playlist. In a life when everything is screaming for your attention like some bratty toddler with a Koolaid-stained face, remember to make time for yourself. Most importantly, remember to keep your head up and remain hopeful because the suck doesn't last forever.
Always remember...
Why am I blabbering on and on about this? Well, it’s a free write after all, a stream of consciousness for three minutes with only minascule pauses. It’s mainly meant as a journaling exercise for mes yeux seulement. This was a reminder to me that nothing lasts forever and things will improve. After reading it through I felt a little lighter so I figured it might bring comfort to others who are feeling the same sort of emotions in this moment. All for now.
~Eric Vance Walton~
Poetry should move us, it should change us, it should glitch our brains, shift our moods to another frequency. Poetry should evoke feelings of melancholy, whimsy, it should remind us what it feels like to be in love, or cause us to think about something in a completely different way. I view poetry, and all art really, as a temporary and fragile bridge between our world and a more pure and refined one. This is a world we could bring into creation if enough of us believed in it. This book is ephemera, destined to end up forgotten, lingering on some dusty shelf or tucked away in a dark attic. Yet the words, they will live on in memory. I hope these words become a part of you, bubble up into your memory when you least expect them to and make you feel a little more alive.
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Most of us have experienced a moment of perfect peace at least once in our lives. In these moments we lose ourselves and feel connected to everything. I call these mindful moments. Words can’t describe how complete they make us feel.
These moments are usually fragile, evaporating in seconds. What if there was a way to train your mind to experience more of them? It’s deceptively easy and requires nothing more than a subtle shift in mindset. My new book, Mindful Moments, will teach you to be much more content despite the chaos and imperfect circumstances continuing to unfold around you. Upgrade your life experience today for only $15.99 on Amazon.com.
