Time in nature

​My son told me the other day, that isn't it interesting that technology doesn't feature in our dreams. Can you remember the last time your dreamt about your iPhone or your laptop? I can't remember it ever happening. 

We come from Nature and we depart into Nature. As I grow older, I feel so much closer to nature, on an almost urgent level. Like a fix for coffee or alcohol (though I gave up both years ago), I now need a hit of Nature regularly. Jittery feelings run up and down my vagus nerve without it.

I'm allergic to shopping malls, hate the tube, can't stand offices without loads of plants, and even then can't wait to leave. Strip lighting and aircon, no thanks.

It made me realise how much time I spend with my laptop. I'm always on it. My body sometimes feels like it is being punished by it. Perhaps because I am currently editing a draft novel. 

I know I'm not alone, and there are many who have no choice but to spend many hours at a desk staring at a computer. I try to remember what we all did before home computers. I remember our landline, and no emails. It was kind of wonderful in many ways.

When we dream, we often dream of sitting at the top of a field, staring down into the valley. Or, walking along a beach, watching the sand blow into ridges in the winter. Or, going for a walk in the woods in the Autumn. We just don't dream of staring at a screen. It is important to remind ourselves just who is in charge.

I have decided to write the next novel using a pen and paper, and then transfer it onto the computer by a voice recognition programme. So still technology, but less time tapping away.  I shall make sure I'm outside when I write, even if sitting in the summerhouse when it gets cooler.

I think we all feel like technology is taking over. Some of us love it, and some not so much. Of course, it has its uses. Kinetic energy storing pavements sound fabulous.

I, for one, am making a rule though to put it all down more often and enjoy nature. This isn't a rehearsal, after all. And for me, well, I'm approaching Autumnal years. I will leave you with a song which I love so much, by Lee Hazlewood, 'My Autumn's Done Come'. Let's get outside, open those windows and enjoy!

​Cxx