As time passes we become more aware of how fragile human life really is. There are all the obvious signs, of course. Failing eyesight, for instance, the occasional trip to the body shop for replacement parts. Modern medicine can generally fix or at least control these things. A much greater challenge is the mind. Little is known of the operation of the human brain. As refreshingly on-message as it is to share our innermost thoughts and worries, most other people are too wrapped up in their own lives to care if we share what’s going on upstairs. Many people live in fear of judgement, wary of other people knowing their business. The internet provides an anonymous space to share, but an equally anonymous opportunity for scorn, ridicule and worse.
So as we age, just when the brain starts to wear out and we realise that we are a little past our best mentally, it’s easy to become isolated. You may live with your partner of many years, but do you share your thoughts and worries? Do you know what they are thinking? Are you brave enough to share? The uncomfortable truth is that we are all becoming more isolated. Modern technology should be helping but really it’s completely the reverse.
I am not sure there is a solution. Since we first roamed this planet we have mostly muddled along, blundering from one disaster to the next and hoping for better times. I suspect the answer lies somewhere in the basics tenets of what it means to be human. Care, be compassionate, share what you have and remember it’s OK to ask for a little help sometimes. You might surprise yourself!
Sheppy'S World 