Over the past 10 days, I have covered society and how modernisation has contributed to increased loneliness, a subsequent rise in mortality, and a decrease in overall happiness. I explored diversity and the incredible impact of being open to diversification and learning more about every possible alternative aspect of life. I considered vulnerability and how it can contribute strongly to growth and enable true authenticity. I reflected on losing sight and how we should never lose sight of what we have. I explored the feeling of nothing and how, sometimes in life, we simply feel nothing—and that's okay. Traversing these feelings of nothingness helps us find balance and understand ourselves. I considered fresh water and its correlation with the circle of life, embracing nature, and understanding our place. I explored Machiavelli, a 15th-century Italian philosopher and somewhat controversial figure. I reflected on dancing and how expression through dance can open us up to ultimate freedom. Finally, Day 150! It has been a wonderful journey, and reaching this milestone and looking back has been a great experience.
Society — The erosion of communal relationships in modern society has resulted in increased loneliness, reduced interaction, and decreased connection, leading to higher mortality rates as a consequence of our own actions. This highlights the importance of maintaining deep-rooted connections and actively seeking to create and sustain tight-knit communities in the search for happiness.
Diversity — The prevalence of diversity can be seen in every aspect of the world, from communities and families to workplaces throughout history, showcasing a complex evolution of unique diversification that seems limitless. Embracing this diversity not only contributes to personal growth and happiness but also fosters a sense of unity and compassion that transcends boundaries.
Vulnerability — By embracing vulnerability, despite the risks it may pose, we can unlock new paths for personal growth and genuine connections with like-minded individuals, ultimately leading to a greater sense of happiness and fulfilment in life.
Losing Sight — It is important to remember and appreciate what we have, as failure to do so can lead to complacency, a loss of perspective, and potentially losing everything. This highlights the significance of gratitude in our pursuit of happiness.
Nothing — Sometimes, we find ourselves in a state of nothingness, where we feel neither euphoria nor despair, and that's okay. It can help us maintain composure and navigate life's uncertainties, allowing us to flow down the river of nothingness until the next incoming current brings us a new emotional state to reassess.
Fresh Water — The circle of life, specifically the replenishment of fresh water through evaporation, cloud formation, and rain, is a remarkable process completed by Mother Nature each day. With water holding memory and driving the engine of the world, this cycle reminds us of our dependence on it and the importance of recognising and appreciating the natural processes that sustain us. This contributes to our search for happiness and fosters gratitude and contentment in our lives.
Machiavelli — Niccolò Machiavelli, a 15th-century philosopher from Florence, Italy, advocated for rulers to prioritise power and stability over moral considerations in his famous work, The Prince, suggesting that deception and violence may be necessary to achieve and maintain power. However, I question whether such tactics ultimately lead to self-defeat and hinder the attainment of true objectives, as we must consider the potential harm to others and the preservation of collective positivity in our pursuit of power. Machiavelli's focus on unwavering determination and the importance of internal dialogue and conviction are valid, but if we subject others to disarray, we may fail to achieve the desired outcomes.
Dance — Expressing yourself freely and dancing without concern for how others perceive you is a liberating and deeply satisfying experience, but modern society's hierarchical structure has created a fear of authentic self-expression and hindered the ability to fully let go and connect with one's inner being. By incorporating dance into my morning routine, I have discovered a deeper connection and sense of release that goes beyond the act of dancing. It is the freedom to let my body and myself roam without external pressures.
150 Not Out — Yesterday marked a significant milestone in my journey as I reflected on the power of consistent devotion and the importance of progress and improvement, even without knowing the final destination. Starting this blog felt right, and each day I continue on this journey teaches me something new about life, myself, and the world around me, making success the knowledge gained along the way. Happiness lies in understanding oneself, embracing simplicity, and living in the present moment, as we all have the potential for fulfilment within us, connected yet uniquely individual.
Over the past 10 days, I have learned a lot, found myself in a state of nothingness, discovered a deep sense of universal connection through dance and self-expression, reflected on nature's wonders and our place in the world, and achieved another significant milestone, which I am super stoked about. It has been an insightful few days, and as the days continue to progress and I learn more about myself and the world around me, I feel increasingly confident that I am on the right path. The question remains: a path to where?