Oh, the choices...

Sometimes I just can't work... It's really bad when I need to learn something, but also really good because it reminds me that I'm a human... and humans are not machines that can be controlled with levers and buttons.

I don't believe in the way our society is built up, in that humans are constantly under stress in their work and studies, to the point of excessive competition and even sabotage. If every stressed out, working person in the world stopped for a moment and saw the bigger picture, maybe we could reform our society into something healthier. 

If we focused on health and happiness instead of wealth and domination, maybe we'd all be a little happier. People stress because of work. They work because they need to support themselves. When people live just to meet the cost of living, they miss out on so many experiences that humans should have. Sadly the cost of living is determined by huge corporations, by the political campaigns of countries, by the need for an "economy." 

Ok.. what IS the economy anyway? It's like some invisible oil and gold- sucking octopus -dragon that lurks between all the oceans with ropes tied around the countries. He pulls his strings when he sees fit, causing some countries to go under, while letting others surface. 

...or maybe there are multiple octopi? Called corporations.. yes, the monopoly theory. 

So WHY do we want that? Why do want to stimulate a monster? 

The "Occupy Movement" is washing over the US at the moment, and I can't say that I'm really in it. Well, of course not, I'm in a different country. But I also don't know if I want to be part of it. I hate the doings of Wall St. just like the others. But I think it's such a sick and twisted entity that I'm not sure if it's worth the energy to fight. It might be better to be an optimist and invest in the opportunities for a brighter future. I've attended a good share of protests, waved signs, rallied around the state capitol. But I don't think Wall St. can be changed. I think it's too diseased... there is no hope for corrective surgery. 

I had these same thoughts a year ago, two years ago.. but now I'm facing them with a different resolve. I will not fall victim of the stress that society puts on me. 

It is my choice. 

My WWOOF experience this summer is exactly what made me change my point of view on how to conquer the evil corporations. All I needed to cure my inner rage towards Wall St. was to ignore, and to slip into something wonderful. All I needed to do was to "choose it." Working with others on a farm was  the best medicine. I was completely extracted from the media, from US politics, from the US itself. I lived in a metal container with very simple beds, shared one shower with about 15 people, worked rain and shine; mud, rotten apple mush, pig stye and dirty dish water... but it was probably the best 5 weeks of my life.

Natural Beauty, everything we needed

I can't find the right words to describe my experience. I guess I just lived, without worrying about people's judgements, money, or war. I lived from one day to the next, taking everything as it came. The blisters and sore muscles were taken with a smile, because they were evidence of hard work done with great people in a beautiful place. There were no conflicts or competition. Everything was simple. Everything was balanced. There was plenty of work, but plenty of play and plenty laughter. There was dedication and will accompanied by ease and lightness.

We prepared, ate and cleaned up all of our meals together; I really miss it.

True Friends

Humans need Humans. There is no way to argue that, despite how much we try to separate ourselves from one another. We need each other. It seems to me right now, that the most destructive thing we can do as a society, is to build walls. To think that one person is higher than another. I've always hated competition. I have always been pretty awful at team sports- not because I lack the skills or coordination (well, maybe that too) but because I don't have an innate desire to win by beating others (It's something else if it happens naturally).  

For example: I love to run, I hate to race. 

I just don't understand why our society is so competitive, why we bash each other? Why do we do that? Why do we choose to do that? 

I'm picking up the word "choose" again. In the end, it's all about out choices. I chose to spend the summer at peace with the world and all its problems; ultimately, at peace with myself.

 I don't know if I can return into the spiraling hole of stress... I don't want to, so I'm going to choose not to. I'll just accept the tough situation and be at peace with it. I'm so much more productive that way. 

When I was in 8th grade I went to see the Dalai Lama speak in Maui. It was an extremely hot May day, and his lecture was given outside. It was difficult to hear, and pay attention, but one thing he said has always stuck:

"You cannot fight suffering. You have to accept it."