Slow Times

Had some great conversations at a gathering last night. One reminded me that humans (like other animals) are meant to slow down in winter. So perhaps my inclination toward hibernation and lethargy is actually quite natural and shows a connection to real cycles. Spring, summer and fall are more active times when most animals are making babies and preparing for the cold times to come (with the promise of spring not far off!). It's interesting that our culture has created the opposite system where frenetic work happens in seasons when we should be calm and lounging happens in seasons when we should be working. One might argue that it's a civilized attempt to screw up our connection to natural rhythms, thereby further disconnecting us from the land. But of course it's all a great debate but most of us can't quite shake the desire to cuddle up in front of a warm fire.

Also talked about the difference between 'work' and 'selling out labour'. They are very different to my mind. But to many of us work is synonymous with selling our labour. The only way you can work is to sell your labour. Mowing the lawn isn't real work, growing a garden isn't real work. Cash in hand or rather numbers on a computer screen somewhere, are the true measures of work. But of course there are other ways of working that don't involve selling our labour such as bartering or giving our labour as a gift. Flashback to Marx in high school on this one.

And is it just me or is something in the air. I think somebody has recently become the 100th monkey. I had a conversation with someone I would never have suspected who is really wanting to build a resilient life, learn to grow food, make things, do things, not just sell his labour. They are coming out of the woodwork. Bring it on!