“We are like butterflies who flutter for a day and think it is forever.”
― Carl Sagan, Scientist
The concept of deep-time thinking borrows heavily from the scientific and historic way of looking at the world and our existence. It goes beyond thinking about the everyday or even the next decade. It’s looking extremely long term — into the universal and timeless — far beyond our own individual lifetimes. It’s taking awareness of how small we are and the reason for our existence. For the most part, deep-time thinking challenges modern living as we know it. It takes a worldview that’s not only international — free from tribalistic identity — but also intergenerational, free from the mere here and now. It’s the kind of perspective that looks way beyond the me and mine (including our own families) and all else that pertains to the self. It goes even beyond that of leaving a legacy (which can still be a form of selfish thinking, wanting to be remembered or preserving the family name/wealth). Rather it’s about doing the right thing, the right way, for all the right reasons. It’s the most humble, generous and free way of thinking AND one most conducive to creative existence.
In a world obsessed with desire and immediacy, this kind of long term approach represents a revolution in thinking. It’s not easy but then again, abandoning our ego never is. So here are some things we should ponder and maybe, just maybe, it’ll get us to live not just more responsibly but also more generously.
a) How do I spend my time? Is everything I do primarily related to my own desires, wants and growth? Regarding my craft, am I working on my skills only to attain more success or is it for the true love and betterment of the craft? So called “self-improvement” can have dubious implications. Beware of all desires, including the desire to be better; a true artist is one that “forgets” himself when he creates.
b) What of the resources I use for my craft? Am I limiting or increasing the wastage and toxicity to my health and the health of the environment? Perhaps we can choose water-based materials and synthetic brushes over animal hair. Also be wary of so-called electronically based media — the associated input of rare minerals and batteries in their production as well as the high electricity usage is far less eco-friendly than we think. More often than not when using “real” materials, we’re more conscious of their rarity, cost and beauty and thus act more responsibly.
c) How do I behave around others regarding my work? Do I place my career and productivity above courtesy and common decency? Have I, in the corporate atmosphere of political power and fear, compromised (perhaps unknowingly) my work ethics or even my morality? How has this hindered either my art or my behaviour? Climbing the ladder of success always attracts sinister behaviour that’s often so insidious that it’s near impossible to detect, not just in others but especially in one’s own self. How we interact with people always leaves a trail.
d) How do I approach my work? Is it with an attitude of gratitude or one of bitterness and entitlement? Remember, how we do anything is how we do everything. Both our actions and the results reflect our attitudes towards it. Excellence is a way of living and not just a result.
e) What of the work itself? Is this work — and the end product that results from my exchange of time and labour — really a benefit to society? If I know I’m producing bad art, is it even art at all? Is this what I’m here for? What will the generations after me think of what I’ve done? Survival is necessary but am I doing this ONLY for the money? A good rule of thumb is to NEVER EVER do anything “strictly for the money.” We have to watch how our brain tends to justify the compromises that we make.
f) Have I questioned why I have the desires and fears that I do? Are they reasonable or even real? Or are they merely ideas/thoughts conditioned into my being? Is this the real me? Is this what I want? Investigate your insecurities. It’s neither wise nor effective to live as others want us to.
g) How am I responding to mistakes and failure? Know that failure — I prefer “missing the target” — is totally normal and healthy but holding on to a sense of disappointment or regret isn’t. To borrow from a concept in animation, we can focus on forward motion — thinking about where the weight is going. Because what’s most important is what comes next; the past no longer exists except in our memories.
h) If I ask myself when the day is done, would I do it over again, how would I answer? Why, what and how we do things matter; where we place our attention defines not only the moment but who we are. Each day, if observed carefully reveals a true reflection of our entire lives. If we take stock and humbly see that our lives are in disarray, we’ll make the necessary changes. If we don’t observe ourselves or try to escape from our problems — we’ll continue to live in disillusion (and remain terribly unhappy).
i) If I project ahead into the future do I see change? And if I were to look back from that future — in old age, or in our next existence — what would I say to myself? What would I do differently? Would I have not lived kinder and be more giving? Perhaps offer much more respect and gratitude for people and nature? Might we live with less restriction, expectation, or judgement?
In summary, looking far ahead clarifies what’s actually important. It beckons responsible being and big picture thinking. And from personal experience, I can honestly say that when we live the right way — with clarity, compassion and creativity, all of which can only happen when we diminish our egos — everything else takes care of itself, including those who will come long after we’re gone.
“We are born from a quiet sleep, and we die to a calm awakening.”
― Chuang Tzu, Philosopher