Wasteland or Garden?

“Every man builds his world in his own image. He has the power to choose, but no power to escape the necessity of choice.”
—Ayn Rand (1905-1982), Russian-American Novelist, Screenwriter & Philosopher

It’s a Communication Wasteland. So. Much. Noise. And a long stretch between communication moments that move you — that speak to body, mind, and soul.

OK, all those pictures of cats on Facebook — very nice.  But is there any “there” there? Lots of “quotes” — real or imagined — from famous gurus, leaders, or pundits… The all-purpose harangues that substitute for thoughtful editorial in the newspapers.  We know Side A just detests Side B; but the actual reasoning seems to take a back seat.

Communication is a marketplace.  And the marketers have us “target consumers” figured this way: we’re easily distracted by delivery and packaging candy, and we fail to notice that the point — and perhaps the logic by which it was demonstrated — are often missing in action.  We like fewer words and amazing, astonishing pictures with big, noisy soundtracks, serving as stimulants between appeals to our base prejudices.

Out there in the world, it’s a dog-eat-dog competition for our few moments of focused attention and the money which adhere to them.  The pundits are holding forth, the politicians furiously pulling wool over the electorate, the corporations presenting public interested facades while their lobbyists assure an inside track and the population gets its groove on with a credit card-fueled diet of downloaded music/video, washed down with a jumbo soda and an order of fast food.

Wow Dog.  Wasteland.  Downer.

So much for the ugly truth.  But what to do?  How does a rational person conduct themselves?  Short of referencing Ed Ames and Desiderata, we have two broad suggestions:

Input: Choose carefully what you allow in. (No Garbage In.)

Remember that it’s not all terrible.  Hidden amid all the strip malls, freeways and crowds is a wonderland of creative, engaging people, places, things and ideas to challenge, entertain and reward your sustained interest and commitment.  But you must search them out and exchange for the value you receive with your continued loyalty.  You may have to dig for the good stuff!  But don’t sink to the level of what’s easily available.  Rise! (Hey, if you can learn Elvish, Shakespeare is easy…)

Recognize too that you have your limits: you can only take in so much information before you suffer “Ram Overload” and melt down.  Step away from the console, and the devices.  Select a book.  Eat something you sautéed for dinner.  Take a bath.  Get a massage.  Breathe.  Study TaiChi or simply walk in the park.

What you choose to grace with your attention should be worth the investment.  So, choose carefully and try to “improve your grazing habits.”  Make sure you’re giving time to something that honors — even repays — your commitment.  (Though “The individual’s right to waste time should not be infringed…” – Gary Trudeau)

Output: Consider and Craft carefully what you generate/transmit. (No Garbage Out.)

Here’s where the responsibility bites: You’re not limited to being just a buyer/consumer of communication.  You may also be an originator/seller/promoter.   But when you generate content, you’re placing your “Signature” on the material.  So, make sure it’s the best you can create.

Editing Guidelines:

• Does it serve the listener’s best interests?
• Does it look, sound, and feel as you intend?
• Does it generate a high-quality outcome?
• Does it do more than shout at the listener?
• Is it nuanced, subtle and persuasive or something else?
• Does it elevate the level of engagement? Shouldn’t it?

We’re all creating (as opposed to simply experiencing) the universe in our own image. Choose well and create a garden in the wasteland.

Applications

1.  Individually

Have you forgotten that communication is not exclusively a one-way game — that there are real human beings on the other end of every communication channel?  Begin every interaction by noticing the “universe of the other person” and the situation in which they find themselves.  This will help you instantly edit your stream of consciousness before you unload, and help your communication match the context.

2.  At Home

Sometimes, our home lives devolve down to a way-station in which we fill-up, wash-up, and dress-up on the way to the next meet-up.  Hang on a minute, that person you just passed in the hall without a glance is your life partner.  Don’t forget the caress and the lingering glance.  Take the time to land on their planet in their galaxy before attempting to launch into a detailed conversation.  Slow and gentle with the loved ones…

3.  At Work

Every communication is creating a relationship, improving one, or bringing one down. Sorry, there is no neutral…  So, become more sensitive to the effects of your unique communication style and your signature.  It’s not for later, or for someday — every interaction is building something right now — for better or worse.

It may indeed be a “wasteland” out there; but the act of choosing creates your unique world in here.  You are not limited to be a passive consumer.  You can create content, and as a result — more of the world — in your image.

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