“Experts in ancient Greek culture say that people back then didn’t see their thoughts as belonging to them. When ancient Greeks had a thought, it occurred to them as a God or Goddess giving them an order. Apollo was telling them to be brave. Athena was telling them to fall in love… Now people hear a commercial for sour cream potato chips and rush out to buy, but, now they call this free will…. At least the ancient Greeks were being honest.”
~Chuck Palahnuik
I often wonder of the time so long ago; the days of no “modern” societal order; of the time when the community lived for one another and produced what was needed to sustain the clan or tribe. This is a lost practice, and part of a problem that all modern communities face today.
I have much respect for our ancestors, and their lifestyle, though I do realize that these people faced challenges and trials far exceeding our own, on an entirely different level; one that most modern people could never fathom.
Could a modern “city-man” look into the eyes of a sabre-tooth cat, then stand tall with his spine tingling, knees shaking while holding a wooden spear without spilling his bladder? Could a modern man forage and hunt for food from sun-up till sun-down with a stone knife or bow and arrow, and feed his family in this fashion every single day? Could anyone look to the wild grasses, flowers and trees and tell what was good to eat, what would heal, or what would surely kill? These questions may need be answered soon if the supermarket is no more; how spoiled are we to welcome a disconnection to our natural ways.
Even more, I wonder if a modern man could look upon the stars and know that he is simply small, but a part of a larger whole. And, further, though he is small, would the modern man know he is still a part of the grand symphony that we all could hear should we simply listen?
I bow to the ancient ones, for they knew their place in the world. And, though we may never understand their logic, the logic they used proved worthy and balanced for thousands of years; a significantly longer amount of time than our modern practices and “luxuries” have known in just the past few centuries. Back then, sugar was sweet.
In this sphere of modern busy life, we must see beyond the stage and into the cast. We are still the same as our ancestors, but so greatly and tragically disconnected from our true source. Spirit requires this ancient connection and natural growth, this memory of reality; of life on this Earth in communion with creation, Hear the song, and simplicity will return to the world.
… I could say thank you for your observations a thousand times a day for the truth and light they carry. I think you’ve just bought to light one of the single most truths of we who inhabit the present time: our disconnect from Source, from Spirit, from our Souls.
I actually hope we stand in a time where we will get tested with the fall of society in order that we understand the importance of simplicity. How this challenge will manifest we have yet to see, but we rocket toward it doing Mach five!
Very much so and well said.. I wish more would look to the simple ways of yesterday as a practice of common sense and good intention, rather than be stifled by a progressive culture that is not always “moving ahead.”
You nailed it this time again Bravo! Thanks for sharing you gifts as a writer and thinker. Spirit connected soul. Rawberto
Thank you sir! I appreciate your thoughts as well. 🙂
Great observation. Just the best thing to read as I head into today.
best
Loved the quote at the beginning, and your whole post. Lots of us have touched on this disconnect with the world, but you have stated it very simply and eloquently.
Thank you, and it is a subject that more should ponder often I believe.
What a wonderful post. I work on listening, on stopping it all to listen. It is my goal 😉 Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts.
Thank you! A very wonderful practice too 🙂
love your words of truth…”sphere of modern busy life, we must see beyond the stage and into the cast. We are still the same as our ancestors…”
have a great day!
Thank you!!
It is most important to move forward. Our ancestors gave us a great platform to bounce off and expand from.
I strongly believe that no man is small in this world and together, yes, we can move mountains.
Yes, Moving forward is inevitable and important for society to evolve. However, the platform has been largely forgotten by so many, and forward motion these days is not always “progress.”
Good post. Nowadays we still need to be brave but we need to have the courage to stand up and say – “That’s wrong” – or “Don’t turn your back on suffering” – even In our own best interests we need to start caring about what happens to people on the other side of the planet. There’s a hole in the boat and even though the hole isn’t at our feet (mostly) we are all in the same boat and we’ll all go down together if we don’t act. Do we have the courage needed to face up to that?
Very true.. too many self involved people crowd the air.. It’s time to start helping others instead of always focusing on personal needs and wants.
Totally agree. Today, many children, in urban areas especially, don’t know where food comes from other than the supermarket! I think community programs such as gardening together – growing plants, fruits and vegetables – can greatly improve individuals connections towards one another and enhance a whole community to where they care more for one another and value their community.
Getting back in touch with the Earth and the natural resources she has to offer has the power to unite us and reduce crime, ignorance and other human errors.
Thanks for sharing! 🙂
We have as many challenges as those who came before, venerable as they are. We just don’t recognize them as readily or immediately; but are, rather, more likely to be seduced into complacency.
Indeed very true.. Our challenges aren’t as readily up front and personal, rather we’ve become used to the practice of conflict avoidance. But like the ostrich with his head in the sand, we will one day feel the impact of our complacency, no matter where we choose to hide.
What an AMAZING post. From the quote to imaging what a modern man would do faced with a sabre-cat. Excellent, thought-provoking points. Thank you! Gina