loving art, science and creative kids

 Red Pine Trees by the Atlantic.

 My hope is that they will be alive for hundreds of years after my death.

Takeaways to Move Forward

"The unexamined life is not worth living," is a statement attributed to Socrates at his trial for impiety and corrupting youth, for which he was subsequently sentenced to death. It implies that life won't be fulfilling if you live under the rules of others without examining what you want out of it, and that each of us has a choice in how to act. Socrates considered the love of wisdom as the most important pursuit above all else and was willing to die for his belief.

 Many philosophers and psychologists who came later consider his statement too narrow. They say there are factors to a satisfying life that don't come from examining it, such as being with family, having experiences, building memories, and achieving success. I do agree with them, but I also believe with Socrates that there is merit to reviewing and examining your life periodically in order to get the best out of it. Living well, involves identifying heights and goals and aspiring to them. It means seeking the truth and not accepting blind conspiracies.

  Curiously, 2020 gave us a gift to help us evaluate our lives. The pandemic, protests, fires, a fraught election, and floods provided plenty of opportunity to get to know ourselves better. They tested our ability to thrive in the face of rapid change and adversity and compelled us to manage our own mental and physical health. We've had to look inside our minds and bodies and figure out what skills we could call on to help us survive. 

  Some had to reach deep for they lost jobs, property, dreams, and housing. They went hungry and became homeless. Those more financially stable looked inward to avoid depression and loneliness. We listened to politicians, medical professionals, and newscasters with hope that conditions would improve, only to see our optimism shattered. For most of us there came a moment of realization that we were on our own. It was a wake-up call to convey that hope is meaningless without action. We had to come to grips with the present reality and do what we had to do to survive.

Though many complained, for the first time in generations, children spent hours of at home with their parents. Not being pushed out the house to school or to join sports teams, go to dance classes or scouting clubs, the children had learn how to occupy themselves. Adults in their households became role models in how to organize time, cook, clean, play and interact as a family. Sequestering forced each person to lean how to be happy when alone-gardening, hiking, art, writing, cooking, coding, and gaming projects abound.

  Seniors set in their ways, surprised themselves by learning new skills. To communicate with friends and family and in order to shop, they were compelled to overcome their fear of the computer. And, they registered to vote, doing so by mail-in ballots in record numbers. Finding capabilities they never thought possible will have beneficial ramifications to how they spend their time when the pandemic ends. Life, even for those sequestered, can be enjoyable with the right mindset. 

  Many friends tell me they vow never to return to the frantic life they left. Slowing down gave them a chance to see what they are made of. After getting over the shock of being controlled by a virus, they began moving through day and night in accord with the circadian rhythm that regulates their sleep-wake cycles. Finding it easier to get a good eight-hours of sleep each night, something the medical community has pushed us to do for years, provided energy needed to meet unforeseen challenges. Breathing cleaner air, walking instead of driving, and depending on doctor's less helped them feel better.

  I learned that I like being alone so I have uninterrupted time to expand on ideas to add to my writings and paintings. I discovered I'm more of an introvert than I thought I was, that I don't enjoy marketing art, but have a great respect for those who do. When pushed to give a Zoom book talk in Lake Oswego, I was taped for the first time. The feedback I received by watching myself showed I did a tolerable job, but there is much I can do to improve. 

  Though, the virus is spreading rapidly by a citizenry weary of following directives, and economic hardships continue for many, we were bound together by a common enemy- a microscopic virus no-one can control. It was heartwarming that more of neighbors than ever, honored us with homemade cakes and cookies this holiday. I haven't received as many Christmas cards in decades. 

  What are my takeaways at the moment?

1. Despite political differences, most people are compassionate and caring. They help people more needy than they, are funding food banks to record amounts, and concerned for the homeless.
2. After an initial shock, most of us are mentally and physically able to find ways to adapt to a change in circumstance. Those without the inner resources to do so, may need social and psychological counseling to prevent them from harming themselves through drink, drugs or suicide. They must not be forgotten, for they are brothers and sisters, children and parents who deserve our compassion.
3. We all have creative resources within.Those interested in improving their circumstances dig for them and take action.
4. There is much we do to stay busy so we won't have to think, in-part, because thinking can lead to hope and trying something new outside our comfort zone. 
5. The virus proved that we can change our ways and that we have the ability to change how we treat the planet. We need the will to do it. Having a healthy environment, the major challenge of the century, is a task must be embraced if we are to live well. My hope is that the trees I paint on canvas will outlive me by hundreds of years.  But, to insure that happens, I must take action now.. 

  What are your takeaways from the past year? What do you want out of life and what will you do to make it happen? Do share your thoughts on my blog site.

  References:

Philippus,D (2019) What did Socrates mean when he said, “The unexamined life is not worth living”? Quora. retrieved from https://www.quora.com/What-did-Socrates-mean-when-he-said-The-unexamined-life-is-not-worth-living