Nature Versus Technology - Are We Missing Out on Something?

I heard someone this morning talking about how we can use the signs in nature to find our direction without needing to use compasses, maps and sat-nav. Even though I know which way is north and south from where I live, I have spent a little time today practicing what he taught: this included observing the clouds to see where the light was brightest to indicate where the sun lay; seeing where branches had fallen,which showed the prevailing wind; and seeing the position of lichen, which likes north facing places to grow. Sound, senses, awareness and observation all play a part in being guided by nature.

It reminded me of how dependent many of us are on gadgets and devices to assist us with tasks we can do ourselves quite adequately. Yes, they make life easier and can be useful, but we are getting to the point now when we may find ourselves cocooned in our own bubble of life in such a way that we are divorced from the "real" world. By using a bread-maker, the baker is not establishing a rhythm and contact with the flour and water, that provides the nourishment, s/he is separated from the ingredients by a machine. Sat-nav can be great, but use of it can result in the driver focusing so much on the instructions s/he fails to notice anything of what is around en route - and much can be missed. The same thing can happen for people who talk and text a lot on the move - their focus is on the mobile, and they can be oblivious to what may be beautiful or interesting in their environment.

There is a saying that life imitates art just as art, often, imitates life. Since I was a little girl I have wondered how far life is a creation of our imagination and how much reality life has in actuality.

I learned today that a new, revolutionary computer game has been devised which is quite different from anything that has gone before. Instead of watching a film on screen and shooting at targets from your sofa, for example, the new system is totally interactive: the player takes a part in the film, and as he or she participates they can determine what happens in the game depending on the choices and moves they make within it.

The inventor, knowingly or unknowingly, has described life as a human on earth. We are born onto a pre-determined stage set with fellow actors chosen for their suitability for their role in the play of which you are the star. While there is a set script, you can change the words, the moves to a certain degree, and there is a choice of outcomes. The audience watching you is huge! And very, very appreciative of your commitment to your part and to the successful outcome of the play which you have co-created.

Separation, vicarious living or dependency is not helpful, though it can teach us much. In the end, life is all about balance and simplicity, and the ability to care.

Claire Montanaro is a skilled and sought after spiritual teacher, speaker, lecturer and author, with a reputation for inspiring and empowering her clients, students and audience. Based in Wales, her heartfelt desire is to assist people to actualize their total connectedness to all that is. Additionally, she offers a global philosophy for living and being in the new age for all seekers of truth. Seven simple yet intensely profound Principles form the core of her teaching, the practice of which embodies the New Consciousness and is a catalyst for One-ness. Her book "Spiritual Wisdom" is published by Piatkus Books. Her website can be found at http://www.inlumino.org where you can read more articles like this in her regularly updated Commentary (blog).