11/10/2026
Sitting at the airport waiting for my flight, I couldn't help but notice how everyone was buried in their phones.
There was an elderly couple sitting quietly, staring into space. They were basically the only ones not being entertained by their little boxes. The rest were totally consumed.
It really is the sign of the times.
I wondered where I fitted into this new world, as both my inner and outer worlds have changed so much. (A conversation for another day!)
It got me thinking about how much life has changed and how easily we become disconnected from what is happening around us.
Earlier that morning, I had passed the scene of a terrible accident. I must have missed it by about 15 minutes. As I slowly drove past, I caught a glimpse of the young man's peaceful face and wondered why I had to see that.
It reminded me of something we so easily forget. When we leave home in the morning, we truly have no idea whether we will return.
Yesterday, that young man would have had no reason to believe he wasn't going to make it home. He would have left behind his belongings, family and friends.
Yet we treat one another, including ourselves, as though we will be here forever.
Sitting at the airport, watching everyone, I remembered how in the old days we used to pull out a good book to read while waiting. Now we are so consumed by the illusion of things happening on our tiny screens.
That really has become part of what life is about, especially for the younger generation. Life has changed so much.
While I believe we have to keep up with the times, we also have to remain grounded in knowing who we truly are and why we are here.
I listened with an open mind this past weekend to conversations about AI and technology. I was once one of those people up in arms about all this technology and how it disconnects us.
However, I realised that when digital photography came in, it took over my craft. I had spent 35 years mastering photography in the darkroom, studying light, texture and composition. Suddenly, it had all become so easy and instant.
People now rave about images that, to me, have no soul. But this is the new world. I have had to adapt, and so have we all, especially writers and designers.
This is the new age. We have to learn to go with the flow. It is part of the transformation, no matter how challenging it may be for those of us from an older generation.
However, just as that young man never knew he wasn't going to make it home that day, we cannot lose sight of the fact that each and every one of us will eventually depart this world.
It is wise to remember why we are here.
To remain connected to our spiritual and human side. To question, to explore the spiritual side of ourselves, and to understand that all of life is impermanent.
To not become so fixated on our problems, our possessions or other people that we forget the bigger picture.
Once we truly understand this, it allows us to release suffering, to stop taking things so seriously or personally, and to appreciate the preciousness of this moment.
There is something beautiful about getting older, reminiscing about how things used to be, and recognising just how much life has changed.
It gives us a wonderful perspective. Everything and everyone is simply passing through on a journey.
Perhaps the wisdom lies in living a balanced life, embracing change while remaining grounded in who we are. Everything in moderation, while always staying connected to the Great Spirit that brought us here and will one day take us home.
That is where our focus should ultimately be. 🙏
Love Marlene
