Sterile World Strikes Again
Let’s imagine you would like to do something good to like-minded people. And those people are quiet, reserved personalities, loving wild nature, long walks, and a touch of adventure. How do you even find them?
You won’t meet them in a club, not on a busy London street (or at least it will not be appropriate to start doing good to them in the middle of an underground platform). What tiny act would you leave behind, if you knew someone like you would find it?
I had an idea.
As a continuation of this entire blog’s theme, I decided to guerrilla-plant some treasures, sparks for people to unite around. Which came out in a shape of simple trinkets with random pseudo-philosophic messages (yes I can be a bit of an emo sometimes, so what?!) with a weather-proof notepad and a pencil. And put it right by the fire, so people can check in, share, and maybe feel a bit more connected.
After a month, I was surprised to see several replies! That felt amazing, like I’d started some secret underground society. But not the type aimed at taking over the power — just to cheer somebody up. The best type.
Thank you so much, who checked in!
I left this shrine for a couple of months. Next time I came there – the area was empty. No fake campfire, no notepad, nothing. Also there are updated signs around the park, some paths blocked with “closed” signs. Seriously, you can’t walk in a forest anymore, because somebody decided you shouldn’t. Tell it to our ancestors few thousand years ago, they’d rush to the place, battle-ready. But we are the obedient sheep now, and we will do what the almighty sign says.
So I suppose park workers removed my installation. It’s hard to imagine what was going through their heads. But hey — I hope they felt good, like fighting the Great Evil, restoring world order. Maybe I gave their day a bit of meaning. Assholes (I say this lovingly).
I don’t know — it’s just sad. Enjoy the sterile world, where every path is pre-planned and every tree is pre-groomed. And I’ll keep trying to show there’s a better way.
If you ever feel like reaching out — whether you have something to share, or just want to talk — I’d be happy to hear from you, stranger. This isn’t about followers. It’s about finding kindness and similar minded people in a loud world.