A select few pieces I've read online in the last month...
Photo credit: Lauren Mancke on Unsplash
Literary
Writer's Rebel is an extension of the XR group, and features writers concerned about the climate and ecological crisis. Ben Okri, Nigerian born playwright, novelist and British poet, has written a Letter to Earth, a moving piece that speaks about how the human race has become too big for our boots, and let things get out of control.
Tech
My new hero Cal Newport, an American computer scientist and author, talks about how 'Email is making us miserable', so much so it has inspired me to not have my email open throughout the day, and certainly not check it any time I have a spare moment in the hopes of being 'available' and 'productive'. Checking my inbox less has certainly led to higher productivity, in that I am able to get things done without interruption and I am better able to focus and get lost in things. It's a brilliant piece that looks at how we've neglected to recognise how email in fact makes us miserable, in a world where technology, the Internet, constant connectivity and collaboration is king.
“Given these stakes, it’s all the more surprising that we spend so little time trying to understand the source of this discontent. Many in the business community tend to dismiss the psychological toll from e-mail as an incidental side effect caused by bad in-box habits or a weak constitution. I’ve come to believe, however, that much deeper forces are at play in generating our mismatch with this tool, including some that get at the very core of what drives us as humans.”
Exploring the phycological imapcts of the way we work is something I'm currently finding really fascinating. I, as many have struggle to sometimes differentiate between appearing to be constantly 'on' and able to switch quickly and deftly from one thing to another. Looking at the way we work, online in particular, and addressing where those habits might be making us more anxious, less effective and more agitaed is something I think is healthy for everyone to explore within themselves. I recommend to check out more from Cal Newport's blog.
Photography
The term beauty sparks so many different feelings, opinions and perspectives, and is constantly evolving with conversation. It's Nice That features three creatives exploring the concept in a new light through photography for International Women's Day. The pictures are beautiful, striking and very powerful.
Environment
The Flight Free UK blog always has some interesting and varied perspectives on travel, aviation and climate change. There's an inspiring piece from an employee who stood up for their values, pointing out to their employer that a lot of the work travel was quite unnecessary, especially when you consider the environmental impact it was having. Oh and apparently birds are coming back to the UK.
Race
I recently discovered a project called Black Geographers, a site that recognises the representation of black people in Geography is almost non existent. There's a blog piece on a guy dubbed 'The Peckham Geographer' who describes how pitiful his experience as a black man in Geograpy has been, with even friends and family laughing and telling him that as a black person he should be focussing on human rights instread.
Life
For many, the demands on our time and wellbeing has been particularly pushed to the limits in 2020, as we've been battling between saying to things, wanting to help and support others, adapting to WFH, or dealing with staff shortages, volunteering or getting groceries for our neighbours, home schooling and making space for ourselves to deal with a variety of big and small stresses. This article called Burned out but Still Burning by climate activist Tamsin Edwards is a wonderful piece that takes a deep look into her own life,and how she manages to keep going, cope or not cope...
Community History
Looking at London and community life, I was talking to a lady at a local coffee kiosk who piqued my interest in the story of Passing Clouds, a creative hub in Dalston that was destroyed by developers a few years ago. The gigs, artwork and general hive of creative activity sounded like a magical time and it is indeed sad that this no longer exists.
Self Improvement
I'm guessing we all did our fair share of complaining, stewing, wallowing, and all sorts of negative behaviour last year, because, well that's natural! I personally tried my best to be positive and focus on developing myself, using the newfound free time efficiently and well, and helping others in my community but there were certainly lower points, more stressful and frustrating times, and key moments where it was very tough to feel joyful. So the final thing to share is this easy to read article on some healthy habits to adopt in 2021, after 2020 has been such a bummer. Self improvement is a wonderful thing in my opinion. Don't stress too much, take breaks when you need to, write things down, check in with yourself, and remember that the 'smaller' things like taking some minutes to breathe, think or stretch are also great ways to improve your day. You do not have to run a marathon; a light jog around the street is fine. You don't have to do a 2 hour work out every day; 10 minutes stretching before bed is okay. Ecetera ecetera!
It's about you, what you want, what works for you. It's your independent lifestyle.