I had an interesting talk with a friend about a book he's reading, on medieval food habits. He was telling us about how people would be fed according to the amount of work they did that day, not so much rank (if they were permanent residents of the place). Apparently food was dear enough that an early notion of calorie rationing was constantly in effect.
Conjoined with judging a competition entry on Renaissance aprons that cited linen being allocated for them 4 times a year…this got me thinking about scarcity and abundance.
We know we're heading into times where things that have been fairly abundant will be scarcer. Oil, water. Right now, credit and employment are scarce. I heard an economist arguing on Jon Stewart's Daily Show last night that true value is scarce, we just don't have a good way to measure that yet. (As this was somebody who predicted our current state, I'm concerned.)
So I'm pondering scarcity - what else is scarce now? It isn't physical stuff. It isn't really energy, either…the market is solving that. It sure isn't information, or entertainment. Technology has solved all of these supply chains. What could technology not solve?
Attention, perhaps? Because we all have the same number of hours of awakeness, and yet the clamoring for that time is deafening…and that's just from people who think they can sell advertising to capitalize on those channels. The quiet options are what make me nervous…what am I missing that's wonderful out there, that could change my life, that will give me the solutions I want…
Well, there's another one, then…emotional security is scarce, too. I think lots of people try to soothe their emotional discontent with online games, food, etc.
Love is scarce…I am so happy when I get to a gathering of friends, and so relaxed when I know I am a welcome part of a dinner conversation, or a puppy pile.
What to do about it all?** Therapy strategies.
Devices for self-listening:
- meditation
- journaling
- deep conversations
- education and experimentation opportunities
Activities to refine direction:
- editing intentions
- research
Interacting with others:
- kindness in thought
- volunteering
**which is supposing that one ought to try. I don't see how I'd not try, that's my own morality.
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