Short answer: not always what you’d expect.
I watched a TED talk a few nights ago about ‘Slow TV’. The idea itself sounds boring, doesn’t it? And then the producer describes the shows including a 7-hour train journey, an 18-hour fishing expedition and a 5.5-day ferry voyage along the coast of Norway. Can’t say that sounds particularly thrilling either.
Thing is though, I’d watch it! 20% of the Norwegian population tuned in apparently, so they were definitely onto something. I can’t even put my finger on why I’d watch it. Novelty factor? Community? Therapeutic? What the *&£$ is this about I must find out?
Anyway, the TED talk set my 1am sleepy-brain going, wondering about what actually is interesting. Why are those Buzzfeed articles about ’23 bizarre things about *** you NEED to know’ so bloody fascinating? I’m pretty sure my life doesn’t depend on me knowing those 23 bizarre facts, but I’m damn well gonna click on it anyway. Maybe it’s an extremely clever/sneaky marketing thing they’re using to reel us in. But you know what? It probably is interesting. In a weird kinda way. Similarly to how I like reading the mundane little things in your life as much as I like reading about your adventures and thoughts. Because even though on paper they maybe ‘shouldn’t’ be as interesting, they somehow, definitely, are.
Thomas Hellum (the speaker in this TED talk) explained that they left one view of a cow and a few houses on screen for 10 minutes, so that the viewers became bored out of their skull and started asking their own questions about who lived in the houses, why nobody was around, why the hell was a cow wandering down the street, etc. Turns out we don’t take the time to properly notice details at normal speed, and there’s nothing like being bored out of your mind to perk up a little curiosity. And then that set me off thinking about awareness and mindfulness because you know, late night trains of thought are weird.
I think I’m slightly more mindful and aware these days, and I think blogging has made me that way. As has generally growing up, obviously. Arriving in the Lakes yesterday I found myself taking in far more of my surroundings than I did on our countless trips here years ago, and that’s because I had an eye turned to locations and backdrops and colours. A lot is made of how people Instagram their lives these days rather than living it, but I guess if a positive side effect of this is a greater awareness and appreciation of natural beauty and detail, then maybe it’s not so bad. Documenting our lives online means we’re often (consciously or subconsciously) on the look out for inspiration, meaning we’re more aware. We might be preoccupied with our phones and laptops a lot too, but that’s a story for another time. I’m typing this from our cottage sofa with a fantastic view over the valley, as my dad discovered a hidden router and fired up some wifi for us, btw. Bye bye unplugging.
And there’s an incredibly boring post for ya. Hope you like it 🙂
lily kate x
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13 Comments
Nabeela
2nd August 2015 at 6:27 pmSuch an interesting post! I’ll definitely check out that TED talk, they’re really good for sparking inspiration and getting you thinking. Also, I’d check out some radio shows on BBC Radio 4 Extra, they’re just really fascinating and great to listen to before bed. I love the bit where you said that we’re always on the lookout for more inspiration which means we’re more aware. I’ve never thought about it before but being observant is a great quality to have so I’m gonna try harder to really notice the small details. Great post! Hope you’re having a wonderful day lovely!!
-Nabeela xo
http://nabsticle.blogspot.co.uk/
lily kate
3rd August 2015 at 10:31 pmThanks Nabeela! Glad you liked it. TED talks are the best for inspiration! I haven’t found one yet that isn’t really interesting. Radio 4 is great too!
Positive side effects of social media addiction I guess!
Rachelle
2nd August 2015 at 7:18 pmHey Lily!
Glad you’re enjoying your break in my homegrounds 🙂 I definitely feel that I can appreciate the beauty of the boring more now I’m home or maybe like you say ‘as a grown up’.
We did a whole photography topic on it at uni called ‘beauty in the mundane’ which was actually really interesting because it made you think past the photo 🙂
Enjoy your time up here xxx
lily kate
7th August 2015 at 4:00 pmHeyy! I’m loving it thanks, don’t wanna go home tomorrow! I wouldn’t say I’m anywhere near grown up yet but I know a pretty backdrop when I see one 😀
Matthew Pike
2nd August 2015 at 7:46 pmNot boring at all, quite the opposite. I heard about all this actually, sounds so curious. How did it make you feel when you were watching it all? As in, I know it made you more aware, but did it take a while for this to happen?
Buckets & Spades
lily kate
7th August 2015 at 4:03 pmYay I’m glad you thought so! It does sound curious doesn’t it. I wonder how that kind of program would go down in England?
I think since blogging I’ve been more ‘aware’, but definitely more so this year/this summer especially. And hopefully I’ll continue to be!
Christina Madeleine
3rd August 2015 at 2:23 amI really liked this post because it brought attention to details that aren’t seen at a normal speed. I understand what you mean about the Buzzfeed videos because fro 11:45pm to 2am I can end up watching them. This post also shows the importance of unplugging and seeing the world and noticing everything. So, Good job with this! I really liked it.
lily kate
7th August 2015 at 4:09 pmThanks Christina! Buzzfeed is sooooo addictive isn’t it? I just wish I could take my own advice about unplugging more often haha.
Thanks for stopping by!
Bash
3rd August 2015 at 2:01 pmI think it’s human nature to be intrigued. Even if there is nothing intriguing about it, you know? aybe that’s why clickbait is sooo popular! We just want something to fill the time, honestly! <3
xx Bash | Hey Bash | bloglovin’
lily kate
7th August 2015 at 4:12 pmIt’s certainly mine and your human nature anyway! To find something intriguing about the boring stuff. 😛
Max
4th August 2015 at 2:49 pmI guess the challenge would be to find yourself interested and engaged in the moment without a boring tv show to help you. Nice post. Why are we so into these internets really?
lily kate
7th August 2015 at 4:20 pmGood question, why are we so into these internets?
checking - Joli House
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