Like Rose Petals
The more we engage with real things the more we can remember that we are not machines.
The machine does not want you to have the full set of stimuli or emotions. Real life has such a rich variety of experience.
Thus spake blogger Alastair Johnston who, in a rage against the machine, says some beautiful things about his dog, Benson.
The dog lovers amongst you will be able to deduce that he’s a Whippet from his photograph. You can recognise his breed by his bony shape, long legs, pointy head and beautiful curves over his back and under his flattened but enlarged chest. He’s quite a goer.
But what you can’t do is hear the whining he makes when he’s desperate for a walk or his “happy growl”, which sometimes scares people, but in reality means he’s full of joy and really pleased with you. You cannot feel how soft his ears are, like rose petals, and perfect to stroke during stressful times.
Remember the real. Go to live music. Read real books. See real paintings. Hear real birdsong. Feel the connection to other people, other creatures, other times.
*
About Robert Wringham
Robert Wringham is the editor of New Escapologist. He also writes books and articles. Read more at wringham.co.uk