26 Comments
User's avatar
Dave RM's avatar

It's definitely the money. I had money once, and it was similar. It also makes me wonder what it's like for the oligarchs -- for us, some money is like breaking the sound barrier and feeling the calm after all the buffeting and commotion of getting there. For the oligarchs I imagine it's like the end of 2001 A space odyssey. Anyway, enjoy.

Expand full comment
Max Frankel's avatar

Thanks for sharing. These journal-like posts are my favorite of yours

Expand full comment
Henny Hiemenz's avatar

Music it is - I’ll try anything to shut off the constant bombardment of thoughts for a few minutes. (He Got Game is fucking awesome)

Expand full comment
Andy the Alchemist's avatar

Sounds like you have hit the acceptance phase of greif over the election. I too am past the point of caring and am comfortably numb, but I don't like it because its too close to feeling depressed.

Expand full comment
Simply Susan's avatar

Perhaps "it's the economy, stupid" affected your disposition. You have a job you like, you do well at it, and feel more secure with the renewed HIGNFY paychecks. This may have opened your mind to the peace of all you describe here.

Financial uncertainty in any degree can squeeze our thinking. I always feel more open to life when the reports on "my vast wealth" (eye roll) look good. Of course, also good health, loving family, and friends. (I have stopped reading about what you-know-who has planned for all that.)

Expand full comment
Brandon Rhodes's avatar

Thank you for this, Michael. I am feeling you, bro.

Expand full comment
Melody (she/her)'s avatar

You ahhh....you don't have to acknowledge or recognize the stillness. You don't have to do anything.

That's why it's stillness :)

Expand full comment
#DECKARD⬛'s avatar

💯🦥

Expand full comment
Paul Worthington's avatar

As a wise man once said:

"Sometimes I sits and thinks. Other times I just sits."

Expand full comment
Barbara Buono's avatar

Same

Expand full comment
Frank Bard's avatar

Jealous. :)

Expand full comment
That's no lady!'s avatar

This is funny, because I've been listening to music a lot more, since the election. I can play moldy oldies that a lot of people listened to in the 1970s and 80s, and just not think about how the world is going to explode--or worse, it isn't going to, after all.

Expand full comment
Gail M Doucette's avatar

Listening to "Eve of Destruction" and realizing we are somehow still here, is oddly reassuring.

Expand full comment
Allison Delman's avatar

Yes, enjoy and absorb the quietude as long as it lasts. What you’re experiencing is healthy and will fortify you.

Expand full comment
Joe's avatar

Alot of what you wrote resonates with my experiences. I am a recent empty nester entering the front end of the final 3rd re of my life. What I got out of it is acceptance, being present, and embracing impermanence. The exception being that I am not in a job I love but due to age there aren't many options available to me. I have to ride out the next 5-6 years hopefully.

Expand full comment
CI Carlson's avatar

The peace in which to nurture yourself before the chaos starts. Nurture yourself well, my friend.

Expand full comment
Hilary Fox's avatar

The constant agitation of the last 8 years coupled with the election disappointment has also resulted in a quiet period for me. No TV background noise, more music and reading. Most importantly, way more silence. And definitely no Twitter. I’ll muster my outrage in time for the midterms (likely sooner) but for now I need a rest.

Expand full comment