What are we sacrificing in the name of convenience?
My friend drinks Red Rose tea. One day while I was visiting, he opened a new box, and inside was a little “Wade Whimsy” figurine. I asked him what it was. Apparently, until recently, Red Rose tea included a figurine of some kind inside every box. There were animals, fish, steam trains, a 3 corner hat, and the Liberty Bell, plus others. My friend had many of them.
“How cool,” I said, a prize inside every box!
I remembered being a kid and getting a prize inside the Cracker Jack, or cereal box, on the rare chance our mom would buy us anything other than Raisin Brain. I would be so excited to dig my hand down through the box, fingers wiggling and alert for the first touch of a plastic bag. Oh, the anticipation!
The figurine in the tea box gave me a bit of that same feeling. Silly maybe, but it did.
Red Rose, like most businesses these days, has moved their figurines online. If you want one, you have to go online and request one. Sadly, no more prizes in the box. No more feeling of anticipation to see what you’ve got. No more immediately adding it to the collection on the window sill…
“…you can order products online now to start your collection. Proudly put them on display in your home, or just use them to remember when life was simple!”
When life was simple…
I liked it when it felt like life was showing up in these simple, little ways. Like the Universe was saying, “I see you, here’s a little something just for being you.” A little surprise to make you smile. When life was simple…
But was it, or was it just different? Maybe it was filled with more tactile experiences, more “prizes,” which made it feel simpler or lighter somehow.
I wonder, can we move forward into the future and bring along some of the much-cherished things of the past, or must we let everything thing go in the name of progress?
Life used to have much more texture to it. For example, remember Blockbuster? There would be a particular movie you wanted to watch, and you would have to wait for it to arrive at the store. Then, you’d have to drive to pick it up, hoping there was still a copy left for you. Yes, the struggle was real. But, while you were there, you’d see other movies you’d like, or maybe you’d discover something new. You might meet someone in the same aisle and ask them what they were getting, make a new friend, or maybe even get a date. It was a fun thing to do, and you felt pretty good when you left. You felt a sense of connection with other people. We are humans, we need that. Those connections were the prize of the day.
Generation Z’ers don’t know what they missed!
Today, we’ve lost much of that in place of convenience. But, at what cost? I was watching an interview conducted on college campuses across the country. Some students claimed to feel lonely, disconnected, anxious, or depressed. The impact of mental illness is so devastating that suicide is the third leading cause of death among all people ages 15-24. So why then, with the ability to talk or interact with literally thousands, if not millions, of people all over the world through social media and technology, are people feeling so alone or disconnected? This is not a new question, but it is one we need to pay attention to and solve because it’s not only that specific age group that is feeling it.
You don’t have to be an Anthropologist to recognize things have changed. This isn’t saying it’s all bad, of course not, but if I’m honest, I sure could use a little more of the texture these days, and I don’t think I am alone.
There appears to be a resurgence of people seeking a simpler life. Something which offers more hands-on, authentic connections with others. There are a large number of folks selling their houses and living in RVs or vans. Tiny home communities are springing up all over the place.
Community gardens are more popular than ever, and people are raising chickens and growing vegetables instead of grass in their front yards. Tactile. Texture. Simple.
I recognize that raising chickens and living in a “van down by the river” isn’t for everyone, but there are other ways to simplify our lives and create more connections. We can start by logging off of the computer, putting down our phones, or turning off the TV, and instead have conversations with those around us. Go for a walk together, do a puzzle, play a board game, volunteer, join a group, and get excited about something. Touch life again.
Another benefit of simplicity is that it also allows us to connect more deeply with ourselves. We learn to appreciate more as we discern what truly matters. We experience growth and awareness. Maybe we even find a few moments of joy or peace.
I believe life holds an abundance of these little prizes for us everywhere if we can just open ourselves to notice and receive them. It could be something as simple as hitting every green light or someone buying you a cup of coffee. It could be helping out a friend, and being happy that you have friends. It could be finding a quarter on the street.
If we can practice being more present, and notice and appreciate the simple things, then we will better recognize the gift of each moment, and each other.
Where will you find your prize today?
Darlene
