I seem to have a version of this need to see and feel and be in outdoor spaces, never fully satisfied with staying in one place. Recently I've begun to dig deeper, in search of why I am like this, especially when none of my seven siblings are. I see hints of a restless, nomadic nature in my dad's family in the few stories I've heard about his past. Maybe I'll start digging there.
I think the question implies you are something you perceive yourself to be that might not be true - i.e., the emphasis is not "why" , but "this" - what is "this" and why are you only "like" it - as if you are something that THIS is not.
What is THIS? it is: this world, these mountains, this breeze, this discomfort and fatigue, this rock, these elk, these trees, this hiker, this water, this sky. Why then? because we ARE this. one can no more separate themselves from THIS than cease the creek flow, or the glaciers advance. We are part of it, part of it all, and moreover we are in a luxurious position to realize experience, to seek meaning, and embrace the absence of meaning.
It is a unique and modern concept to think that you and I and everyone lie in some place outside of the world we live in. Nature is over there, and we are over here. We are nature, and the world out there is as part of who we are as we are part of the world. Thats WHY.
I think about this, too, with independence in general. Why can't I be satisfied with a normal 9-5 job? Why did I never hear the calling for a more traditional adult life - marriage, kids, and playing the role of a good/compliant employee instead of questioning those cultural norms/expectations? I still ask the questions, but the answers have become less important. The independence has given me a rich life, even if my bank account doesn't agree!
Yes! When I was growing up the expectation was definitely to marry and have kids and stick to one job. When I worked for minimum wage at a laborer job for years, most people didn't get it. But I never wanted the other lives I could have had. Sure, it might have been nice to break the six figure barrier but at what cost?
Perhaps it’s connected to why you write. I suppose there’s always that search to understand who we are so we can align our lives into that becoming. But why we are The Who that we are adds another level of complexity. It’s like wondering about the universe.
It's probably too complex and huge to ever figure out. The main thing I wonder is why I need to go into the wilderness so much when nobody else seems to feel this way.
Glad to hear it because I am mulling it over too. Why don't I love gardening and cooking as much as I love being way in the wilderness? My life would be so much easier. But, not what I want.
Ships are safe in the harbor, but that’s not what ships are for. Your far ancestors lead the way out of Africa!
Ahh I love this! Genetic memory.
I seem to have a version of this need to see and feel and be in outdoor spaces, never fully satisfied with staying in one place. Recently I've begun to dig deeper, in search of why I am like this, especially when none of my seven siblings are. I see hints of a restless, nomadic nature in my dad's family in the few stories I've heard about his past. Maybe I'll start digging there.
Yes!!! Both my parents loved where they lived and stayed there for decades. I need to dig a bit deeper too.
I think the question implies you are something you perceive yourself to be that might not be true - i.e., the emphasis is not "why" , but "this" - what is "this" and why are you only "like" it - as if you are something that THIS is not.
What is THIS? it is: this world, these mountains, this breeze, this discomfort and fatigue, this rock, these elk, these trees, this hiker, this water, this sky. Why then? because we ARE this. one can no more separate themselves from THIS than cease the creek flow, or the glaciers advance. We are part of it, part of it all, and moreover we are in a luxurious position to realize experience, to seek meaning, and embrace the absence of meaning.
It is a unique and modern concept to think that you and I and everyone lie in some place outside of the world we live in. Nature is over there, and we are over here. We are nature, and the world out there is as part of who we are as we are part of the world. Thats WHY.
your ever find the answer let me know
I suspect I never will. My ancestors were Cornish...
I think about this, too, with independence in general. Why can't I be satisfied with a normal 9-5 job? Why did I never hear the calling for a more traditional adult life - marriage, kids, and playing the role of a good/compliant employee instead of questioning those cultural norms/expectations? I still ask the questions, but the answers have become less important. The independence has given me a rich life, even if my bank account doesn't agree!
Yes! When I was growing up the expectation was definitely to marry and have kids and stick to one job. When I worked for minimum wage at a laborer job for years, most people didn't get it. But I never wanted the other lives I could have had. Sure, it might have been nice to break the six figure barrier but at what cost?
This!
❤️glad you can relate!
Perhaps it’s connected to why you write. I suppose there’s always that search to understand who we are so we can align our lives into that becoming. But why we are The Who that we are adds another level of complexity. It’s like wondering about the universe.
It's probably too complex and huge to ever figure out. The main thing I wonder is why I need to go into the wilderness so much when nobody else seems to feel this way.
I love the phrase and hate the idea of people pooping inappropriately. I wonder if deer and bears have this problem with each other.
This makes me think. Deep.
Glad to hear it because I am mulling it over too. Why don't I love gardening and cooking as much as I love being way in the wilderness? My life would be so much easier. But, not what I want.