The Bridge #79
in which we accept the messy and the calm, each according to their measure
Hello
& Welcome to The Bridge!
If it’s not too ridiculous to juxtapose the following three things together, I’ll be sharing today an excerpt from a story I wrote, a list of projects inspired by a libertarian-funded research institute, and a book of poetry encouraging mindful listening in nature.
It’s maybe a little messy to put these things together, the incoherence might feel silly. It might feel calming too to know that in a ridiculous world we can decide what we pay attention to.
Something Fun
Fred the Frog was on a journey.
He’d been through storms, talked with friends old and new, been inspired, and started an adventure. Now he was hopping along, seeing what else he could find, and he found … another pond!
& what a pond it was:
In the air, a slight breeze. The water of the pond, a perfect temperature. The lily pads, shaped just right. The lilies, pure white.
It’s perhaps unsurprising then the frogs at the pond had a rather relaxed vibe, and they warmly invited Fred to join them in the water. He immediately felt at ease. Before he knew it, several weeks had come and gone.
Then he thought: “Wait, something’s wrong! Everything is too much... the same.” He’d said the thought out loud, and a frog nearby heard him speak.
The frog said, “Hey man, if you think something’s wrong, you should probably speak to the chief, Chief Thiel. He’ll know what to do.”
“Where do I find this… how did you call him? Chief Teal?”
“Man, don’t worry. Chief Thiel, when you wanna talk with him, it's simple; he’ll find you.”
Sure enough, a frog appeared soon after and brought Fred before the Chief. When he arrived and had looked around, Chief Thiel spoke : “Fred the Frog” (he spoke with such a deep croak! How did he know Fred’s name?) “You are welcome to stay here in Sans Souci [for that was the name of the pond] as long as you like. How can I help?”
“Well, uhh… I -- see… the thing is, I don’t really quite know exactly. Something doesn’t feel right. Something feels strange. Like, I feel safe but almost too safe, you know?, and that makes me feel unsafe. It's weird! Does that make sense?”
“Oh, Fred,” the Chief croaked kindly, “Rest assured: Everything here has been very carefully designed. There is absolutely nothing to fear. We determined through thorough research what is a danger and what is not. We carefully measured sizes and temperatures, and learned what makes for an ideal environment. That way we ensure continually all who live here are happy. There is truly nothing here to fear. Let me reassure you.”
“Hmmm,” Fred began, “That feels like a pretty clear explanation. Thank you!”
What do you think Fred did next? What would you do in Fred's shoes?
Something to Consider
Active Projects inspired by the Seasteading Institute
If you can believe it, over the past decade there have been millions of dollars poured into research, lobbying and prototype building of autonomous floating islands all around the world.
Originally conceived for the benefit of super-rich libertarian-minded futurists, who see the dangers of rising sea levels and want to be free of what they see as over-reaching governmental control, these floating island homes remain primarily in the imagination for now. Whether or not they become reality in future depends for now on international regulations regarding sea jurisdictions.
Honestly though, the reason I share this project is because it makes slightly more concrete the desired dream of some rich people to live apart and find their safety and peace. & yet the reality is often so much more messy, no matter what money or energy we might throw at the project.
Something to Explore
The Other Way to Listen by Byrd Baylor and Peter Parnall
Instead of a song this week, I’m recommending a book of poetry that illustrates beautifully an important wisdom, passed on from one generation to the next (and sometimes skipping a generation but never forgotten). How to listen really listen to the natural world around us.
You could purchase a copy of this book, or click the link above to hear it read aloud, or apply the lesson that it transmits and spend some time in nature. It may take longer than you think to hear the sound of a tree or a rock or the wind speaking, but it’s worth the wait.
Something to Practice
Do you have a place in nature that you like to visit and revisit ?
Forming a bond with the natural world, no matter whether we are young or old, is one of the most valuable investments of time and energy we could ever make.
Every morning of his life
When he was young
he climbed a cottonwood and sat there listening.
He told me it was worth the time.
He said trees
are very honest and they don’t care much
for fancy people.
And he said he doesn’t know
of anything he ever did as important
as sitting in that tree.
To do it can seem strange, or it can seem like the most natural thing in the world…
JPC 🌳