Changing the Rules

Life is just a game. I love to question the how and why of our existence, predominantly the how and why of our lifestyles. I find it fun, rewarding and often the people in my life find it annoying. But, if there aren't at least a few of us who choose to lead the way, who choose to ask silly questions and experiment with the idea that tradition is a hoax we would never change, grow, evolve or whatever you want to call it.

That's what I love about the idea of being an urban pioneer. Clearly the aspirations of modern, western culture are not all that satisfying for some of us and quite possibly for most of us but I can't speak for everyone's experience. I was inspired to write this after I paid a return visit to Tim Ferris' blog, which I do every now and then. His lifestyle itself isn't that interesting to me but what I like about his theories is their game changing nature. Everything he writes about and practices in his life is offensive to the 9-5 advocates and their offspring. Yet they've all begun to embrace his 4 Hour Workweek philosophy - possibly because it tastes like the golden retirement they're all dreaming of. I doubt there are nearly as many suits who dream of becoming carpenters and farmers or living in the woods. Which is fine, it means there's still lots of opportunities for oddballs like us.

A better way always exists. I'm learning to use the words 'always' and 'never' lightly but I think in this case it applies. The thrill is in exploring a path to this elusive better way. It only becomes frustrating if you expect to arrive at some destination - if you expect to reach a goal and stop. Full stop, never growing or changing from then on.

Eckhart Tolle once made a comment that I love. "Death is the opposite of birth. Life has no opposite".

Life is a pretty crazy ride if you want to look at it that way. You can live it any way you want. You can walk all over the rules or take them to the beach if you want. I bet the rules have never been to the beach. All that unorganized rock or sand, the unruly waves that don't respond to traffic signals or cries for help. It's a shame I don't spend more time there.