I have a beginner’s mind. This mindfulness/tai chi practice embraces the concept of there is always something to learn, even from the repetition of things known.
As part of my tao of rediscovery, and an odd public display of the sort of private journaling I have difficulties with, I will share items on my learning curve.
Keep a beginner’s mind, and there will always be something new, exciting, fulfilling, even in the dreary fatigue of the ordinary.
Today, the internet of things:
the interconnection via the Internet of computing devices embedded in everyday objects, enabling them to send and receive data.
image: Wilgengebroed on Flickr
Lorraine's frilly freudian slip 
May 20, 2019 at 9:33 am
fascinating, but absolutely terrifying, in my thinking …. and for as much as “smart” can be “smart” – it can also be devastatingly stupid …. cause and effect thing. Personally, I think the more we “advance” the further from “a realistic, humane, reality” we march. some of this makes for a better way of keeping track of things, inventory in shipping etc., but honestly, when we start absolutely relying on computers, programs, sensors – all of which can/does malfunction, we really just add to the “dumbing down factor” …. and it’s more than a bit frightening. The more I “see” these campaigns for “smart” everything … the more I’m inclined to retreat from the world, and choose a life stripped down and away from all of this sh*t. I’ll choose my brain, at any price, Alex.
And now, just to say, I really like your “tao rediscovery” … and the fact that you too, are curious, and stimulated and interested in learning …. for all we *think* we know, we know very little, if anything at all …. zazen and al. :D
hope you have a wonderful holiday monday :)
LikeLike
May 21, 2019 at 10:46 pm
The more interconnected the more we forget. For the first time ever, I forgot Victoria Day, or more to the point, perhaps, I thought it was the same weekend as Memorial Day. Duh.
Hope yours was regal, proper, and “we are amusing”. . .
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 22, 2019 at 7:18 am
well, don’t feel bad … I thought Memorial Day was the same day – due to all kinds of advertisements … on t.v. and radio (American station) because of all of the “sales” hype etc. Crap! Do Americans celebrate any holiday in a fashion that isn’t some opportunistic event to spend/buy all kinds of stuff?? Honestly, it’s all so bizarre.
It was, the day, nothing out of the ordinary. Just another day on the calendar, except for more traffic – and yes – sales.
LikeLike
May 23, 2019 at 2:12 am
No, there is no holiday that is not commercialized in the US. Or Halmarked. Or both.
Such as which car might President Lincoln or Washington drive? Honour our vets by sending money. It’s our nation’s birthday — have a party and don’t forget the new outdoor furniture.
Everything is for sale here. And, I do mean everything.
I can remember when Canada was a bit more reserved about holidays and commercialism. Sales were for the day AFTER Boxing Day. Remembrance Day was for just that. And, the list (read rant) goes on. Unless it provides jobs, I’m not even a big fan of Sunday shopping. For some reason, the big commercial county by me has stores (other than grocery, and a very select few others) closed on Sundays.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 23, 2019 at 8:29 am
LOL@the ranting bit! … in the best of senses …. yeah, it’s a bit, okay, more than a bit …. over-the-top insane …. seems to be the U.S. is one of the most consumer-frenzied societies in the world …. and you’re quite right, Canada used to be more restrained, but eventually, being neighbours to the white elephant, we cave to pressures and follow the dumb pursuit of shop till you drop. It’s all really insane. Actually, well and truly beyond it.
I’m not a huge fan of 7 day commerce, not because I think there should be some “religious” connotation etc., and for sure, there are benefits – especially for those whose schedules are limited to weirded hours, but this whole “on, 24/7/365” is beyond exhausting, and honestly, rather pointless. For when this practice was first introduced, and the novelty wore off, it was supposed to provide for more jobs, boost economies, and actually free up more time to spend quality time living; seems to have the exact opposite effect.
LikeLike
May 24, 2019 at 6:49 am
I’ve noticed that too — all the rationales for 7/24/365 include the idea of creating jobs, boosting the economy. All it does is boost the earnings of the banks and credit cards. Not the stores, obviously.
Malls are dying and being repurposed.
Days of rest are now time to shop on line Amazon owns the world.
Perhaps this was a plot by Jeff Bezos to become the world’s richest man, and pay the world’s largest divorce settlement?
Conspicuous consumption, coined in the 19th century, is alive and kicking in the 21st. (My god, the 21st century was once the stuff of my childhood sci-fi future!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 24, 2019 at 8:55 am
LOL@the last bit …. the Future IS Now.
(insert weird, slightly demonic laughter) …. You have Arrived.
(what a scary thought! in relation to all we’re talking about) ….
yeah, this always “on” – whether out in the day2day or “online” … isn’t good for the health or mind.
LikeLike
June 1, 2019 at 9:15 pm
Our brains and thumbs are being rewired. Hmm, who is behind this addiction? . . .
LikeLiked by 1 person
June 2, 2019 at 8:17 am
best not to ask ….
LikeLike
June 4, 2019 at 3:44 am
and even better not to know . . .
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 21, 2019 at 10:48 pm
and ps: the internet of things scares the sh*t outta me! I’ve always thought, “what if . . .” if there isn’t an app for it, most folks are lost. There isn’t an app for life yet, is there?
Quaking.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 22, 2019 at 7:19 am
it’s all really rather mind-blowing …. best not to dwell on it, but rather, be cautiously aware, and just go about business, this thing called life and living, while keeping some healthy boundaries in mind and place for oneself ….
LikeLike
May 23, 2019 at 2:15 am
I agree. I continue to be a luddite about some “smart” things. Like, I can handle turning up or down the thermostat manually, I don’t need a watch that tells me more than the time (day/date is nice but not mandatory). I don’t want anyone else to know my location, least of all google and Microsoft. I survive without twitter, instagram, face book. I like the heft and smell of a paper book, and the list goes on. I smell another rant brewing. smiling with a wink.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 23, 2019 at 8:34 am
LOL@the luddite — we should start a society! ;)
I agree, too much of everything “on” and “connected” is beyond ridiculous. It’s kind of like what happens when there is a storm, and power is out, satellites are wonky etc. – then, wow, do people freak out! Take away all the bells, toys and whistles, and the “kids” (adults too) start whining. We live in a society where everyone seems to demand to be …….. pacified. As in, —
A pacifier (American English) or dummy (British English and Australian English), also known as a binky, soother (Canadian English), teether or Dodie is a rubber, plastic or silicone nipple given to an infant to suck upon.
(from Wiki) ….
it’s all rather unbelievable …
LikeLike
May 24, 2019 at 6:52 am
I called my soother, my pipe. When I stopped using it (or it was taken away from me, I’m not sure), my mother took me out to get a treat as a reward.
I told everyone that I had just given up my pipe!
My mother was not pleased.
Now I don’t remember this piece of lore. It’s been repeated to me as I grew up.
No wonder I love Magritte’s “Ceci n’est pas une pipe.” Also known as, I just learned, The Treachery of Images and The Wind and the Song. Neat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 24, 2019 at 8:59 am
LOL in complete delight! Ha! what a brilliant connection. I can imagine a “small” you, stating, with purpose, I have a pipe! roflmao … curious thing, do you remember anyone actually smoking a pipe when you were a baby? (which might explain how you came to think that it was a pipe) … but it’s just rich and delicious, as it is, … the “folk” tales we’ve woven in our lives ….. outta the mouth of babes, eh?
and yeah, too cool – neat. (Neat is a neat word – very interesting.)
LikeLike
May 24, 2019 at 2:19 pm
I think my dad once once did smoke a pipe.
Given his, and to extent his sister’s, sense of humor, I won’t be surprised if the soother was deemed a pipe by one of those two.
I will email you sometime, the more controversial ones.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 24, 2019 at 2:57 pm
righteo — I hope to get to my email to you later this afternoon, once my head comes back from being in a state of disbelief (i.e. my annoyance factor drops to below “normal” level) …
LikeLike
June 1, 2019 at 9:28 pm
Think I got that email. Now to check and see if I replied . . .
LikeLiked by 1 person
June 2, 2019 at 8:34 am
no worries or hurries …
LikeLike