Opportunity Tetris
Hello, Friend!
I hope you are staying cool. The hot, muggy July weather is pretty profound. I try to get my outdoor tasks done early or late in the day, and sip on something cool throughout the heat of the day. La Croix sparkling water with a splash of limeade is pretty refreshing. The days ahead look a bit more moderate, which will be nice.
A thought occurred to me this week: What if, instead of us moving forward through time, time was constantly flowing toward us? This seemingly modest shift in perspective cracked open a number of thoughts.
It brought to mind the notion of standing in a river, with all sorts of potentialities flowing toward me. Which ones are attractive? Which ones are dangerous, and to be avoided? How much work do I need to do to prepare for an opportunity as it approaches?
Some people are born with access to a different part of this river - they stand at a point where there are fewer good opportunities, the flow of things is slower. Others are born near a rapids, where numerous, rich opportunities are funneled into a narrow channel, making it easier to access them.
In the traditional framing of time, if there is an opportunity of interest, it sits out there - in the future. It feels more static - the opportunity will sit there, waiting for us to approach it via whatever preparations we need to perform to address it. Thus, opportunity is something we can get around to pursuing when the time is right.
In this reframing of time as an ever-flowing stream of opportunities that are moving toward us, the future is now - or at least soon. We have to actively prepare to take advantage of them, before they slide past us. In this model, life becomes like a game of Tetris, and our job is to scan the horizon, see what opportunities are of interest to us, then work to shape ourselves so as to capture that opportunity when it arrives.
For me at least, the reframe is helpful. It creates a positive sense of urgency, to take action now so that I’m ready when opportunity arrives. The future is not far from this very moment, and I must get ready for it. Einstein might say this is a difference without a distinction - us moving toward a future opportunity, or that opportunity flowing toward us. In many respects, it’s the same thing. But I prefer the reframe. I think it serves me better.
We’ll see. It felt like something worth sharing this week. However you find yourself moving through the space-time continuum, I wish you well.
Sunday Supper
I saw sweet corn at the Granville Farmer’s Market for the first time this season yesterday. I don’t know where it was grown (probably not in Ohio, but OK). We are definitely nearing peak growing season for many fruits and vegetables. I was in Chicago earlier this week, so am regrouping a bit, and recharging. I’m keeping this week’s Sunday Supper recommendation simple, and leaning on the fresh produce that is available. Give this vegetarian Indian dish, Aloo Gobi a try - but add in some fresh local produce, like spinach, kale, broccoli. Last night for dinner, I paired the Aloo Gobi with some grilled boneless chicken thighs, spiced with Monica Arora's wonderful Maani's Chicken Tikka Spice blend. For dessert, try this classic Peach Crisp, with fresh local peaches and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Sunday Music
This Sunday, I am pleased to introduce you to Ólafur Arnalds, an Icelandic multi-instrumentalist and producer of music. This concert provides wonderful background music for your day, as well as stunning views of the Icelandic landscape if you care to watch the video. Enjoy!
Have a great week ahead! Offer support to others. Make good use of this day. And let me know how I can help.
Peace & Love,
Neal