10 August 2009
Turn Off the Bombardment
Posted by Robin Easton under: Hobnobbin' with Robin .
Four Portals to Awareness:
This is Part One of a four part series that will explore four actions, which accelerate growth and create a vibrant more rewarding life. Often we look for answers and wisdom in books, workshops and by following spiritual ‘gurus’, when right under our noses sit key actions that instill mega-doses of Life. We’re funny creatures; we often don’t want to listen to our gut impulses or make life changes that we instinctively know will crack us wide open and throw us into awareness. Sometimes it’s more comfortable to keep searching for truth than to actually find it…and live it. I’ve found my greatest vitality and wisdom by embracing these “Four Portals to Awareness”. I honor us all by trusting that we are far more than we’re conditioned to believe.
Part One – Turn Off the Bombardment:
“The dry machinations of society make a mockery of the human soul. We are more than our TVs, cars and the paper money in our wallets. We are more than our houses, our land, our education, our social status and religion. We are so unique that it defies the imagination.” 
How many of us dare turn off the daily bombardment? Can we shut off our TVs — even better yet, get rid of them? Can we give our intimate souls a break from computers, cell phones, books, magazines, media, and information at least once a week and make a date with Stillness? Have we lost sight and now perceive the bombardment as normal? I believe so. I hike a lot and regularly cross paths with fellow hikers: couples, families and individuals. How wonderful that these people spend time in nature. But wait. At least six times out of ten these same people are talking on their cell phones as they hike. The other day I passed a family of five: Mom, Dad, two boys and one girl. The kids ranged in age between eight and twelve and ALL five family members were talking on their cells (all at the same time) as they hiked along. I later passed two women hiking together while both talking on their cells. As I headed back down the trail I passed a woman jogging. You guessed it; she was talking very loudly on her cell as she ran through towering pines and southwest sunset. Surprisingly, this is more common than you might think. I have to go farther and farther afield to escape loud talk and cellphone ringtones.
Sometimes I suspect we’re afraid to expose ourselves to Stillness, to the raw forces of Nature and the Great Universe we live in. However, we need to make ourselves available to the Living Universe and not constantly crowd our souls with TV, computer, books, cell phones, video games, food, drugs, alcohol, sex, radio, shopping and so forth. You name it; my culture does it all. It’s an accepted way of life, and more often than not an addiction. As a species have we reached the point where this is all we know? Have we forgotten how to “be with” nature, “be with” each other and more importantly “be with” ourselves?
When we turn off the bombardment we give our souls a chance to breathe. We begin to let down and open up to the bigger world, which we’re part of. We’re irrevocably connected to the natural world, a vast sensory field of sights, sounds and smells. We might actually need to connect to this natural world in order to survive, in order to fully develop body, mind and spirit. We live in a highly intelligent universe filled with dreams and magic that’s capable of soothing our stressed spirits. When we fail to communion with Stillness we risk the chance of suffering angst, depression, grief, hopelessness and more. We’re left with a deep hunger, which we often fill with more bombardment. However, the soul is wise; it knows something is missing. It continues to hunger. We each might ask ourselves: “Can I hear my soul’s cry? What is it telling me? What is missing in my life? What do I hunger for? Do I dare ‘be with’ Stillness so that I might hear my soul speak?”
Love,
Robin
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44 Comments so far...
ZuzannaM Says:
10 August 2009 at 10:35 pm.
Dear Robin
There is this question: “Can we turn of the bombardment?”
From my point of view, there are endless possibilities to do so.
One has to realize that constant noise, loud music, looking at the TV, and listening to News that has more and more disappointing information about many issues, like health, Flu, Budget etc… All of those issues affect the soul of a human being. Those simply hurting deeply and weakening our resistance to immune system, Yes they weaken our immune system and often times we feel under the weather, depressed, irritable, not able to lift ourselves from that psychological problem. To reverse that, we need to go more often in the Nature and quiet our inner self. Perhaps this is not always easy to do, especially if someone’s job keeps them very busy. However, on those days off we shall seek escape from the noise, sit down on a park bench, and relax. Alternatively, perhaps go for a walk to look at the scenery. These give a feeling of relaxation and release the positive outlook for life. Stress will decrease and our health will be much better…Thus, the bombardment be avoided. Thank you so much for the wonderful article.
Thank you,
Zuzanna
Robin Replies
Dear Zuzanna, What I love about your words here is that you’ve given ideas as to how simple it can be to step away from the bombardment, as simple as sitting on a park bench during one’s lunch break. Even if we live in a city we can look at the sky and remember that we are on a planet floating through a vast universe that’s filled with possibilities. And yes, we all can take a break at least once a week from the the nightly news. It really is amazing how little it takes to simply give ourselves a break. Thank you my beautiful poet friend.
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Lydia Says:
10 August 2009 at 11:44 pm.
Powerful in a lovely, sane way. I’m looking forward to the series of four, Robin. Your photo collage is so beautiful, too.
Robin Replies
Dear Lydia, what a treat to see you here. Thank you for your kind and encouraging words. Loved your use of the words “sane”. Writing this makes me feel sane because I feel so strongly about it and see the results on myself of being in stillness and in nature. My heart cries for all the children who aren’t getting this in their lives. —Also, I LOVE doing those collages. It just thrills my senses…just like Nature does.
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Westerham Spiritual Centre Kent UK Says:
11 August 2009 at 5:18 am.
Fantastic blog article Robin. I firmly believe that we have lost our ability to connect with spirit. Nature is a voice of spirit and unfortunately many of us fail to notice it in our everyday lives anymore (including myself much of the time). I agree bombardment is a very big part of that and there is indeed a fear of switching it all off. Please can I have your permission to read your article as an address at our next spiritual meeting?
Keep doing what you are doing,
Ru.
Robin Replies
Dear Ru, Welcome! I am delighted to meet you. You wrote beautiful words when you said, “Nature is a voice of spirit…” For me this is the absolute truth. I resonate strongly with your words. And Ru, I am honored to have you read my article at your spiritual meeting. I am very touched that you want to share it. I’ve been to your site and the work you are doing sounds very exciting. Thank you again for stopping and for all your encouragement!
NOTE TO READERS: If you live in Westerham, Kent you might want to check out the Westerham Spiritual Centre Westerham Village Hall, Quebec Avenue, Westerham, Kent TN16 1BJ Here is the site: http://www.spiritualcentre.co.uk/ FROM THE PAGE: “Welcome to Westerham Spiritual Centre – a meeting place for the inquisitive, open minded, freethinkers amongst us.”
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Nards Says:
11 August 2009 at 6:33 am.
Just read this aloud to my husband, as he nodded along in agreement with each word. He had just returned from an hour’s walk with nature by the lake. “Wise woman”, he said. “She is”, I said. “Very”.
Peace. Be still.
Love ya, girl!
~Nards
Robin Replies
Dear Nards, How heartwarming to see you here. You know I am VERY touched that you read this to your husband. A walk by the lake just sounds like heaven. (I miss water) 
I am moved by your words and your husbands. You are with me. Always. Love you too. Robin
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Michelle (Artscapes) Says:
11 August 2009 at 9:30 am.
Recently I was visiting one of my favourite ‘ruins’ (derelict farmhouse) and I sat out on the front and listened to the birds, soaked in some of this summer’s rare sunshine, and felt at peace for just a little while. It was the best I had felt in weeks. The nice thing about these old places is that they come from an era before the ‘noise’. Now, they sit out in the middle of overgrown fields and within groves of pines and lilac. Their insides do not hum, they breathe.
During my first trip there the wind was so strong, that the place seemed to inhale and exhale through broken windows, and the only sounds outside of that were the creaks in the wooden floor from my footsteps. This place is returning to Nature, as I will again someday. It is a remainder of how close life and death are when we remove the electric lenses of our technological denial.
Put simply, Nature reminds us of both who we really are and how we must acknowledge death as an intimate part of life to really live it. It might appear to our society of addicts that Death is put off if Life is too.
I will be completely honest… I could never entirely give up my computer or my TV – especially in the middle of one of our more recent dark and snowy winters! That said, I will not take the technology with me when I go for a walk or a hike. To be constantly ‘wired’ is physically and emotionally painful.
You’ll never believe it, but the power went out in the middle of my writing this – AGAIN. Is there a message here??
Robin Replies
Dear Michelle, these insights are so off the charts and the poetry of your words combined with the insights simply left me in awe. I could FEEL all that you describe, even you footsteps creaking the floor. As you know I’ve been in those old buildings and love them because even in their state of abandonment, disrepair and decay they feel more alive to me than when they are brand new. I really believe it is as you say, they are so close to nature now. Very little separates them from moss and fungus and a slow return to Mother Earth. They are filled with the vitality of Nature as she slowly reclaims what was her’s to begin with. Your words here are piercingly beautiful: “This place is returning to Nature, as I will again someday. It is a remainder of how close life and death are when we remove the electric lenses of our technological denial.” I so understand this because it was in the rainforest many years ago that I realized embracing the reality of Death was what made me life Life more fully. It is when we shut our Death that we risk losing Life. I too will return to the Earth one day so I must live, live, live all that I can every single day. Every single moment. Thank you for sharing this with me; you’ve given me a huge gift. One I won’t forget. —PS: I love how the power went out right in the middle of commenting here. THAT is a powerful message..and reminder!!
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Plastic Mancunian Says:
11 August 2009 at 10:29 am.
Hi Robin,
I find it really difficult to “turn off the bombardment” as you so eloquently put it. My big problem is that I am a huge fan of the all the things that interrupt my life.
For example – I work with computers, therefore I spend my entire day sitting in front of one.
I adore music and can sit down and lose myself in songs at any given moment.
I am an avid reader and, to coin a phrase, frequently lose myself in a good book.
TV is a problem, I have to admit, especially now that the football season has started here in the UK (or “soccer” as you may prefer to think of it). I am trying to cut down but am drawn back to the lounge just that little bit too often.
And of course, there is my blog; when I’m at home and not watching TV I am sitting in front of my PC typing utter drivel, before revising it repeatedly in order to make it worthy of posting (if people were to read my “uncut” and “unpolished” posts, they would probably call the authorities).
So to summarise, I struggle to “turn off the bombardment” because of my over-active imagination, my love of football and books and my futile attempts to convert the drivelsome blog posts into something that won’t get me arrested or taken away in a strait-jacket.
And I want to write a book, so I guess when I eventually overcome procrastination, I will use the remainder of my spare time beating myself up trying to convert yet more drivel into something that others may want to read.
That said, I understand exactly what you are saying. I do enjoy a walk (though I wouldn’t call it a “hike”) and escaping the grind can be invigorating. I particularly love exploring new places especially in foreign countries. I think I may have said before that there is nothing more peaceful than walking the English countryside on a sunny day. Sadly, I don’t do that anywhere near as often as I should.
I’m looking forward to your remaining “portals of awareness” – so I can probably fail miserably at those too :0(
Still, I’m nothing if not optimistic and your wise words do register in my addled old brain.
:0)
Cheers
PM
Robin Replies
Dear PM, I just LOVE this comment!! Do you know why? Because number one, it is SO you. And number two, it is SO honest, which is also so you. I laughed and felt happy and real and just very okay about life after reading your words. But then you always have that effect on me. I REALLY admire when someone can be honest. And you weren’t just honest here, but you were humbly honest. It actually is a very endearing quality you have that you express so well. I think your writing is some of the best I’ve read. Your wit is off the charts. I chew through anything you write and am VERY excited that you want to write a book. I encourage you “full on” to do so. You must. I’ve thought that all along. You are a strong excellent writer and far from drivel-ish. Trust me I know these things!! 
Thank you just for being YOU!
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Tara S. Dickherber, M.Ed, CPC Says:
11 August 2009 at 11:38 am.
I turn off the bombardment on a daily basis. I have this theory, as a licensed counselor and personally, that the influx of ADD/ADHD is due to kids having so much to do with technology now. Their brains are being trained from a very early age that the world should go fast and you should get what you want quickly. Watch teenagers listen to their iPod and text on their phone at the same time. It’s just not natural. I try to limit my daughter’s TV time and we just play, most of the day. Inside, outside, and upside down. The more we improve technology the less connected we are to each other and Mother Nature.
This is my opinion and others may disagree, that’s cool.
Robin Replies
Dear Tara, What an insightful and honest comment. I really like it. I agree. I too turn off the bombardment on a daily basis. Since my work is on the computer I make a point of having DAILY time without computer or ANY other distraction. Usually that is spent in nature hiking alone or with my sweetheart or puttering in my garden. And if I have a few minutes to take a break I don’t read, listen to music or anything else. I just sit in my garden, just sit. Or in winter I do yoga or sit with my eyes closed and empty my brain of all the chaos from being on line. Not having lived most of my adult life with technology I was VERY aware of the demand for instant gratification that comes with it. I see it, as do you, in young people when they say, “What gives? I just texted him ten minutes ago and haven’t heard anything.” OR “I just sent an email today and haven’t heard a thing back; can you believe that?” OR “What??!!! You don’t have a cell phone?? Are you kidding??!!” LOL (over the last one.) By the way, the other day I saw a teen (male) listening to his iPod, while driving with the radio on full bore (thumping – vibrating my car at the light next to him), while talking (shouting) into his cell…all at once. I kid you not!! I think getting young kids out into nature, even a park, is one of the most precious and life sustaining gifts parents can give their children. Thank you for your very wise and honest comment here.
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Dragos Roua Says:
11 August 2009 at 1:08 pm.
I have to tell you I gave up the bombardment long ago. I don’t watch TV, I use my cell only to talk with my family and some close friends. I admit I’m doing a small blitz-krieg every once in a while, checking out some email from my iPhone or twittering, but I’m working on this one too. I know perfectly what you’re saying about being in nature and how this triggers that connection and oneness feeling in us. It’s true. I’ve been there.
Thanks for a great post. I really felt inspired
Robin Replies
Dear Dragos, This is very inspiring for me to hear, also honest. Technology and our fast paced culture have been challenging for me as I was by no means used to bombardment after growing up without TV and then living in remote wild areas during my twenties and thirties. But I am learning more and more to — as my husband says — “Teach people to slow down through your own actions. People will get used to your habits and realize you are not going to respond instantly. It invites them to slow down as well. Just don’t feed into the instant gratification thing. Set your OWN pace and stick to it.” I really liked hearing that. I appreciate you bringing it to my attention again as I can forget sometimes and feel that I HAVE to respond to everything right NOW, until I’m so maxed out I can’t think straight and I’m until midnight. I can’t do that anymore. It’s no way to live. So you have REALLY inspired me today. Thank YOU so much.
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MGL Says:
11 August 2009 at 2:09 pm.
It’s hard to turn it off. I think it’s hardwired into our brains now. I sometimes wonder how long it will be till we look like the borg.
Robin Replies
Hi MGL, Welcome and thank you for your comment. Yes, most addictions are hard to turn off, but not impossible by any means. When we unplug and STAY unplugged the brain reverts back to it’s peaceful state of being, especially if we fill our days with things that instill vibrant life. Nature is great for that. Also creating music, art, cooking, gardening, playing with kids outside, etc. These are all things that heal, soothe and fill us with the desire to live more fully. It’s not enough that we simply turn off the bombardment; we need to seek out the activities that fill us with joy, laughter, beauty and love.
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Walter Says:
11 August 2009 at 2:34 pm.
Excellent post, we are so alike in many ways. Congratulations Professor Robin! I just added you to the faculty.
Thanks for stopping by. You made my day!
Robin Replies
Oh my dear Walt, You make my day here by your kind words. Thank you dear friend. You know, I too have often thought that we are alike in many way. It’s why I see the maverick in you, the free thinker. —I’m impressed being called “Professor Robin”. LOL. That’s a first for me and you know I would be honored to be part of your University of Life. OR The Great School of Life.
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Emily Says:
11 August 2009 at 2:39 pm.
Hey, Roby, I am reminded of those statistics that say the average American child!!!, let alone adult, watches 8 hours of TV a day. So since Jer never did, I don’t, that means some ones are watching 16!!!! That said, I thank God every day for the ability to discern what my soul needs. There is NOTHING like doing qigong to the rising sun beside the marshlands of this little place “in the middle of nowhere” that is home. Love the photos; my fav is the one in upper right hand corner. lots of love, Em
Robin Replies
My dear Emmy, You’ve no idea how warm I feel seeing you here. It is such a surprise and blessed treat my dear sister. Yes, you certainly passed on one of our greatest family legacies to Jer: growing up without TV. We were so blessed to have that as kids. With every passing year I see more clearly what a HUGE gift that was in our lives. We had no TV, almost none of the ‘fad toys’, and tons and tons of nature. To this day we are so steeped in nature that we cannot live without it. It is our breath, our sustenance, our passion and love affair. You know, I really believe that our inseparable connection to nature is what connects us SO profoundly, so strongly to our souls. Soul is not a vague concept for us but something which is so prominent in our lives that we live and breathe soul into all that we do and are. I have often thought how Mother Nature is the soul of us all. Bless you Emmy for inspiring me this morning. I feel so connected to you (and myself) right now. You are one of the most courageous and free spirits I know. Know that you are ALWAYS with me and always loved. Roby
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Wilma Ham Says:
11 August 2009 at 2:40 pm.
Robin, I am so with you on this. I live in nature and people honestly ask me if I am not lonely and if I don’t think it is too quiet. Lonely? Quiet?
I am surrounded by the most beautiful living creatures, birds, trees, worms, skinks, I am surrounded by life. Quiet? I hear music all day as the birds continue to sing, the wind whistles through the trees. I have no cell phone, no TV and mostly I am with nature. Yes, I do work behind the computer but looking at blogs like yours is a delight, is it not?
The problem is when you stand in sewerage long enough, you don’t smell it anymore. I think that is the case with current living, it stinks but people got so used to the smell, it is non existent for them. Only when they are away from it for a while they might realize on their return how disgusting their surrounds really are. I feel for all of us, how we got ourselves in such a mess and I am excited that there is still nature to return to. Robin, I am with you all the way.
Robin Replies
Dear Wilma, This comment is simply a thrill to read. I can see why we are “with each other all the way”. We walk the same path my friend. I am SO proud of you for ‘choosing’ to live like this. And it is a choice you’ve made, and a brave one. I so hear you about the loneliness thing. Anyone who really connects with Nature knows that loneliness and Nature simply can’t exist in the same space. Nature is soulful, passionate, brilliantly intelligent, bursting with vitality and filled with curious beings who commune and share with us their wisdom, their songs, their stories, their lives. It is only when we do not see, do not commune with nature and have a relationship WITH Nature that we are left lonely. We humans sit and ruminates the dubious intelligence of Nature and all the while this simply reflects our own lack of intelligence. Nature IS intelligence. Dear Wilma, I hug you for seeing the natural world and sharing it here in a way that is powerfully bold and honest. —I love your line: “The problem is when you stand in sewerage long enough, you don’t smell it anymore.” This is so very true. In a literal sense we really don’t smell the air we’ve fouled. We have lost sight, so I hope that comments like yours and hopefully this post will help us all remember what is important within ourselves and the living world in which we inhabit. Thank you for touching my heart.
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Robb Says:
11 August 2009 at 3:12 pm.
Kia ora Wild Sister,
One of the happiest periods of my family life was the 6 months plus we got rid of our TV when my oldest son was 7 or 8. We talked, read books, sat around the fire and told stories, planned tramps. But we drifted back into being a bit complacent.
Somewhere along the line he became immersed in computers, twitter, texting, and chat groups over the last year or so, and now at 16 we are really struggling with him and he is making some really bad decisions. I think it is mainly due to sensory overload. These instant fixes as Tara alludes to above is so true, and it is breaking our hearts. I am thinking of actually forcing him into the mountains with me for a few weeks just to get him connected to other sounds and senses in the natural world. He needs to be Bombarded with Love. We all do.
Aroha,
Robb
Robin Replies
My dear Wild Brother, as always your words tug deeply at my heart strings and bring tears to my eyes. I so understand what you bravely share here. As I once told you I relate to this phase in your son’s life. Although for me there was no email, texting, twitter, etc at the time. For me it was simply being in school that did this same thing to me. I was drowning, lonely, angry, lost and not plugged into anything real and vibrant…as the greater part of my life was spent sitting behind a metal desk under buzzing fluorescent lights, memorizing predominately useless facts in a classroom that had no decorations, no beauty, no soul, sometimes no window, no life, no nothing. I thought I’d lose my mind. What is interesting (which I may have told you) is that my father would sometimes come home from work and beg me to climb Streaked Mountain with him or canoe the seven miles up Lake Pennesseewassee before sunset. When I said no and complained and whined, there were many times he put his foot down and made me go. Like you say about your son, “forcing him into the mountains”. And do you know, once there I came to LIFE and LOVED it. I was happy and free. Those are my most treasured memories of just me and Dad up on the mountain or in the canoe. I’d give anything to spend a day like that with him. Do you know when I was so sick up on the mountain and losing my clarity from the altitude the one thing that came to me sooooooo clear was my father’s voice saying, “I’m with your Robsy”. I literally dropped to my knees and sobbed. I felt him there so strongly. To this day I know that what he gave me as a kid (Nature) saved my sanity during those school years. Had he not put his foot down I would not have had the experiences that changed my life and forged my character. I wouldn’t have had the courage I did in the rainforest.
Sometimes we forget that kids can become deeply lost and need something larger than themselves to intervene and even override all protestations and just take charge, no matter how much they rant and tell us they ‘hate’ us. There are now more and more places that take kids into the mountains for a few days or weeks, simply to break the cycle and connect them, as you say, to a bombardment with love. You would be a first rate person to do this. I’d love to someday do workshop or treks like this for kids. Or be part of a team that did this. My heart is with you and your son. Trust your own beautiful heart Robb. It is wise and deep, and it DOES know.
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Shirley Says:
11 August 2009 at 3:59 pm.
Can I stop the insanity? Lol! Yes, on most days I can. We don’t even own a cell phone and I can’t imagine a hike with one. I’m not sure I understand the purpose of all that. This week it’s been impossible though as my family transitions, not just because of the move, but because we will be homeschooling too. That homeschool thing is a lot of research.
Robin Replies
Dear Shirley, you always make me laugh (re: the insanity thing). I always love to feel your deep connection to nature and the world around you, which I feel even in this little comment. So heartening for me. —-I know the home schooling thing is such a HUGE task and sacrifice. I also know what school was like for me and the pain that was associated with it, which lasted years and came out in the form of nightmares. They finally stopped around the age of thirty. And from reading your post, your son strikes me as a deeply sensitive child living in a fast pace, overstimulated, complex, often crazed world. So for him to have the astounding opportunity that you are giving him will not only level the playing field for him, but change the course of his whole life. This is not only a huge task you take on, but it is a HUGE life-altering gift that you give your son. I used to teach piano and had many kids your son’s age and the one’s that were home schooled were soooooo amazing. More peaceful, brighter, happier, more free thinking and open. It was amazing to see. I will keep you in my thoughts as you move into this.
[Reply]
Jonathan - Advanced Life Skills Says:
11 August 2009 at 4:21 pm.
Hi Robin, I feel this one in my core. Static always interferes with reception. If you want to tune into your true self you must get out of the constant static. The sounds of nature, on the other hand, will only improve your reception.
Robin Replies
Hi dear Jonathan, I love the way you expressed this. It’s beautiful and clear as is all your writing. I am deeply touched that you felt this one in your core. It’s interesting because after I wrote it, I told my husband that ‘I’ felt this one in my core. So I had to chuckle when I read your words. —Also, really like your use of the word ’static’. I won’t forget that, you’ve now given me a word to describe how the bombardment makes my brain feel, filled with static. My reception goes out the window. If that happens I chuck everything and head for the hills. The most important thing in the world for me in to have reception. Without it I am lost. Thank you wise one.
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marcel lemieuux/7starflight Says:
11 August 2009 at 4:30 pm.
When one has went through chances and in time assume,s the….( i am )…many things are available from life and for life…..its not a question of being saint or spiritual …its just that you accept your new learnings in this life…there is much knowledge in silence..they never taught that in any school….the more you are in your self and power the less peoples have power over you…if only peoples would realize that all is possible…you are a creator and you can easily stay very cool and balanced in the whole show….there are so many beauties to be discovered or touched or felt or to talk about…….the exercise is not to shut down to the world..but to take time to look at oneself in a no judgment approach and say ok…i get it..or oh! i didn,t know that….living life is a journey…might as well have fun…peace
Robin Replies
My dear Marcel, You are ALWAYS filled with such beautiful wisdom, which you express in a way that is like love laid upon the heart, expressed humbly, quietly and so sincerely that I experience great peace just reading your words. I know that along with myself many others here simply LOVE your expressions of life and who you are. They are soothing and healing for us all. I mean this truly. —-Tears sprang to my eyes when I read this line: “…there is much knowledge in silence…they never taught that in any school.” Oh Marcel, no they didn’t, but they must. Imagine a school for children that taught the exquisite beauty of stillness and silence. And children are SO smart and learn so easily, given the chance. —I agree with you in that the more we are in touch with ourselves the less power people have over us. Your words “you are a creator” are completely empowering. You bring a wisdom and way of expression here that is connected to the Divine. For that I am humbled and so very very blessed. Thank you my friend who comes from another world.
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Liara Covert Says:
11 August 2009 at 5:29 pm.
Robin, as you imply, it is actually quite simple to give up tv and to turn away from the media that reaches out to manipulate and control the mind. You can also choose to give away your tv. The choice to reconnect more regularly with nature is always open to everyone who recognizes choices and free will allow them to shape the course of this physical life. This is an empowering revelation. Some people do fear stillness, do fear not doing, not being guided. Fears can be faced, step-by-step, when a person is ready. Every human being works at his or her own pace.
Robin Replies
Dear Liara, I think there are two strong things here. One is that we can makes choices that shape our lives and instill growth and awareness, empowering us to even greater ability to choose. The more aware, the more the choices. Along with that is that we can start to face fear step-by-step. We needn’t do it all at once. We open gradually to life allowing the soul to strengthen as we go. The second thing I relate to here, which ties beautifully into the first is that we are each evolving at our own intrinsic pace, in our own way, gathering all that we need to know along the way. Nothing is wasted. And all is Love. Thank you my beautiful friend.
[Reply]
Robin Easton Says:
11 August 2009 at 9:12 pm.
Dear Friends, I will reply to the rest of your comments tomorrow. Your thoughts are wise and enrich my life. Thank you. …more tomorrow. Hugs, Robin :0
[Reply]
Mike Foster Says:
11 August 2009 at 9:32 pm.
Robin, my nature girl. Even when I relocate to a stunning, pastoral home in the woods, I am still not totally away from the bombardment as you suggest. I sit and stare at nature as it sprawls before me, yet I have a newspaper in my hand to what? Distract? For surely that is what it does. I will make a point, the next time I sit and sip my green tea on my back deck, with the birds and deer and squirrels surrounding me, to eschew all media and, really, totally, thankfully, commune with nature. Thanks again for a wonderful inspiring post.
peace,
mike
livelife365
Robin Replies
Dear mike, my rapidly becoming nature boy, LOLOLOL!!! Oh dear mike, I couldn’t resist. Actually you honor me calling me a nature girl; I quite like that. Anyway, I love this comment. Do you know why? Because it is so honest and comical and just like human nature. I find it delightful. I laughed out loud. “Please know that I wasn’t laughing with you; I was laughing at you.” LOLOL!! My husband says that all the time in this really sincere voice. Your comment is a bit like Plastic Mancunian’s in the list above you. It’s honest and just so dang real. —-Then I had another thought. Next time you are on your deck with your green tea — and thinking of picking up your paper — try this (I did it in the rainforest). Imagine that you are blind. Close your eyes or cover them with your palms (and keep them there for several minutes). Imagine that you KNOW you will NEVER see the world again. NEVER, EVER, see again. Let your body really feel this. Once you feel it deeply, where it is feeling alarming, then open your eyes and look at the world that lays before you. And SEE it, as if for the first time…or perhaps as if for the last time. See how MANY things you can notice, what colors, shapes, movements, both in the land and sky. How does it FEEL to see it? Then listen to and count the sounds that you can hear. Just imagine if someone told you that tomorrow you will be blind and not be able to EVER look upon this world again. You are a sensitive man, mike; I know this. I also know this experience will help you rethink and re-feel how you see the world. It’s something to do over and over until it is a way of life. I wish you great vision for all of your days mike. And I bless you dear man for inspiring me today in such an amazing way. I started out laughing and ended up with tears in my eyes. All beautiful and all good.
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Chrissy Says:
12 August 2009 at 4:14 am.
I laughed at some of the comments in here especially at Plastic Mancs, as bloggers we spend a lot of time on the computer so we are all being bombarded to an extent. As he has said, the computer is my day job too, so no getting away from it sometimes.
But, sometimes I think it is sufficient to analyse where the bombardment is coming from and make choices. I do take my cell phone on my nature walks as a concession to my OH. He knows that some of the places I go to are terribly remote and have dangers that are greatly alleviated by having it, at least I could call for back up if necessary. But, I don’t ever ring people to chat on those occasions. Also, by not answering at certain times of the day, people don’t ring when they know you won’t answer unless it is really important so you create your own “space”.
Like PM, I like music and it relaxes me especially when I am driving but Radio stations with constant adverts have the opposite effect, I make a choice of listening to CD’s in the car.
Someone made an interesting statement to me on Sunday. He said “Sometimes I try to think of a time when an item in the news has provided me with something that altered my life for the better, where the knowledge has helped me in any way shape or form and I cannot think of one”. I think it is important to have a “news” filter. Newspapers, world news etc rarely report good things….so balance them with good.
I wouldn’t get rid of the TV, my OH loves to watch the racing and that is part of his relaxation, it is good for him to watch it and unwind. He watches the TV and I watch him 
But, then I don’t think the TV ever gets switched on in the week.
The saddest thing is that there appears to be a quest for constant stimulus right now. The technological age has it’s marvels, like being able to chat to people on the other side of the world. But, people seem to miss so many other things.
Interestingly another person told me on Sunday that they had only ever once seen a blue butterfly, I smiled to myself, there were hundreds there that day!
Robin Replies
Dear Chrissy, this comment is SO filled with YOU and very wise. Just loaded with so many juicy thoughts. My “OH” (other half?) Also would like me to carry a cell, especially after my last experience. If I decide to it would ONLY be for emergencies, but then I’ve lived years in the wild without one and there is something about knowing I’m 100% responsible for myself. It definitely creates another level of awareness, one MUST go into survival mode. But I consider….
I LOVED what you wrote about the news and if watched then brought into balance with the positive. Also, what your friend said reminds me of me. I’ve been asked that and given the same answer, almost verbatim. So I was delighted to read that. Thank you SO much for sharing it.
Yes, isn’t “Plastic Man’s” comment just a joy! I too loved it. You should read Mike Foster’s as well. Wonderful! I find it interesting, as you say, the quest for stimuli. Would love your thoughts sometime as to why you feel this happening. And yes, some technology is a marvel and yet my husband and I were talking about the things that are lost. It has both pros and cons and if we aren’t, as marcel lemieuux/7starflight says above, “in our power in ourselves”, we are like a ship without a rudder and not in control of our lives. This takes us back to your comment about maybe it being sufficient to analyze or be aware of where the bombardment is coming from and making a conscious choice as to whether it’s truly enriching our lives or stealing our souls.
Chrissy I so value your thought provoking comments and you. Always dear friend. —PS Hundreds of blue butterflies is a site from a dream, created by love. Beautiful beyond compare.
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Mihaela Lica Says:
12 August 2009 at 4:55 am.
No, no, no… I am not afraid. I just don’t have the time. I miss it, I long for it, I am down and depressed when I cannot feel the living universe… Once I had a job that gave me constant exposure. Now it’s just me and my computer. I do take some hours in the weekends though. Better than nothing I guess.
Robin Replies
Hi my dear Mihaela, What a joy to see you here. I too am down if not in touch with the living universe. And I am soooo glad that you KNOW what the living universe feels like. Even if you don’t have as much time now as you once did. I know having a new baby takes almost all your time, but eventually you can take your child with you into Nature. I have a few moms here who do that. And you can see the effects of it on their children. They just glow and are SO happy and filled with vitality. I also believe that even getting out on weekends, even to a park is a huge thing. No time with Nature is too small. It ALL helps. If I am on the road a lot I take in the sky at the red lights while I wait. In the thick of traffic I remember and FEEL that I am sitting on the Living Earth. So yes, any time in Stillness or with Nature is MUCH better than nothing. Even a minute a day can make a difference. Thank you for your kind visit my generous friend.
[Reply]
Twitted by RobinEaston Says:
12 August 2009 at 6:37 am.
[...] This post was Twitted by RobinEaston [...]
Evita Says:
12 August 2009 at 6:49 am.
Great series idea Robin – I look forward to the other parts
In terms of turning off the bombardment, no problem. Gave up all papers, magazines, news, etc, a long time ago (not that I was ever into them in the first place) Life is just better I find when we create it, not when someone creates it for us. The drama, the brainwashing, the fear-mongering, it is just not for me.
As for the TV, yes we still own one, but it is used sparingly and mostly for nature shows, which we really enjoy. It allows us to explore parts of the world that we cannot do so yet physically, hopefully one day
And a big piece of advice for others, if you are going to watch TV, mute the commercials, they are so useless and mind numbing and they really can alter our psyche if we are not conscious.
Robin Replies
Dear Evita, what a lovely comment. So you and soooo Life-filled. You wrote: “Life is just better I find when we create it, not when someone creates it for us.” Wow! That pretty much says it all. I have been this way all my life. As marcel lemieuux/7starflight says up above: “…you are a creator and you can easily stay very cool and balanced in the whole show..” Like you I just refuse to be part of “The drama, the brainwashing, the fear-mongering”. It’s been going on for as long as I can remember and listening to it NEVER did anything or changed anything for me except drag me down, not that I listened much, almost never, and NONE now. I’d rather be a person of action and choice in the world and take control of the things I do have control over, which is far more than we often realize. —I LOVED your idea for those who do watch TV; mute the commercials. Fantastic! Not only is the volume louder during them but they are frantic, pushy and definitely alter our psyche. I once went on a 6 day river raft trip and there was a little girl (8 years old) on the trip who spent a lot of time with me. She sang a lot BUT every song she sang was a TV commercial. And I mean EVERY song. It was exhausting to hear these jingles over and over. So I told her there were other songs and she ask “What ones?” I said, “The ones you make up yourself.” So we spent the day in the kayak going down the river creating a song about our trip. Neither of us ever forgot that. So especially mute the commercials if you have kids. Fantastic advice Evita. Thank you for your clarity of vision. Just beautiful.
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Vin - NaturalBias Says:
12 August 2009 at 10:59 am.
Great post, Robin! I’ve greatly reduced my TV watching a long time ago, I try to limit unnecessary internet use, and am starting to keep my cell phone off more and more. There’s no doubt that the more clear my mind is and the more in tune I am with my surroundings, the happier and more worry free I am.
Robin Replies
Hi Vin, what a pleasant surprise. I’ve seen you around and now get to meet you! I think you’ve hit on something VERY important and key here. You said: “…the more in tune I am with my surroundings, the happier and more worry free I am.” It’s the “worry free” part that is so important. I too find that if I can take time to just be still or be with nature or in my garden or do focused yoga or simply sit and just “be” that any worry or anxiety drops away. And the anxiety may not even have thoughts attached to it but just be a body feeling, a result of living in today’s world. Maybe we are anxious BECAUSE we are not ever Still. I think the spirit has to have stillness to feel itself. Once felt we are again calm. We know who we are. Thank you for your visit Vin. You are appreciated here.
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Stephen - Rat Race Trap Says:
12 August 2009 at 5:23 pm.
Robin, I don’t write beautiful poetic words like you do but I have to say in my plain way that this is an incredibly good article. I’m not addicted to technology anymore. I fry my mind with books and even reading on the internet. While I’m quite sure that reading books is better than watching TV, I can still feel the bombardment. I still don’t give myself the rest I need. I’ve thought about disconnecting from everything, including books for one day a week. You article has inspired me to give it a try. To just be one with nature and the universe for a whole day. Thanks
Robin Replies
Dear Stephen, I am very touched and honored by your kind words and humbleness. You’re ‘ways’ are actually far from ‘plain’. I’ve often marveled at your ability to be exceedingly articulate. So my friend, we learn from each other. Since my work is on the computer all day I simply must give myself a break at least once a week and then in small ways every day, all day long. It’s been exceedingly challenging for me because I’ve known total piece and complete freedom from bombardment when I spent many years living wild and away from society. So your words also encourage me. My mind is so fried by the end of the day from the computer that I don’t even want to read, talk on the phone or do anything but be still. I read very little. Most of my free time is spent in Nature or the garden. —I know I’ve said this before but I REALLY sense that you have a deep affinity with Nature, that given the opportunity to be with Nature you immediately and easily sink into it. I really sensed that from your Colorado trip. But even being in nature in little ways as long as we can just stop and be still, just ‘be’ can help us let down and alter our whole physiology. Thank you for sharing here Stephen. I always value your input and encouragement.
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the fearless blog Says:
12 August 2009 at 8:39 pm.
Perhaps it is fear, but I think it is habit that keeps people in the “rat race” running around busy or simply tuning off. After spending a few weeks up here in the mountains of Western North Carolina enjoying the outdoors, I again am reminded of the healing powers of nature, stillness, peace, solitude and utter nothingness. Not everyone is comfortable with being alone. It requires an independence or detachment from the everyday “stuff. ” American society teaches us to “move” and in the “movement” we find success and enjoyment. Although that may be true and God knows I believe in striving for success and sucking the marrow out of life, I do not wish to “choke on the bone.” – This is a great line from the film Dead Poets Society. Carpe Diem yes but not the unproductive and repetitive nonsense that traps us.
Although I am not as brave as you are and I have not spent days or weeks alone in the woods, I have spent my moments in solitude and I must say they were extremely productive…
Excellent Post as always…..
Robin Replies
How exciting to see you here dear Mar. I am just thrilled and honored. I also am so happy that have been fortunate to spend time in the place you love do dearly. It is beautiful there wiith those blue rolling mountains. —-I too think there is a strong element of habit to our busy-ness and movement. I think that is why, as you say, detaching from it can often help break the habit and give us fresh perspective. We are able to reassess our lives and make sure we are headed where we REALLY want to go. —Also, my dear friend when it comes to bravery you are no light weight; you are as brave as me or any other courageous person. I know this. We may just be brave in different ways. You are a great inspiration to me BECAUSE you are brave. Thank you for your encouragement and sharing here. They both (and YOU) mean so much to me.
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Lynda Lehmann Says:
13 August 2009 at 7:10 am.
A wonderful post, Robin. I think it is precisely BECAUSE in stillness we are confronted with the rumblings of our souls that we avoid it. People seem to me, to be essentially afraid of themselves. This is a natural repercussion of being in over-busy, over-stimulated mode, since birth! We channel all our insecurities into activity, even if it is meaningless activity. We cling to our cell phones because we are afraid our own voices might rise up from our viscera to call for a sea-change and confront the very essence of how we live, in modern societies.
I prefer a great deal of silence. It’s a balm to my soul, and allows me to have the space to listen to my thoughts, and to fully own myself in the face of an impartial and frenetic universe.
Thanks for the wonderful, thought provoking post. I may pick up on this theme for one of my posts.
Robin,, please know that I think of you and am just snowed with this house project. I would not choose this lifestyle, except that by completing this long term project we will be moving closer to where our souls want to be– immersed in nature!
My love to you.
Robin Replies
Oh my dear Lynda, you are so wise and your words are sheer poetry, all the while delivering a powerful unwavering truth. I love this line: “…we are afraid our own voices might rise up from our viscera to call for a sea-change and confront the very essence of how we live, in modern societies.” This is exceedingly pithy. I resonate with this belief completely. I believe it is in this “viscera” that live our souls. Our whole society is gear toward avoiding soul, or the ‘underworld’ or the deep abysmal emotions and unknown depths, which are filled with primal urges, memories and knowing. And yet, for me this is where I find my truest self. It is where all great explores go, into the belly of the whale and out the other side to tell the tale of their great soul journey.
My culture is one that is more geared toward uplifting the spirit often to escape the soul, geared toward ‘dealing’ with it, fixing it, make it somehow go away; even many religions and spiritual teachings do this. There is little out there that encourages us or even allows us to explore the seemingly darker emotions, urges and tangled disorder. But I believe that is where soul thrives. It is where soul goes to fully connect to itself and heal and ultimately find peace. Soul goes into the dark to find light, into the silence to finally hear (maybe for the first time), into the endless unknown to finally and fully know, into the chaos to finally discover resolution and peace. Oh dear Lynda thank you for being you. You live in a vast world, which I thrive in. I hope someday to sit in the woods and hear the story of your journey. It has to be a remarkable one. —Also, never EVER worry about being busy. I literally KNOW that we are connected. I too have been so ’snowed’ with my book project that I’ve had little time for blogging. But like you, by completing this project I am moving closer to where my soul needs to be. I understand you SO well and send my love to you as well. Always.
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meatlessmama Says:
13 August 2009 at 7:24 am.
I believe lots of people are addicted to the excitement of the bombardment and are so far removed from nature that they do not know how to relax and relate to it anymore. Most people seem to want to be entertained at all times. Even today’s kids do not know how to entertain themselves, forget about knowing how to just “be”.
I get very stressed if I do not have regular time just “being” with nature. Hearing the birds sing, enjoying the trees, contemplating the natural beauty of it all.
If more people took time and learned to do this, stress would be greatly reduced.
I really enjoy your writing.
Robin Replies
Dear Meatless Mama, LOL!! I love that name. It’s very catchy and fun. Welcome! I am so pleased that you stopped in and left your thoughts. I have to say that I 100% agree with you. I too have seen the distress in children who watch constant TV or play constant video games. One friend of mine very wisely pointed out that if you turn it off (TV or computer) and your kids get angry, whiny or have tantrums it’s a sure sign they are starting to become addicted. I’ve seen kids through major tantrums, kicking, screaming, ‘I hate you(s)’ and the shebang. One mom I knew got rid of TV and took the computer games away and within a couple of weeks the kids started to settle down and entertain themselves. And they rarely stayed indoors. —-I am like you, in that I have to have regular time just ‘being’ with nature. It’s who I am. I greatly appreciate your honest thoughts here. They are wonderful and to the point. Also, thank you for your kind words. —-PS I’ve been to your lovely site and those raw pear cookies sound fascinating and delicious.
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Sandra Says:
13 August 2009 at 1:08 pm.
Great post! I felt as if you were talking to me. I have always had a problem with being still and listening to the quiet. I once went on a silent retreat and started talking to myself.
I am trying to do better and am working on a digital diet of less. There is hope for me yet…
[Reply]
Liara Covert Says:
13 August 2009 at 1:28 pm.
Robin, love is all there is. As a person chooses to find the message of love in every situation, then that soul is raised up to a new level or awareness, experience and fulfillment.
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Dorothy Stahlnecker Says:
13 August 2009 at 3:55 pm.
Robin as usual your on the money I often ask my friends to turn off their cell phones when we’re together and it appears they are not happy. Too bad, I wonder what did we do before portable phones..I think we survived and to date my obsession is to learn how to live love and enjoy life. I’m getting there…hugs and I mad another video regarding my funeral let me know what you think..
My best,
Dorothy from grammology
grammology.com
[Reply]
Lance Says:
14 August 2009 at 6:05 am.
Robin,
This post has deep meaning for me. It’s something I believe very much in – and still – am I guilty of some of this? If I answer honestly…yes. I know I could do better at listening to that deep inner voice. And today I’m reminded of that. Here. In this space, this safe and sacred space. Robin, you have a quality about you that connects not only to your deeper soul…also to the souls of those with whom you touch. Me. I feel that when I’m here, when I feel your presence (and maybe that sounds weird, but I do) – I feel this calmness. And it’s like I see “true north” a bit clearer in my life. I am today…
[Reply]
Lynda Lehmann Says:
14 August 2009 at 7:20 am.
Robin, thanks for your response. I am always comforted by your willingness to reveal yourself and share the deeper parts, as so many people avoid true self-disclosure at any cost. I LOVE finding kindred spirits, and you and I seem to have a similar timbre to our journeys, although the surface details/circumstances differ.
I remember from the 60s. the Alan Watts book ON THE TABOO AGAINST KNOWING WHO YOU ARE. Those early humanist psychologists influenced me a lot, as did my youth, growing up as a tumbleweed in the woods and cornfields of eastern PA.
You recognized more sounds in my video than I did, and you can identify them. One day I need to get out my book on northeast forests so I can educate myself. I had thought the bird with red on the wings was an Oriole.
Thanks for subscribing to my videos. I hope to learn more about the software and capture many nature themes and moments, in days to come. I’ve subscribed to yours, as well.
How far along are you on your book?
Did I ever tell you that I wrote four YA novels, two of which have anti-nuclear, Gaia and Earth stewardship themes? One day I’ll revisit those two and send them out again. They’re as relevant as ever, though they read as action-adventure stories.
Robin, thank you for being you, and for sharing your good will, thoughts and perceptions so generously! And your strength and wisdom, of course! You do truly exemplify what those humanist psychologists would have called a “self-actualizing person.” (was that Abe Maslow?)
I’m proud of you and happy to know you!
XXXXX
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Julie Says:
14 August 2009 at 8:35 am.
Oh, I’m so looking forward to the entire series! What a terrific idea.
“Bombardment” is the PERFECT word for it. Like Evita, I have no newspapers or subscriptions, and I refuse to watch the so-called news, for it’s not at all unbiased. As for commercials, they are so ridiculous yet frightening. …to think of all the masses too exhausted to even think at the end of the day and so just mindlessly absorb the information that’s fed them. I can see so many correlations to societal issues, erosions and new paths that aren’t for the better… Oh don’t get me started…
That said, I have found it quite interesting to realize that after 23 years of sitting in front of a computer all day in an office, now that I’m retired and itching to do all the things I’ve dreamed of for so long, I’m having tremendous difficulty ridding the habit of being online. What a shocker!! Thank goodness my computer went kapooey, yesterday, and that I am only able to have a few minutes on my husband’s machine; this will force me to be even more selective of my time and push me into the other activities I’ve craved. Sobering thought: If I’m having this much difficulty with something I want to do, imagine how much harder for someone to give up their TV or cell phones if they’re only “sort of” wishing to do so.
Technology is a wonderful tool. It’s our own inclinations that get in the way of using them wisely, in a balanced way to enhance our lives. We are our own stumbling blocks, with this as with everything else.
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Kit Says:
14 August 2009 at 9:49 pm.
Musing on this has made me laugh, because even while I deeply resonate with the truth of your words, at the same time I feel I’m becoming more and more plugged in every day! I need Nature, self awareness, beauty and stillness to sustain me. I drink them like water while lost in the desert. But the desert I am lost in is beautiful in it’s own way, this vast digital mirage that also sustains me, provides for my mind even as Nature provides for my spirit. It’s addictive, and after all it is only a mirage- but it’s a vast connection that I value greatly from my relatively housebound, child-led existence. I hope I am maintaining a healthy balance.
That said, I probably need the reminder about stillness. It’s something nearly impossible to attain these days, and because of that I need it all the more. I used to exist there a lot, and without that grounding, peaceful influence I often feel adrift on a choppy sea, pushed this way and that by thoughts, information, emotions and other people. I need to make time for myself to just. . . sit. Just be, and nothing else. To feel again the thrill of purely, simply existing. It’s all to easy to forget.
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Michael C. Dewey Says:
16 August 2009 at 4:09 am.
Ya its nice to even turn off the music from time to time. I’m the only one left without a cellphone. Glad I don’t have expanded cable anymore so MSM trash is not surfed through with the same stuff every 15 minutes. It didn’t take long to get sick of the huffpost as my homepage/finally figured out how to get igoogle back.
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Dorothy Stahlnecker Says:
16 August 2009 at 1:26 pm.
Robin I was back to reflect and listen to Enya (Exile) while I thought about the clarity of life from your point of view listen to what nature is telling you the treasures in our lives are in the measured breathes inside you and the air we breathe close your eyes listen and feel what is around you and remember it’s free and no one can take it from you.
Blessings.
Dorothy from grammology
grammology.com
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David Says:
17 August 2009 at 8:02 am.
Before I read this wonderful post I was thinking about forests in central Virginia. I want to walk in them. I need to commune with nature. After reading your wonderful words I am even more motivated to do so. May I take my camera? It is an electronic device too. But perhaps it is much different from those you mention.
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My Caddy Says:
17 August 2009 at 8:33 pm.
I used to go hiking with friends every summer and one time as we walked for several minutes with nary a word from anyone (which is unusual in a big group), one of my friends said, “Listen!” And as we stopped and strained our ears she finished, “You can hear the groans of the earth.”
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Tammy-Cricket Says:
19 August 2009 at 9:08 am.
Hey Robin,
I’ve been turned off for a while now and I have to say I am loving getting out there and finding life. Since I connected with myself again, so many other things have surfaced that I have never tried. I find that slowing down increases my awareness of some things deep within. I am not a person that can sit still.
My struggles comes from wanting to do too much in a day. I want to walk, garden, read, write, spend countless minutes with the children, my dog, turtle, and the list goes on and on. Turning off the TV, the cellphone, etc. has really added “hours” back to my life.
Her comes the “BUT”…I miss everyone from the world of high tech. I miss my online friends. I really do. Sometimes while I am out walking, I find myself placing each of you along the trails. In my mind, I imagine what you might be doing. So many of us are only the same journey of releasing things that have tied us down. We just each have to find our way of staying complete.
I do miss you Robin.
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gene Says:
21 August 2009 at 2:52 am.
Hi SHE, first off I want to know if you received my reply from my blog to your comment you made earlier this month? Something went wrong with my blog, I replied, but it didn’t post, or the post just didn’t stick Hope you did receive!
Yes it’s still cold here.. Very cold during the night, but the day it’s ok.. Hopefully your cold is on it’s way!!!! HAHA
Awesome post, and so funny how suddenly I can relate!!
I moved 1 Aug to a new home and to my shock there where no cable installed in the house, and the people took the satellite dish with them, so there was no TV for me, and also I had to wait for the telephone company to come install a new line so I can get connected to the internet, I finally got a telephone line this week, so on the internet again, but, I still have no access to TV.. The time without TV or internet was the best time I had in a long time.. I had so much more time for myself, so much more got done, and I even got quiet enough to connect a little more with myself. Was an amazing time, till I got internet again. But the good news is I still have no TV, yes I can still watch DVD’s but that’s it, and you know I don’t even think I want to get TV channels again, 2 reasons: 1-with over 100 channels there isn’t anything on TV to watch, and 2- I realized that time away from TV is good for me
I’ve got a bigger garden, here where I live now, and yesterday I saw Nature for the first time, I was standing on the grass, and thought to myself, WOW I have grass, I have a huge garden (it’s not that huge, but bigger than what I ever had) and I looked up and I saw the mountain almost in my back yard, just have to look over a few house and there is this mountain just sitting there. I will take a picture for you, I love it!!! Also the nice thing about no TV is, I have the radio on in the living room just for some background noise, but I don’t take note of it, what I do hear is just outside my window I put a bird feeder, and all I hear is the chirps of the birds eating away!! It’s Awesome and amazing!
Well I’m off to get warmed up LOL Hope you have a warm, sunny, hot day!!!!
Keep Well
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soulMerlin Says:
27 August 2009 at 7:53 am.
Hi Robin ~ It’s perhaps co-incidental that I have just returned to blogging, after laying off for a couple of weeks….and then to read and agree so much with your post.
During my withdrawn period, I’ve managed to give up smoking – a 50yr habit, with the help of hypnosis and meditation.
I still don’t feel up to writing, but maybe I’ll post a photo or something in a day or so.
In order to find my inner peace, I’m having to confront quite a lot of inner pain.
Love
henry
Robin Replies
Dear henry, I am moved to tears by this comment. I am stunned and feel a great swelling of compassion, love and respect for you. I feel somehow deeply honored that you would share this here. I had to come and respond as I am overcome with emotion. My dear friend, this is soooooooo huge. How incredibly astounding that you withdrew AND gave up smoking. This confirms for me even more the power in slowing down and turning off the bombardment. In that ’solitude’ we really do get to feel, ‘re-member’ ourselves and start to unwind the big ball of yearn to discover ourselves at its core. I believe it is in those deep inner and often painful feelings that soul resides. It is where we come to know our truest selves. Yes, it is painful, but also the richest, pithiest part of who we are. That you have so openly expressed this just humbles me. I am honored and feel part of your journey. I feel have the deepest respect for you and the path you continually choose to walk. You are a blessing in my life and (I know for sure) the lives of SO many others. PLEASE take all the time you need; don’t worry about posting. You will never be forgotten by any of us who have grown to love and cherish you. This is a profound path you have chosen to walk, one that many never even look at, let alone walk. I am sending you my deepest respect, courage and love. Your actions have made the world more real, more powerful and more alive for me. One person makes THAT much difference. Love, Robin
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techzen Says:
28 August 2009 at 9:09 am.
Beautiful ideas presented on your blog. Really enjoyed reading them.
Away from the cold aggression of the world outside, I find great solace in the softness of nature’s colors and breeze. And the vastness of the sky.
And since I witness the disparity so much , outside and inside , I wonder how can one sustain oneself to be gentle inside and handle the reactive situations outside – in such a way that these reactions walk through me and not get clogged inside my emotions.
The only way – I can see that happening is by getting absorbed in the stillness of nature, to such an extent that the reactions are easy to circumvent – and only pure actions pass through me. Its a long way to go to get that stage….
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Shelly R. Says:
2 September 2010 at 12:05 am.
Hello again dear Robin! What a wonderful topic, “Turn off the Bombardment”. I live in a very small village in Germany. One would think I experience quiet, content bliss but the opposite is true. I live on the main street in our village and the cars just don’t stop driving by. Cars, trucks, motorcycles, tractors…..I think I’m going to loose my mind at times and there is nothing that I can do about it. Luckily our forrest is only five minutes away and I escape there whenever I can. I walk around a certain clearing and it’s like….ahhh, finally somebody turned off the noise, I can feel and think again like myself. This weekend in most of the villages there will be big festivals and that again means loud music playing all night till early morning, many drunken individuals being loud and so on. I want to move away often, but it’s not possible, so I try to deal with it, not let it be the cause of negative emotions. Also the part about TV, mobile phones etc. I couldn’t agree with more. It seems the more I click off this part of society the more expanding I feel inside. All of this bombardment puts a hold on our growing as human beings. Sadly so many people feel that they are more a part of life with the newest gadget or up to dates on the lastest sitcom. Oh I could go on and on here, you know what I mean! I’m just agreeing with you totally and letting off some steam…keep up your wonderful message, don’t ever stop what you are doing for us and the world. Now I think I’ll get myself together and go for that walk in the forrest:)
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