I would like to spend the rest of my days in a place so silent—and working at a pace so slow—that I would be able to hear myself living.
~ Elizabeth Gilbert
slip:4a1289.
Able to hear myself →
Bias →
These stories illustrate two truths. 1) I’m a big ol’ nerd, and 2) the goodness and badness of memories fade over time, but the badness fades faster—that’s the fading affect bias. Some bad memories even become good memories, while good memories rarely become bad memories.
~ Adam Mastroianni from, Underrated ideas in psychology – by Adam Mastroianni
slip:4ueepu1.
Like Mastroianni, I’m clearly susceptible to this bias. One thing that I use to fight it, is to write myself honest thoughts after things happen. A lot of the pleasure from something is the anticipation—the imagining of the enjoyment from some expected experience. That’s pretty easy to remember to journal and it happens without effort in the days leading up. But after the fact, I usually take a big chunk of time and decompress. What did I really think when I got hit in the head that one time at that thing? …or when I fell? …or got sick? The best adventures are when I look back and think: “ugh, that sucked. I’m glad I did it.”
ɕ
Until I hear →
I used to think I wrote because there was something I wanted to say. Then I thought, “I will continue to write because I have not yet said what I wanted to say”; but I know now I continue to write because I have not yet heard what I have been listening to.
~ Mary Rueflé
slip:4a1288.
October 01, 2023 — #52 →
Reading time: About 6 minutes, 1200 words
Get 7 for Sunday in your inbox. → Subscribe here.
This issue is https://7forsunday.com/52
Relationships →
I’m saying that it is necessary to share meaning. A society is a link of relationships among people and institutions, so that we can live together. But it only works if we have a culture—which implies that we share meaning; i.e., significance, purpose, and value. Otherwise it falls apart.
~ David Bohm
slip:4a1287.
Just kidding →
Jokes of the proper kind, properly told, can do more to enlighten questions of politics, philosophy, and literature than any number of dull arguments.
~ Isaac Asimov
slip:4a1286.
Vibrant with Alison Coates →
Vibrant – with Alison Coates
What is the transformative impact of community, environment, and personal identity on creative expression and connection in a podcasting journey?
Embracing change, making unconventional choices, and the courage it takes to be your authentic self in a world filled with expectations.
It feels like those connections are now beginning to come together. I was reading a newsletter from the [local forest group.] It must have been published two or three years ago. And when I first read it, I thought: “that’s interesting.” And then I read it recently, and every article and person mentioned in there, I know… I now know who they are, I can put a face to those people, and I know more of their story and who they are. So there’s something brewing about the people in this community.
~ Alison (around 13:30)
Craig Constantine and Alison Coates begin with Alison’s breathtaking view of the Kyles of Bute and the ever-changing weather patterns in a remote Scottish village. She shares how the natural beauty of the area has become an integral part of her daily life and how her move to the village has shaped her perspectives. They touch on the evolving dynamics between locals and newcomers in the community, and Alison’s potential (budding?) interest in capturing the stories of the people she has come to know. Finally, Alison reflects on her youngest child’s non-binary journey, emphasizing the importance of normalizing discussions about personal identity.
Takeaways
Embrace Change — openness to new experiences and perspectives leads to personal growth and a deeper connection with community.
Normalize Identity Conversations — willingness to discuss a child’s identity and a community’s reactions demonstrates the importance of normalizing conversations about personal identity.
Impact of Authenticity — by being true to oneself, individuals can find happiness and inspire others to do the same.
Build Meaningful Connections — interactions highlight the value of building meaningful connections.
Community Resilience — observations of changing dynamics demonstrate the resilience of communities in the face of change.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
ɕ
Tough acts! →
How I assemble 7 for Sunday varies. This week, I had the three quotes selected, and three of the other pieces chosen and written… and I was left staring at this spot between a quote from Asimov and a quote from Kelly; Tough acts to follow or precede. I racked my brains over this. I felt I should be able to find a joke a la Asimov, which also illuminated a shortcoming of my own… this is the best I could come up with:
Four years ago, when I left for college, I thought my father was the dumbest ape to ever walk the planet. Upon my return I couldn’t believe how much he’d learned!
Why slow learning? We live in an age of information overload, ever-accelerating technologies, and split-second learning. Citizens, learners, and workers today are required to continuously reskill, upskill, and newskill to keep up with this new pace.
~ Tom Hodgkinson et al from, Slow learning | ITCILO
slip:4uiire1.
Granted, the joke is weak. As a consolation prize, I’ve included that wonderful project for your consideration.
ɕ
Little things →
The happiness of most people is not ruined by great catastrophes or fatal errors, but by the repetition of slowly destructive little things.
~ Ernest Dimnet
slip:4a1285.