I was tooling through a small road past these beautiful golden rice fields with small thatched huts interspersed. Water buffalo grazing, gorgeous mountains in the distance.
I was thinking how all of this is so far from the problems facing much of the western world.
Bank closings, housing forclosures, stock market dives, etc. and the wars being raged around the world.
I thought how out in these rice fields the people who were working them have no clue to what it is that is on peoples minds and those troubles just don't seem to exist here. If the worlds economic situation failed completely would they even care?
What is important to these people is a good rice harvest, healthy children, a working water buffalo, maybe a motorbike to get around and not much else. They seem really happy and are always free with a wave and a smile.
We have so much in America. SO many things to keep us happy and the threat of losing any of that keeps us up at night.
Regardless of how much money we all make it is more than 95 per cent of the worlds population so our worries seem a bit pointless. We can make good reasons why our problems as so important. I think we are making our problems more than they really are.
A simpler way of life is very compelling.
Right now I have a small pack, a guitar, and not much else. I seem to have all I need.
A reorientation of priorities is in order when I get back home.
Simplify, simplifly, simplify.
That sounds like a good mantra...........
7 comments:
Jefe-
Great to follow your adventure! Just got back from Carolina myself. Watched Obama win the election in a bar in Charleston, SC where everyone who vocalized it was pulling for the big O. Pretty call to see in a place where his parents wouldn't have been allowed to marry when they did. We have come a long way, but as Prop 8 showed we still have a long way to go.
Your writing of wanting to live a simplier life is nice, but I think we also have complicated responsibilities too. I know personally I have dreams beyond this year's rice harvest and to keep the rice there from not becoming a GMO crop will require action from many of us.
Happy Trails.
peace and love,
Chas
I think you have hit the nail on the head. As Ray Davies said "Life is soooo Complicated". I have been thinking of selling everything I own, buying a used 30' Catalina Sloop and retiring with my guitars and laptop. Maybe winters in Jamaica and summers somewhere in Maine or Nova Scotia.
I was wondering what kind of music the band played in Thailand?
Jeff,
We are really enjoying your blogs, especially your insights. We leave for Northern Thailand in 2 weeks. It you decide to "tour" with the band, maybe we will see you around! If you have any tips for Pai, Mae Hong Son or Soppong, let us know. Deb just had non-planned emergency surgery to remove my gallblader last week, but am recovering well, and this should not alter the plans for our trip. Keep enjoying the ride.
Happy Trails,
Deb & Stevo
Thank you, Jeff.
For the reminder to simplify.
Love
Lieve
go for the music at least for a little while...what a great story...what an adventure!!!miguel
don't know if you are getting my postings or not....let me know/miguel
This brings up a great quote said by the Aborigines:
"The More You Know the Less You Need"
One of my favorite quotes, which I wake up to every morning (sitting on my window sill).
I'm down for a simpler life too. 2 days after you left I cleaned out the entire kitchen (all cupboards, fridge, freezer, etc.). SO that's done...but there are many rooms in this house :)
Love your blogs Dad. I'm e-mailing you right now as well. Much love.
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