Monday, September 3, 2012

7.68 Minutes Extra to Life ...


We think about having longer lives. We think about living happier lives. We struggle hard to find a balance between living in the present and yet attempting to place utmost endeavors to secure a future which, by all odds, is being traumatized by the current state of the world. The pursuit of attaining this balance has enforced repercussions amongst many of the worldly wise. Most people depart from the world without the fulfillment of their life objectives, not having spent enough time with people who matter to them, not being authentic as they would have wanted to be, not being able to follow dreams which truly reflect their personal selves or simply put, not doing things that really matter. There are plenty of reasons that can be attributed to these repercussions. Change in lifestyle is perhaps an umbrella rationale. Life has become faster, boundaries have converged, travel times have shortened, and diversity has intensified – all of which are plausible means to connect. The shift from mass media to the networked information environment probably is the biggest culprit of all. However, several studies indicate that while there is a significant proximity in the digital world (electrons chasing electrons), the human connection has suffered a massive blow. A possible accumulative outcome of these studies can help conclude that as subjects of this current generation retreat, the repercussions may only be greater. Desires will remain.  

Now imagine, what one would do if one could get some extra minutes in life. Maybe one can attempt to counter the repentance of life, spend time with friends, family or with someone who they dear. One wouldn’t think it is a plausible suggestion which is true. However, Jane McGonigal, a game-geek by profession explains how it can be possible to live longer (on a relative basis) in a TED Talk which is eye-opening and jaw-dropping to say the least.


There have been very few occasions where I have been overwhelmingly awed by a TED talk. I recall one talk by Neil Parischa at TEDxToronto who reflected on how one should approach life. Now, Jane produces this fine tailored talk with elements of research, studies and personal experiences to leave a surprising gift to the viewers.

If you miss it, you miss the very element of life which one dearly endure.

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