Peacocks and Neural Pathways

     Much has been discussed about the use of Earth's resources for our own personal gain and amusement. We use way too much of the Earth's gifts for things that we don't really need. It wasn't always this way, though. In the past we used the abundance of resources in order to survive. We took trees and animals to live. We took just enough to provide for our families or tribes or whatever. We killed animals to eat, chopped down trees to build our homes. We began harvesting oil from the Earth to heat our homes, and unfortunately we harvested it from such things as whales for the same reason.
       Some where along the way we became so good at living that we moved on from merely surviving to creating things for novelty purposes only. We convince ourselves we need these things, sure, but they are really to make things easier or more fun. We don't really need that new Ipod to survive. I was surviving five years ago just fine, so I don't think that I really need it. We are just so overwhelmed with abundant resources that we use them to our lives more fun interesting, etc.
     Let's take a look at the peacock. A proud bird, noble feathers, all that. You get it. Were you aware that the the peacock with the more abundant resources has the more beautiful tail. If he has more water available. If he has more nutritious food, he will develop a more beautiful tail. Of course this is to attract mates to the best of the best. It also makes him more vulnerable to predators. He is more easy to spot, and moves much slower due to the added weight of the tail.
     Let's take a look at us. With more money and resources we make ourselves more attractive to others. If we have more money we buy a hot car, hot wife, hot coffee, etc. We are showing off our tail. The problem is dopamine. Yes, it's time for a look at my brain. Our brains reward us for new, exciting and novel things and ideas. The act of buying our first Lamborghini is very exciting and our brain rewards us with a little shot of Dopamine. Nice. We like it so we try it again. The next time we buy a Lamborghini, however, its not the same. It's not new and novel anymore. Not the same rush.
     I was pondering all the tings that I think I want and whether I need them or I just wanted to obtain them for the rush. This made me think about Las Vegas. These people have it all figured out. I decided that when I went last fall that my goal wasn't really to come home with a lot of money. My goal was to win money. The act of winning is where the rush is. I could have thousands of dollars in my pocket, but get blackjack and win ten dollars, that's where the rush is. My brain gives me little reward and I go out looking for more.
     The problem with this thinking is it will never end. Soon nothing will satiate my need for a little Dopamine shot to the neural pathways and the reward system of my brain. You see, my brain loves rewards. So here's my idea. What if we could convince ourselves and everyone else that it is most exciting not to want things and to save resources. The more you save the more of a peacock you are. "Damn, look at his feathers, he must totally be off the grid." If the big consumers (I am not one) could just see there is value in non-consuming, maybe that's where the next big rush will come from.
     I am no peacock, I have found my mate, and could care less about a sports car, so I guess I'm safe from predators for now. But, I'm going to try and be aware of the big bad wolf. Do I really need those things? Do I just want to buy them because the act of spending on new things is exciting? I do love new stuff, so this is going to be a tough one. I also know this came across as a little preachy, so I apologize to the loyal reader. This is merely a lesson for me, not advice for everyone.

Love and Rockets

  

Terrestrial Observations From Super Low Earth Orbit

    May I first apologize to those of you that have been looking for my next post. I was very sick for about a week after returning from Philadelphia, then it seemed like we became so busy that I had to start cutting things out, like writing my blog. Well, I'm back with a new found spirit and motivation, so lets get this train rolling again.
    I am a watcher of people. I guess it's my way of not getting involved. I can observe from a distance and feel as if I am engaged in what is going on. I really enjoy just sitting at the airport, (I know, who enjoys just sitting at the airport?) I like watching people when they are stressed, vulnerable and basically in a hurried state. How many times can one person go through the metal detector before they get all the change out of their pockets? What would make a person drag three kids and four carry-on bags through an airport instead of just checking the dang things? It seems we want to make things as difficult as possible because we think it is somehow easier to do things this way. We expect the act of flying to be stressful, so we do all in our power to make it so. Basically, I think most people are crazy, but his isn't an article on the crazy things people do, but more about the crazy thing I did to prove a theory I have. (Or is it a hypothesis? I forget.)
    I wanted to conduct a test to see how much people paid attention to the world around them, and if they noticed the small things that have a tendency to keep me up at night. So last Thursday I began my test.
     For about two and a half days I wore two different shoes. They were both tennis shoes with very subtle differences. One was white and blue and the other was grey and blue. I wore these shoes to work, around the house and even to the mall. I watched people's reaction to see if they would even notice. I was sure one person would give me a funny look or at least a second glance. I was also sure one of my closer friends or at least one of my kids would point it out in order to make fun of me. Well after two and a half days I have to tell you, I got nothing. Not a second look, no snickers, nada, zilch. I know the evidence is anecdotal at best, but I truly believe people don't notice what is going on around them.
     How many times do we ignore the obvious imperfections around us because we either don't care, don't notice or are too afraid to tell someone that they screwed up. If you had spinach in your teeth, wouldn't you want someone to tell you? We would prefer it was a close friend and not, say a blind date or something, but I think we would all like someone to let us know.
     The problem I have is I have a problem doing as I say. I am not one to approach a person and let them know. I am so afraid I will offend the person. I don't want them thinking that I am criticizing them or pointing out some flaw that makes me look like I am above them. (I assure you this is not the case.) It seems like every time I say something to someone they get mad a me and take offense. I am no better than anyone else so when I tell someone something it is with the noblest of intentions. I am not offended if someone tells me when I screwed up, made a mistake or did something inappropriate. It is how we learn about ourselves and other people. I guess we are just afraid we don't know people as well as we think. We may perceive one thing and find out when we approach someone that they are completely different than we imagined. A scary thought, so I have always thought that it is safer on the sidelines.
    A small anecdote about how perceptions can change in a minute. I was at the dog park with Truman when I saw a young lady. I have to say she was quite stunning. Very tall, form fitting jeans, small sequined cami. (I live with three women, I know what a cami is,)  Looking very good for the dog park, I must say. We were hanging out by the lake for quite a while, and I had formed an image in my head about here. Popular, successful, Everything perfect, clothes, hair, job, life. She seemed to have it all together. Then it happened. She reached in her back pocket and pulled out a can of Copenhagen, flipped it twice and took a big dip. This is not a condemnation of tobacco and tobacco related products, but really? My perception changed instantly. It made me start to think what people think of me from the sidelines. What perceptions have they formed in their heads? How much more would they learn about me if they approached me and told me, "Hey, you know your wearing two different shoes." Then they would learn that I am a mentally ill idiot who conducts social experiments for fun. See how much were can learn about each other by stepping on the field.
     So if I take my own advice I guess I better get more involved, get in the game, start telling people they have something in their teeth, (like Copenhagen). The sidelines are getting crowded, and I don't like crowds, so time to get moving. Enjoy the day, enjoy each other, and don't be afraid to help each other out. Check your teeth. Check my shoes, and for goodness sake, if your a hot girl, ditch the Copenhagen. Really. It messes with my head.