"Competing is Living" "Like Animals"

**to be played while reading this post

In response to Eugene and his post "Competing is Living" with reference to Brian's post "Like Animals"

I suppose I cannot disagree with their arguments (partially because they agree with each other so I'm out numbered) on the current psychological state of the US, but I would like to address my concerns with it.  

Eugene states 

"Life is all about competing against others. The people who you joke around with and play with are your friends on the surface, but they too are your competition." 

Well, I guess it depends who your friends are. But seriously, I have never felt much threat in competition, which I suppose may be a resultant of my upbringing (the constant reminder that you can not always be a winner, and that is fine), we are all just human beings, and it is our nature. However, in interview situations we are taught to as Brian states

"...sell ourselves, whether at work, in a classroom at a major university, or on an interview. The latter is the most extreme form of selling yourself. You literally tell a potential employer why they should hire you." 

Do not be a loser, how far will you go to sell yourself? Is it safe to, in a work environment, put on a second face and express the attributes they want to see if it is not really who you are? Let's use a simple example:

Tomorrow you have an interview for a position you really don't want, BUT the money is great, and may allow you to move out of your shabby apartment and into a neighborhood close to your favorite pub. The position is prestigious, and in a public relations office. The job requires you to be constantly in communication with the media. But, let's be honest, you're not really a people person, in fact you really don't like people at all., and quite frankly would prefer a desk job. You'd rather wait for another elevator than take one with a group, and feel very awkward when publicly speaking. But, you can sell yourself well, you've been trained (thanks college). Your whole life, you've thrown a mask over the person you are, stretched your lips into a smile, and done what had to be done. You can will get the job, no doubt (let's be honest you're over qualified), but you're not going to be happy and will most likely be very uncomfortable on a daily basis. How long can you sell yourself before you lose your soul, your passion and your sanity?

Between friends, and during interviews, competition is authentic, but if you are lying to yourself, how can you enjoy it?

Is it healthy to plan your future on the stigmas of success in society? What is more important to you, your mental health or your socioeconomic status? 

I suppose it depends on your personality. It breaks my heart to see people drag themselves through life by the laces of their boots. If you enjoy what you do, you're getting paid to play. 

Brian writes 

"Even though we long for others’ approval, the most important acceptance is innate."

A concluding position in Eugene's post is

"In the end, you will either be a winner or loser based on your salary, position in life, and social economic situation."

I suppose this is a result embedding success as fast cars and large houses in the minds of our youth (thanks hollywood). Not every passion is accompanied by riches, but who says they need to be?

We need to move away from this "competition" and our "animal" ways.
Brian says

"We are just like animals. We react and conform more than create our own ideas and opinions."

How do we depart from our faunal ways and facilitate independence of thought and pursuit of passion?

Hippie moment: Why can't we all just be friends and admire/respect the paths our peers have chosen? That is what's great about life; options and diversity. Not everyone wants to be a doctor, lawyer, CEO, and nobody should be demeaned for their interests.
  

Avian Morbid Recluse: Rebirth

When I last visited the topic of birth death more specifically, "the natural expiration of our avian friends", in my post "Avian Morbid Recluse", I suppose I overlooked the most important part of the matter; the birds life. Simple mistake I suppose. Birds embody an existence that is ever present in our natural environment, much like the oak tree we surround for it's shade, the blades of grass that cushion our steps, and the field mouse that for very logical reasons stays out of our lives. We become blind to their existence, we take a deep breath of the fresh, crisp air and continue our lives as if we live on the same earth but in separate realms. I imagine back to a time when I marveled at their attributes, their grace, their freedom, but like all wonders with age, I suppose I have begun (subconsciously) to accept their actuality and submit to the monotonous life I once denied I would ever settle into. This is my rebirth. As I have continually been reminded in Digital Commons, I too often look, but do not observe. I glance at the bird, the oddly dark haired squirrel, the deer starring deep into the headlights of my speeding car, but I do not once think, or observe what they could possibly be doing or dare I say, feeling. "They're just animals", but I laugh, because I know we can never really describe what that means. "They do not think, they just do", but what do they see? How do they feel? What do they know? The majesty of our feathered, furry and scaly friends is an ode to human limitation. We strive to be like them, and study their virtues, but we still demean their existence.

Here are a few POV videos of truly amazing creatures. Step into their reality, embrace their abilities. Would you trade the eagles flight, for your cognitive abilities?

The Eagle:


Here is a link to more animal videos.

I would also like to suggest a book that exploits human inquiry in nature and explores our place here on earth. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Kimmerer is a plant ecologist, writer, and professor at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

Here are some reviews if you are skeptical in exploring this book on my word alone.

To be further explored...