unscripted

As long as we act primarily according to our thoughts, we carry out a scripted life. One that was written for us by media, film and television. The things we do, the things we say, the way we speak, the way we dress, the references we make, the things we want, the things we fear, the things we trust, the things we celebrate, the ideals we act out, the fates we avoid. All of it has been absorbed and impressed into our minds through images on the screen. Literally scripted out and programmed in (thus their aptly being called "programs").

There's no clear way to avoid this. It's omnipresent, it's everywhere. Embedded in the very fabric of culture. The only way I can see at the moment is to opt out of imitation of any sort. To discontinue the pursuit of televised and sensationalized ideals and remain utterly neutral and contented precisely as one is. Knowing that all images of an ideal life are illusory, the hypnotic effect of appearance and suggestion taking hold in myriad ways.

One would need to be prepared for a lifetime of resistance and insistence from well-intended people parroting the ideals they've collectively absorbed. Urging others into the very traps and fetters they themselves are caught and suffocating in. As if any of these prescribed paths is a recipe for happiness or success - things which are always coming and going for every person on earth no matter their life situation.

One would need to be prepared to be misunderstood by the vast majority of humans on the planet. To experience a near-constant social friction for not following the crowds. To either inspire or upset others simply by choosing to exist as they are rather than striving, competing and impressing. Rather than hoping for tomorrow, and simply resting in today.

One would need to be ready to embrace a sort of loneliness. Though friends may come, the friendships wouldn't be like those of the rest since there would be no script to act out, no characters to take on, no scenes to imitate and discuss. Just solitary beings sharing time for a while and seeing what unfolds from it.

It would be a life of risk and supreme uncertainty. But it would be real. Unscripted.

Whether I could live such a life, I really don't know. I don't want to live a life of resistance and unnecessary hardship. I want to enjoy myself and feel harmonious within. Maybe that's already too much to ask. Wanting this and that instead of allowing what comes and embracing whatever is the case, with no illusions of the future. Maybe that's all there is to it.