I realize now that for one that doesn't really have any ornithological skills, I have been to four bird aviaries in the past two years. On top of that, three were in other countries; apparently I'm willing to go out of one's way to see bird sanctuaries. The oddest fact is that I don't think I know any more about birds than I did before touring these places. My identification skills are next to nil and I don't possess any vocabulary to discuss birds--apart from the obvious differences of size, colour, and outlandish beaks. As someone who loves trivia. They are like nosily, tropical shrines to my ignorance.
That said, I have always liked birds, particularly observing them.. It's like people watching, only they let you take pictures.
S
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Eunoia
Or rather in pursuit of it.
If there is any lesson I feel I should walk away with from this past month is that there is a lot to fill my life when I don't pay attention. I remind myself that writing needs to make it on the daily task list, but somehow that got away from me in March..
It was not unproductive: clutter was dealt with, a hefty book was finally finished (more on that later), people were moved, paperwork was done, and present shopping was partially executed. There is probably more that I don't mind being on the Internet but it elude me right now. That's that; let's move on.
Back to the start, I have been thinking about Eunoia when I sat down to write today. The word means "beautiful thinking" in Greek (not sure if it's ancient or modern) and it has come into my thoughts while worrying about the fracturing of the media sphere (that we are living in a cocoon world where we only hear what will re-enforce what we already believe) and with my perpetual paranoid feelings that I have intellectual blind spots.
I desire Eunoia, a perfect way of thinking that focuses my mind and gives me the tools to venture out boldly rather than passive consuming the product of the day. To be able to see bias, but more importantly see the world as it is. Perhaps elections bring such feelings to the forefront or that I have been doing a droning, driving commute that lacks the people watching of the subway or walking. The desire finds its way into my thoughts often.
Unfortunately, I have not found a clear guide or path to Eunoia. So this return blog post will be a rather rambling it has turned out to be. Well, I back. Room for improvement-- which I suppose is the opposite of Eunoia; not sure if the Greeks had a word for that.
If there is any lesson I feel I should walk away with from this past month is that there is a lot to fill my life when I don't pay attention. I remind myself that writing needs to make it on the daily task list, but somehow that got away from me in March..
It was not unproductive: clutter was dealt with, a hefty book was finally finished (more on that later), people were moved, paperwork was done, and present shopping was partially executed. There is probably more that I don't mind being on the Internet but it elude me right now. That's that; let's move on.
Back to the start, I have been thinking about Eunoia when I sat down to write today. The word means "beautiful thinking" in Greek (not sure if it's ancient or modern) and it has come into my thoughts while worrying about the fracturing of the media sphere (that we are living in a cocoon world where we only hear what will re-enforce what we already believe) and with my perpetual paranoid feelings that I have intellectual blind spots.
I desire Eunoia, a perfect way of thinking that focuses my mind and gives me the tools to venture out boldly rather than passive consuming the product of the day. To be able to see bias, but more importantly see the world as it is. Perhaps elections bring such feelings to the forefront or that I have been doing a droning, driving commute that lacks the people watching of the subway or walking. The desire finds its way into my thoughts often.
Unfortunately, I have not found a clear guide or path to Eunoia. So this return blog post will be a rather rambling it has turned out to be. Well, I back. Room for improvement-- which I suppose is the opposite of Eunoia; not sure if the Greeks had a word for that.
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