Zen Time in the Twilight Zone
✍️ Author’s Note
This reflection is part of a series exploring living in a world akin to the Twilight Zone, marked by its intensity and unpredictability. Finding peace and clarity in this environment, with its surreal and disorienting feelings, requires exploration and reflection.
Occasionally, I find myself pondering if we are residing within the Twilight Zone amidst this relentless 24/7 news cycle. It’s a whirlwind demanding constant attention, thrusting upon us the unsettling and the extraordinary, often without invitation. Take, for instance, the ongoing election campaign of a certain individual from across the pond – a bankrupt artist turned political figure, wielding promises of retribution against any who dare oppose his autocratic inclinations.
The ceaseless barrage of news, with its daily recurrences and world-shaping events, takes its toll, sapping our energy and focus, disrupting our peace and mindfulness. It necessitates a retreat for some much-needed “Zen” time, offering a chance to regain perspective and clarity.
This year, I’ve decided to allocate a significant chunk of time – six to eight weeks – for my annual detox, a hiatus from the chaos of social media and the cacophony of echo chambers. In these spaces, voices clamour for democracy against autocracy, glorify conflicts like the one in Ukraine as battles to be won, or fail to recognize the perpetuating cycle of revenge in the Palestinian conflict. Then there are those advocating for a heightened power struggle with China, brandishing weapons of unprecedented destruction.
Personally, I prefer to create distance between these voices and myself, seeking solace in quiet contemplation. Embracing a deliberate daily routine, I adhere to the principle of simplicity: if something isn’t essential, it can likely be done without. This mantra guides me to focus fully on each moment – walking, eating, sailing, writing – granting me the tranquillity, perspective, and clarity I crave.
During this period, what sustains me are daily walks in nature, the solace of books, the soul-stirring melodies of music, the beauty of art, the serenity of sailing, and the strategic challenges of chess. Amidst the discord of the world, these elements compose my ideal symphony of harmony.
Netherlands, WJJH, August 2024
Musings: Living in a world akin to the Twilight Zone, marked by its intensity and unpredictability, finding peace and clarity in this environment, with its surreal and disorienting feelings, requires exploration and reflection.
In what kind of world do we wish to live 
I remind myself that it’s Bread & Circuses – meant to distract and entertain us from what really matters. Having said that, it saddens my heart that lives are being sacrificed on a daily basis.
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There is definite merit in what you say and like in the period of the Roman Republic we allow ourselves to be entertained and distracted and interestingly there are many similarities. Not much has changed in that regard, therefor I feel it’s good to take some distance from the daily noise.
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