North Cairn writes a nature column in the Cape Cod Times Sunday paper each week. She always writes about her treks through marshes and beaches with her dog. I love reading her writing. It’s usually quite a long piece and I can’t believe all the things she finds to write about on a simple morning walk, and then attach a theme to it. By the end of the piece she has me feeling peaceful and giving much gratitude to have the privilege of living in such a place as Cape Cod.
Today her column was entitled “Distracted by Technology” and her obvious message was “technology has delivered just what it promised: a virtual reality, but not the natural world and a long-sought community with all created things, or even a map to the interior of the self”. In some ways I beg to differ. I feel because of technology, the map to MY inner self has finally appeared. Having mediation books and even the bible available on iBooks at all times has gotten me to read, think about, and process ideas and concepts I would’ve never taken the time to even consider if I had to drive to a bookstore, search for and find a book. Also, this blog would be harder for me to write everyday if I couldn’t write it from my phone wherever I am.
I, myself, can stave off the face-booking and emailing. I can have my phone with me at all times and ignore the social parts and use it for reading, writing, and photography. I can take my phone on my beach walk and not be disturbed by it, but use it to enhance my experience out in nature.
These were my thoughts as I was reading along happily through her piece today. Then I came upon the following quote she used nearing the end of the piece and I stopped in my tracks when I read:
“To be beautiful and calm without mental fear is the ideal of nature.” ~ Richard Jeffries
Nature, beach walks, technology, – all of it is of mere insignificance next to being “without mental fear”. I don’t care where you live or how much technology you live with or without – the crux of peace is just that – being “beautiful and calm, without mental fear.” That is the “X” on the map to my inner self. That is the buried treasure to be found and set free by.
Everyone takes a different route when searching for the buried treasure. My route was through my smart phone – it put me in touch with God. Every Monday I can watch Dr. Charles Stanley deliver his weekly inspirational message. Every morning I can read from three different meditation books. As soon as I get out of bed I can quickly write my Morning Pages, which has turned into a daily conversation with God. Every afternoon I can can share my thoughts with you. Through this process, over the last nine months, I have found that place of being “without mental fear” as I surrendered everything that takes place in my life to God. Just went right over and dumped it all at the base of the cross. Peace at last.
And so, as another day goes by, I’m glad God “had an app for that”, and …I have written.
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