In her remarkable, gently searing essay collection on capitalism, Having and Being Had author Eula Biss asks “in what have we invested?” meaning what have we sunk money into, and why. She talks about her experience buying a home and what “qualifies” as work. She explores smaller transactions, between she and the babysitter for example, and how those contribute how we think of ourselves as consumers.
I’ve been following a similar arrow: considering what we once believed that no longer rings true.
To bring us back to what I focus on here: a piece of your personal history that shows up in your everyday life. Not as something that fetters you, rather something from which you’ve liberated yourself.
For example, for the bulk of my life, I believed my value was tied up in my work, specifically how much I produce/sell/give. (“Give” meaning volunteer).
Here’s another biggie: “If I work hard enough, I can…”
stay thin, be healthy, heal myself, be happy, be well, not get/be sick, be successful, stay young.
Artist Barbara Kruger’s work often explores how consumerism influences our beliefs and actions
Of course, just because something is no longer a belief doesn’t mean its influence has vanished! If it was a strong belief, like mine around work, it’ll likely still be a presence. But instead of being bound to it, as its twin, I’m choosing the yes/and. I acknowledge it (“I see you,”) and consciously take steps to minimize its impact i.e take a nap.
What about you? What did you once believe that no longer rings true?
That nuclear power is "bad" and wind/solar energy is "good". It's more complicated than that, and very much depends on economic and societal needs. Different countries may very well come to different, valid, conclusions. In parts, this was triggered by having spent a year in Germany, seeing wind mills everywhere.
That's another great example! I was young (6) when the Three Mile Island disaster happened but it's one of those cultural events that was often alluded to as an example of "bad" energy. Definitely influenced my own thinking about nuclear power.
“You can be anything you want to be” yes, and…
YES to that one! Gosh I have a whole internal narrative about that insidious thought. Thanks for bringing it out here, Holly.
“If you build it, they will come.”
Yes, Katie! I have my own story of that one. I bet you you do too! Good example.
Would love to hear your story!
we’ll have to get coffee! :-)
That nuclear power is "bad" and wind/solar energy is "good". It's more complicated than that, and very much depends on economic and societal needs. Different countries may very well come to different, valid, conclusions. In parts, this was triggered by having spent a year in Germany, seeing wind mills everywhere.
That's another great example! I was young (6) when the Three Mile Island disaster happened but it's one of those cultural events that was often alluded to as an example of "bad" energy. Definitely influenced my own thinking about nuclear power.