So if we’re lucky, there comes a time we find ourselves on the descent. We have survived our youth, somehow. Endeavored through adulthood, though we never quite figured out what that meant. We have passed, now, the biological markers of anabolic growth and have begun the switch to catabolism. Our organisms and well-being take more and more effort for upkeep. What goes up must come down. And as we pilot this second trajectory, we’re presented with cultural options, often instilled in childhood. And we may adhere to them for comfort and meaning. Or we may be cynical about their palliative intent and wishful thinking and, having no viable alternatives of our own, sink into depression, depravity, squandering hedonism against an escalating insulin-like resistance to experiencing even simple pleasures.
We bemoan the state of the world as a reflection of the state of ourselves. Polluted, exploited, clueless, powerless, victimized.
Or
We may begin finally to wake up. Not to any enlightened agenda —but to presence. In a beautiful, terrifying world. To the bondage we’ve accepted without question in our minds. To the inanity of solving problems that are not essential, or even relevant to our wellbeing. Or any other’s. And we may question and live anew. In ways we have long forgotten, that were once our native tongues.
Or
We may try to carry the promissory notes of our religions, prophets, saviors, reason, skepticism, the beliefs in our primitive brains’ understanding to the cashier of the void and watch him laugh at our monopoly money and foolish investments.
Or
You may define your own scenario. I hope you do and do so magnificently. This is our freedom. It should not be something we easily give away to others. Or to voices in our heads.