A thumbs up if you are present, today we revisit the story of Marina Abramović, who we discussed a few weeks ago. You can never be too present and the mountains are bringing it out of us again. A contract with an emoji, sure, why not? Music, videos and the quote of the day to finish up a fun Friday.  

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Nothing impacts my physical body, like the mountains. I’ve spent more time at the beach in front of an ocean on vacations, but the mountains hypnotize me.

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In today's fast-paced world, the concept of being present and cultivating mindfulness has gained significant attention. Derived from the ancient Buddhist practice of "sati," mindfulness has become a popular means of improving physical and mental well-being. Artists, too, have delved into this realm, and one notable figure who pushed the boundaries of presence is Marina Abramović. Through her thought-provoking performance art piece, "The Artist Is Present," Abramović challenged traditional notions of being present and maintained intense eye contact with her visitors.

In recent years, the market for meditation apps and mindfulness solutions has experienced exponential growth. People are increasingly seeking ways to reduce stress, improve sleep, and enhance their overall well-being. Mindfulness has become a buzzword, with numerous benefits attributed to its practice. However, it is essential to critically examine how the commercialization of mindfulness may affect its true purpose.

Marina Abramović's performance art often pushes boundaries and challenges the conventional notions of art. Her piece, "The Artist Is Present," took place at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in 2010 and invited visitors to sit across from her, maintaining eye contact for an unspecified duration. By doing so, Abramović created an intense and deeply personal connection with her audience, exploring the concept of presence in a profound and visceral way.

Living in the present moment is often lauded as the ideal state of being, but is there room for nostalgia and imagination? The author suggests that while focusing on the present is important, embracing nostalgia and allowing ourselves to indulge in fantasy can also contribute to our creativity and emotional well-being. By acknowledging the interplay between the past, present, and future, we can better understand our own experiences and find inspiration.

Marina Abramović's performance art and the author's observation of the smoke-filled sky raise thought-provoking questions about the nature of presence. Is it possible to be both present and not present simultaneously? Can we live ethically in the present while acknowledging the importance of the past and future? The author posits that a druminating eye, one that contemplates both the past and future, may be necessary for living a responsible and ethical life in the present.Extra Links

The thumbs-up emoji can have a few meanings, such as yes, cool, and alright, but can it hold you to a binding contract? According to the King’s Bench in Saskatchewan, it can. Grain Suppliers made a deal to buy flax seed from a farmer Chris Archer through a text. When they were texting about the price per bushel, Archer responded with a simple thumbs-up emoji. But when the seed was never delivered, the supplier contacted Archer, who said the price had increased to $24 more per bushel. The case ended up in court, and the attorney produced the original text strand showing the thumbs-up emoji. Archer claimed that the emoji meant that he had received a contract, not that he agreed to accept it. The judge said that the emoji signified a verbal agreement between the two parties and ordered Archer to pay $82,000 for failing to deliver the flax seed. 

Never gonna…

Nth Degree - Morningwood.

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With A Shout newsletter is written by Johnny Christian with the support of a thousand idea bits and the help of many people.

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