Five thoughts, ideas, insights, or quotes to power up your mind to think differently and creatively about life and who we are. Put all previous thinking away and open up a brand new world of the Supermind. YOUR SuperMind.
This week – Reality.
What a complex world we have created. Life used to be one reality – the world as we saw and lived day to day. That’s no longer our experience. The cyber and technological age has spawned multi realities of every type. Added to this the online world shares every type of moving image and picture that makes reality hard to pin down. Reality has risen towards the top of issues that increasingly bother us. Which means SMS has to delve in and make some observations and ask some questions.
1. Where does reality begin?
You walk along the street. Perhaps visit some local shops. You then go out for a quiet meal and a nice drink with your partner. And then return home to your suburban house or apartment in your nearby neighbourhood. But then you switch on the TV news or watch some social media. This paints a very different picture of reality. Historically your experience was the general reality. Now in the global reality world maybe it’s outdated. Maybe what we watch on our TV’s and mobile phones is closer to the real thing. We have become clouded and confused.
Where is ‘actual’ reality these days? Where do we begin to find it?
2. Making reality about fame.
In the early 1970’s the BBC were the first to broadcast a reality show. It was called The Family. A fly-on-the-wall documentary series that followed the Wilkins family in their everyday lives. It was total reality; a real working class family in their real situations. Well, today it couldn’t be more different. Back then it was down to earth people in their basic normal experiences. Now it’s some celebrity (every viewer has never heard of some of them) doing stupid stunts or in some exotic place that is far from reality for 99.9% of the planet’s population.
Is reality being turned into only a famous way of living?
3. New reality isn’t real at all.
Reality used to be ON the planet. Living on the streets type style that many graft through rather than the Belle Air set and similar. Life as IT IS. But we are living in technological times that has spawning cyber influences. The under 30’s have, in effect, grown up with TWO worlds. The physical and the online. The mortal on Earth, and the eternal one in the cybersphere. More and more are viewing reality as simply the other worlds they want to play and explore on. Everyday reality is being rejected as harsh, boring, drab, and only 2D. They live in a multi dimensional one.
Have many people rejected reality as we always knew it?
4. Reality or fantasy?
Take a look at both examples above. One glamour and luxury. The other computer formed and cyber driven. Both are not reality in the sense of the true human world. The lines have become blurred between actual reality and elements of fantasy. Sure, it’s fun to be in a computer simulated game where you act as a billionaire and play to grow your riches. It’s also cool to see celebs dating on a sun kissed shore or making money doing a boot camp and thinking that could be you too. Yes, it’s not difficult to imagine that. But that’s not ever a likely reality.
Are too many caught up in fantasy that they believe can be a reality?
5. Reality too hard to deal with.
With all of the above growing it’s clear that escapism is what many are seeking. To exist in a different way in some cyber world or dream of the high life as a well known personality. Life has become stressful, uncertain, and worrying. Since the 21st Century began we have faced financial credit challenges, a world pandemic, and constant costs of living increases. Nothing good seems to surface. Given that, real daily life is far from inspiring. Any type of alternative appeals far more. We need to get away from the times we live in because….
Has our daily reality become too hard to deal with?
OK, that’s another SuperMind Saturday done. Thank you for being here for the SuperMind time. Keep thinking about these. We need more minds thinking about this issue and the others issue on SuperMind Saturdays. Why? Because it’s needed. Because the world requires new thoughts and ideas. Perhaps YOURS!!
See you next time for more super thinking.
Photo attributions – free to use under Pixabay Content License by BrianPenny and Riki32 and Yamu_Jay.
Five thoughts, ideas, insights, or quotes to power up your mind to think differently and creatively about life and who we are. Put all previous thinking away and open up a brand new world of the Supermind. YOUR SuperMind.
This week – Honesty.
Honesty seems an old word and human trait these days. It feels like a behaviour we once used to show in the past as it has been fast disappearing in life in the modern society. What was once a cast iron human value, now is a rare breed among people compared to the past. That’s a worrying trend and so SMS has to take a look at this endangered species among mankind.
1. Faking it is making it.
The arrival of social media seems perfectly aligned with the recent rapid decline in honesty. When it began honesty was still in. We didn’t want to look liars and fakes. But as recognition became a temptation especially as we were talking more and more to people we did not know, honesty began to wane. The desire to create an online life that doesn’t match our real life that could lift our image and even income, meant faking it to make it expanded in epidemic proportions.
So, is it OK to join in faking our life as everyone is doing it now? Does that make it right?
2. We are spiritual not religious.
The whole ethos of honesty and integrity was at the heart of society that was founded and ran on religious principles. Over the previous centuries our churches and places of worship were central to the community. Their teachings, their laws of faith, and their messages that our Gods would not approve dripped into the mass conscience. But, we are less religious than ever. We have turned spiritual. The new teachings are that the Universe wants us to succeed and have things. Nothing about honesty comes into it. We just go get what we want.
Has the new spiritual era kicked off a less than honest person today?
3. Feelings first.
Life on Earth today has changed markedly since the century began. Where we were once hardy and thick skinned, it’s all flipped upside down. Everyone has become offended and upset about almost anything. Especially minor trivial irritations. We have elevated basic bothers to major hurt feelings. You can’t go anywhere or watch any TV show without warnings about potential offense. It’s a cotton wool world. And as being offended or devastated (and other big descriptive adjectives) can lead to benefits, so honesty has gone out the window.
Are we using our feelings as an excuse not to be honest?
4. Dishonesty is the new normal.
Perhaps we should not be surprised by dishonesty anymore. Even the great renowned actor and playwright, Noel Coward said, ‘How many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit’. That some 70 years ago when society seemed at least more moral than we experience now. Which raises the painful question…
Are we so used to dishonesty that we just don’t bother with honesty anymore?
5. You lose by being honest.
Have you ever told a white lie? A little fib because the truth would cause you problems or you would lose out? I think we have all done that. Nothing major but it wasn’t worth the hassle to own up to the real story. It starts with a minor untruth (they had no BBQ sauce at the supermarket but really you forgot to pick it up). No repercussions so you move onto bigger stuff (you meet your ex for lunch now and again as you still remember the good times you had). If we admitted either there would be hell to pay, so we keep schtum. And so we get used to shelving honesty at all.
Is it better to not be honest as it’s far less bother?
Ok, that’s another SuperMind Saturday done. Thank you for being here for the SuperMind time. Keep thinking about these. We need more minds thinking about this issue and the others issue on SuperMind Saturdays. Why? Because it’s needed. Because the world requires new thoughts and ideas. Perhaps YOURS!!
See you next time for more super thinking.
Photo attributions – free to use under Pixabay Content License by Mr_Zed and Javaistan.
Five thoughts, ideas, insights, or quotes to power up your mind to think differently and creatively about life and who we are. Put all previous thinking away and open up a brand new world of the Supermind. YOUR SuperMind.
This week – Community.
We live in global economy now. One big globally linked market. And as a global life we are forever travelling to meet others around the globe. Where we once lived a local existence, now that seems to hold most back. The advent of social media has shown them the world and they want to be part of it. There are plenty of winners in this but the one that seems to have lost is the community. Where it once thrived at a local level the global mindset means it is struggling today for its identity. And this means SMS has to take a look.
1. Community = common unity.
This definition isn’t official. But it’s mine. To define a community it is a localised area with shops, buildings, streets, services, and people who share this space. However, it’s far deeper than that. There is often a history that still exists and pulls the citizens together in a proud experience of living there plus all the related feelings and beliefs that come with it. But the whole social media era has formed a mindset of go everywhere away from home to see and be seen and show the world where you are. Our common unity is less visable now.
How do we get a common unity back in the areas we live in?
2. Has the community headed online?
In developing and designing this blog I came across a host of various graphic artists and brand creators. Previously I had to travel around locally (and perhaps even further) to find even one or two people like this. But the arrival of the internet has seen the like minded and even the like skilled banding together in hubs. sites, and groups to help promote and market their portfolios. From historical groups to online marketers anyone anywhere can find what they want in this effect online community.
Has the real community given way to online versions for good?
3. Changing world, changing community.
Traditionally the community had local roots and remained that way. Most citizens were born, brought up, and lived in that area or nearby. Therefore community closeness was high as people wanted to follow on from their families and friends in caring about their home and heritage. That has fast been eroded. As economic times have enforced mass migration and the need for new work forces, the community is less local knit and more imported. It’s taken some adjustment at the local level and is still adjusting.
Should the community just be needing time to refind itself for the modern age?
4. High street is the heart.
Where would the heart of the community be? Where do the citizens gather as one more? This was the high street. Our central shopping area where we would head for to buy our household needs. While there we would meet and talk to shop keepers, neighbours, friends, family, fellow shoppers and even work colleagues. We would learn each others stories or updates on local news, find out about events going on, and generally connect with all members of society. Not so now. The high street is dying. Shops are closing en masse so the community has lost its heart.
How do we get the community heart back or where can we go to find it these days?
5. Community is a spirit.
Community is not just a place. It’s an inner sense of belonging. A spirit and feeling that we hold that we are among a neighbourhood of those like us in so many ways. People who have chosen to live, work, socialise, and raise families in the same locality as we have. While the high street maybe the heart, it is within us that a community has a soul. Put together, we hold dear, protect, and seek to ensure the very survival of our own community. And so to finish today a timely reminder that always….
A community exists if it continues to live in the hearts and minds of those that live there.
Ok, that’s another SuperMind Saturday done. Thank you for being here for the SuperMind time. Keep thinking about these. We need more minds thinking about this issue and the others issue on SuperMind Saturdays. Why? Because it’s needed. Because the world requires new thoughts and ideas. Perhaps YOURS!!
See you next time for more super thinking.
Photo attributions – free to use under Pixabay Content License by TungArt7 and TyliJura.
Five thoughts, ideas, insights, or quotes to power up your mind to think differently and creatively about life and who we are. Put all previous thinking away and open up a brand new world of the Supermind. YOUR SuperMind.
This week – Common Sense.
In previous SuperMind Saturdays I have looked at some of the burning issues in the world. Everything from obesity to violence, immigration to gambling. But this week is different. While Common Sense is not a society problem per se, it is an element of human life that has gone missing far too much. Gone missing so often it appears it’s no longer in use at all. And THAT’s why SMS needs to get involved as ask some pertinent questions about it. In keeping with the subject, let’s start with the obvious.
1. And Common Sense is?
At first this may seem a strange question. After all, Common Sense is obvious, isn’t it? You know, if you do anything very risky the chances of an accident ramp up. If you spend more money than you have got, you will soon end up in debt. And if you treat your partner and friends badly, you are most likely to end up on your own. But, that’s just it. Common sense is, well was, fairly easy to understand. Yet into today’s modern world the concept of the examples above have been missed by a huge amount of people on the planet. So, to help get them back on track…..
How is Common Sense best defined?
2. Responsibility fail.
With a sensible head we are aware of the consequences. Again, perhaps less so in this contemporary society. Have bad debts from sheer overspending, seek an IVA to remove the most possible. Be badly overweight from overeating and seek surgery or a wonder drug to get the weight off quick. Relationship issues, just bail out and get on an app and find a new partner. Common sense has gone simply because people don’t want, and won’t take, responsibility for their behaviour and actions anymore.
Has a lack of responsibility killed Common Sense?
3. It is not a top table trait.
We expect our leaders to act with sensible actions. To make decisions that are based on solid and sound thinking. To not wage war or make fiscal choices that put our safety and security at risk. After all, they are the highest member of society because the buck stops with them, they run the show, and they have the power to rule. And there’s where Common Sense has disappeared in modern times. Leaders now seek to control other countries, or push personal ideologies, drive agendas, and are caught up in battles for power with rival political parties and leaders. Common Sense doesn’t exist in their shenanigans.
Are leaders now driven by power rather than sense?
4. The Social Media Effect.
In 21st Century life most things always come back to social media, As it is the daily ‘go to’ place for billions of humans, it has to be the same place to go for anything causing issues or influencing humanity. Whether people actually know or not, watching and reading on social media permeates into the consciousness. If we regularly see others speaking, suggesting, showing, and plain advising to act in ways that are not Common Sense, we will align more with their way of thinking. They become our mental mentors and if they live without truly considering being sensible, chances are we will be infected in exactly the same manner.
Has social media destroyed Common Sense?
5. Time for a new set of Common Sense thinking?
I’m going to play fair, and play devils advocate. Common Sense has changed, and maybe it’s simply had its day in its old form. Life has evolved very quickly in the last few decades and how we live and interact has always kept pace with this. Common Sense may have gotten left behind and become too rooted in past thinking. It could be that we have moved on mentally on what is sensible (such as not staying in the same job for life or using money to create passive income) but we aren’t truly aware of what represents Common Sense as life has been in rapid change.
Therefore, should we rethink what Common Sense is today and record that in some way?
Ok, that’s another SuperMind Saturday done. Thank you for being here for the SuperMind time. Keep thinking about these. We need more minds thinking about this issue and the others issue on SuperMind Saturdays. Why? Because it’s needed. Because the world requires new thoughts and ideas. Perhaps YOURS!!
See you next time for more super thinking.
Photo attribution – Free to use under Pixabay Content License byStanislavKondrashov.
Five thoughts, ideas, insights, or quotes to power up your mind to think differently and creatively about life and who we are. Put all previous thinking away and open up a brand new world of the Supermind. YOUR SuperMind.
This week – Addictions.
Since the turn of this Century the number of people caught up in some addiction or other has been rising steeply. And not just the previous well know types such as drugs, smoking, and alcohol. This modern era has spawned fresh ones such as social media and gambling addictions have become rife. Addictions are harming millions of lives and so SMS has to look into this epidemic.
1. Pace of addiction keeping up with pace of life?
You know it, I know it. The sheer speed of life has ramped up to crazy levels in the last few decades. We work longer hours than ever before and have to travel further to that job. Even though COVID helped people work from home more, their busy domestic lives have crashed into heavy working schedules. Add to that the whole FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) mindset driven by social media, we feel the need to go everywhere to drink up everything life has to offer because, well, everyone else seems to be. How on Earth do we deal with all that energy sapping, mind draining lifestyle? We drink, take drugs, smoke, and are on our mobiles every few minutes So…
Is the ridiculous pace of life the source of the new pace of addictions?
2. Addicted to something.
There is a well known idiom that says we are all addicted to something. That it’s part of our emotional structure. All it takes is for a trauma or crisis or extended intensity for a switch in that structure to flip for some and they focus on something that helps mask the pain or pressures. This dilutes their ability to deal with their issue in a manageable way. As a result any bad or stressful day sees them turn to the bottle, the pill, the slot machines, or the promiscuity. Its simply a normal genetic reaction out of control. Or is it?
Are we approaching addiction the wrong way as a natural part of us?
3. Less about the pain, more about the pleasure.
Like above, traditional thinking is that addictions originate from a painful event or unceasing difficulties, The chosen addiction offers a route or escape from the inner or outer struggle. So smoking 40 a day or taking cocaine quells the pain enough (or completely) it has to be repeated. And if that alleviates the tension/hurt enough it needs to be repeated, sometimes multiple times a day, to keep the awful emotions at bay. But, here’s the rub. Now the situation has switched…
Addiction then is more about the pleasure feeling than the pain smothering,
4. Addictions we now function with.
We have all most likely heard of the functional alcoholic. The large drinker who has a high dependency on alcohol but can still function reasonably in life. Yes they drink most days but they hold down a job, manage their money, keep their house clean, and so on. In short, they are not out of control on the stuff. What we are now seeing is the so called ‘accepted and less harmful’ addictions that also are functional ones – using mobile phones and social media all day or accessing online betting sites. Behaviours that are not abnornal but their over use has moved into the addictive scale.
Are we developing functional addictions that are almost accepted by society?
5. Looking for an instant fix.
The modern world is fast paced…and most things are available at the click of a button, In an instant you can buy a car, book an exotic vacation, get tickets for a concert, or order your weekly shop. And almost in the snap of your fingers the tickets, car delivery date, groceries have turned up. The modern mindset has become embedded like this – what I call Internet Attitude. I want it, I want it now, and I want it with me quickly. That’s why with everything available, people can become addicted so easily. They are always a click or two of a button away from what they are desperate to have.
We can get it in an instant and get addicted to it just as quickly.
Ok, that’s another SuperMind Saturday done. Thank you for being here for the SuperMind time. Keep thinking about these. We need more minds thinking about this issue and the others issue on SuperMind Saturdays. Why? Because it’s needed. Because the world requires new thoughts and ideas. Perhaps YOURS!!
See you next time for more super thinking.
Photo Attributions – free to use under Pixabay Content License by Anestiev and TFWF2020.
Five thoughts, ideas, insights, or quotes to power up your mind to think differently and creatively about life and who we are. Put all previous thinking away and open up a brand new world of the Supermind. YOUR SuperMind.
This week – Equality.
The world is not the place it used to be since the turn of the Century. Humanity is now looking at, questioning, and repairing how things have been in our history. This is to ensure a fairer future. Equality is at the forefront of this revolution in behaviours, standards, fairness, and society norms. But trying to right the wrongs has itself stirred up a hot bed of issues. This means SMS has to take a look and ask some questions perhaps others are not. Or won’t.
1. Where to start?
Yes, straight into the fray. Many will shout that it is obvious….but is it? The first clear equality is for human rights for everyone. Rights to be who you are and not punished or penalised for it. However there are other well voiced inequalities that also require some improvement or wide range change. There is the equality of gender, of skin colour and race, of religious faith, of sexuality as the largest areas that demand attention. All groups have a justifiable right to more fairness. But society has always struggled with mass change like this. It works best through a gradual altering of how we live.
So where do we start with mass equality? What is the starting point to ensure the equality is here to stay?
2. A Human list?
Equality seems a simple premise. In reality though, equality can be hard to define in some areas but very clear in others. Added to this is that various people and groups seeking equality themselves aren’t in agreement about how that equality should look. There’s our challenge. We believe equality to be right but how it should work in practice has not been defined in some set parameters. It would help if we had a specific list of all areas that equality should be made to exist in and applied to.
Should we have a list of human needs that all equality has to be measured by?
3. Is equality reality?
Now the controversial question. Life is not fair. What one person gets, another doesn’t. Some seem born lucky. Others less so. That’s how life works. We all attempt to make life fairer, but it’s never going to end up that way. Maybe equality reflects that. We are attempting today to make society more equal on many levels. From legislation to attitudes equality has become a vital part of everyday life. But we never be able to make life entirely equal because it, well, it is life.
At what point do we reach before we decide equality can never be full reality?
4. Are our foundations wrong?
Equality is how we should live. It helps preserve and progress life. But, we live and are ruled by another method. A method that makes creating extended uniformity more and more difficult. Money. Over the last few decades capitalism has spread across the Earth. This drives division. Those who had, have now got more. Those that had less have struggled to keep that. More people are fighting this than they are equality as it effects everyone.
Is the modern love and need for money harming the need for equality?
5. Will we DO equality?
The famous Hollywood actor Will Rogers observed, ‘We will never have true civilization until we have learned to recognize the rights of others’. Compared to the past we now recognize more rights for each other than we have ever done. But, recognizing is only the first step. The real step is to physically DO something about this. Apologies for the past help but won’t go far at providing real rights today and the future.
What is the main step or action we need to do to ensure we live in a more equal world?
Ok, that’s another SuperMind Saturday done. Thank you for being here for the SuperMind time. Keep thinking about these. We need more minds thinking about this issue and the others issue on SuperMind Saturdays. Why? Because it’s needed. Because the world requires new thoughts and ideas. Perhaps YOURS!!
See you next time for more super thinking.
Photo attributions – free to use under Pixabay Content License by MrWashingt0n and Simp1e123
