Robin’s Journey Through the Subtle Everyday Hacks

Every day, lives are consumed; some swim amidst the H2O molecules that so abundantly comprise the ocean. How are you eaten into?

There's a purpose to this strange start. Read on "at your own risk".

The Call of Obligation

An entity was found nestled in the warmth of a couch, sipping tea, within the sanctuary of four walls standing firm against the outside world. Distanced to the influences of "the outside", this person, perhaps someone you would know well, was crafting a narrative - occupied with a brush of letters.

Written strokes, leaving letters across a metaphorical canvas, began to paint a picture of a trembling kid. A child afraid of the robbers, the scary kind we all know lurk in the neighborhood - the ones we hear about by reputation, as we are told that safeguarding possessions is vital. The harmfully categorized "types", driving around checking out houses, ready to enter at the crack in the security. Or would, anyway, was it not for the dependence on ceaseless procuring of consumption-heavy solutions, applied to mitigate the risk.

Each solution, that stack upon the last, hidden beneath an oft ignored price-tag, expanding on ever-growing walls, mazes and invokable security-measures. Consumption, utilized in procurement regarded as ever-more necessary, towards the fulfillment-methodologies in which, a blind eye is turned - lest (the kids) be unsafe. The issue would be grave, were the accumulated value to disappear, without which - of course and completely understandable - the process of elevating these lives to a consumable higher societal standing, would grow complicated. The achieved safety, accompanied by cost, of the kind perhaps demanding a bit more mitigation.

An image of a dynamic formed, some expense - nourishing awareness in some, and disillusioning to others. As the brush left the canvas, the figure on the couch shifted slightly. Still seated, with a subtle, satisfied smile playing at the corner of the lips.

​ Ring..

An insistent cold noise broke in, calling for attention. The sound cut through the silence, and the figure immediately turned towards the consistent noise. A memory struck like lightning; between the phone and Robin, there was a picture - the face of a friend. A present once begotten, now triggered neural connections like was it a thunderstorm.

For a split-second Robin hesitated, as a small voice within whispered "Is now really the right time? Take a deep breath". But the ring grew louder, more demanding, and a nagging thought started to expand in some corner of the mind; "wouldn't it be selfish to let it ring?". Wavering for a brief moment, Robin gave in to the magnetic pull. Accompanied by a sigh, the hand - no longer driven by conscious choice - reached for the device to answer the call.

The caller, coincidentally the same peer whom once gave the gift, was on the other end. Despite briefly resisting, Robin was reminded of the past, and soon agreed to meet. Not immediately, of course, as the life-form in the cozy home-environment was hesistant, needing to go shopping for the weekend. A bit of pressure, however led to settling on a walk, accompanying the fur-ball on four legs. Soon after, the call ended.

Action, against the wholesome movement of a life, may be compelled by guilt, obligation, "FOMO", loyalty or possibility - instilling an urge. Between you, and a point towards which you are on a slave-bound trajectory, there may be things and obstacles, altering and impacting how you approach the point sought.

The Shadow of Security

Feeling the accountability, and the pressure of time, the shadow following this main character, moved out the main entrance. It fiddled around what seemed to be the lock, as the fingers of the host to the familiar weight, the shadow, were busy submitting to the evaluation; "Did I lock everything?". A need instilled over the years by blueish insurance-ads. The kind accompanied by bright-red & yellow colors, seeping into the consciousness, the notion that the risk of break-ins is high. Note the many (blue colored text) statistics that make the probability clear. The need for protecting invested possessions, ever-present. Like was it the light on clear-sky night, highlighting how the failure to do so, would lead to refusal of coverage. A small fortune, including much time, was placed in the accumulation of things in the house. Danger lurked beyond the fence, the wall around the life of Robin - a subconscious promise of loss.

External influences may cater to this or that fear, driving adherence to other interests. Perhaps riding, like a lie close to the truth, on that which is actually important. Security does not live in a lock, a camera or a policy - yet alone an excess of hoarded goods. What makes you feel secure, and what do you invest trust in? Avoid being driven to find false fulfillment by "the greedy evil corporations trying to make profit". The ones scapegoated, as attention is diverted to the "far away" enemies, veiling the malicious influences on the mind found in public spaces - something so very common (and because everyone does it, something so very okay - therefore zero liability). Please note that this is not a criticism of insurance per say, the utilization of which may guard against debt, and lower the risk of undesirable events occurring to begin with, as the destructive impact is mitigated. A wealth-dynamic; a purchase of certainty, a possible increase of being considered a viable, safe and lasting investment.

Collision with Distraction

The shadow of the house receded, as Robin went down the stairs. Walking out of the gate, and suddenly knocked over, as some weight landed a heavy impact from the left - clothes greasy by the elbow after landing on the bright green grass.

The collision extended beyond material; immediately, the mind of Robin went in several directions. Amidst the confusion, a figure clad in jogging shoes and a multi-colored sportswear, was apologizing profoundly. Spicy tones could be heard through the ear-buds - a familiar romantic song leading to a stream of unrelated thoughts; playlists, experiences and old memories. Entrancing tones designed to elicit an energetic state, creating an alternate experience of reality combined with the sharp focus of the run.

Robin got up, and kept the annoyance behind the mask - reminded of the importance of letting go - while offering consolation. Soon after, the hit'n'runner was fading in the distance.

Staying grounded in the intentions for the day, may be a skill that requires letting a moment pass without reacting. Distractions are not necessarily immense. Contrarily, the distractions nudging us away from personal priorities, may be veiled - small, subtle, and deceptively harmless. Seemingly innocent cues, that pull you off course, appealing to senses, emotions and past associations.

The Ads We Don't See

As Robin went back inside, the enveloping warmth could be felt. Like was it a soft blanket brought calm, the distress faded - replaced by comfort. Instead, a focus took hold - an urgency to reach the agreed-upon meeting time. Soon after, the door opened once again. This time a figure clad in sports-clothes descended the stairs, out the gate for a second time and, after carefully looking to each side, set off in a run towards the now-destined meeting spot. As Robin paved way through the busy streets, eyes fell on those with a kind of attraction, as though the melody had struck an internal compass.

Upon arrival, the soft, fuzzy four-legged entity, let out a happy, loud-pitched sound. A friendly greeting was extended by its companion, the friend whom called. Finally, no longer bound by the requirement to show up - as though out of a leash. Robin felt a kind of lightness as the conversation unfolded; there was no rush, and a sphere of safety encompassed the three.

The two chatted happily. Robin merely needing do a brief shopping-run on the way back - they were done with the dreary daily tasks. No longer bound by the senseless routine of the past - the empty existence, the result of being bombarded with the promises of more. More; that would lead to some happiness in the near yet far future - instead replaced by the enjoyable togetherness. Conversations centered on small practices and rituals, amongst other worthwhile tasks of the day - the walk, the company, the simplicity. The flow of words shaped a connection; bound the two into an enjoyable moment, as agreements shaped and "the disliked" was ex-pulsed, synchronizing the two.

Conversation flow, and pull you in some direction. Is it one that genuinely fulfills you, like the items supposedly does if purchased in exchange for money entering the destined pockets? Each day, subtle hypnosis of more than one kind, pulls us along - reinforcing, instilling and oft with the repeated message; what is missing inside will be found by (this or that). Yet do these address the deeper needs?

Beyond Influence

In the years leading to this moment, the two often spent time together. During these moments they would craft a capacity to invest the freedom they accumulated. They would share how they rid of the time-sucking applications, sent items that took up space to recycling. How they thus grew less prone to the promises of safety by insurance, houses with bigger alarms or the ease that supposedly awaited if only they would install this or that. Self-restraint, yielding freedom.

The two, unencumbered by phones nor distractions, would enjoy both a momentary and a general void of being exposed to various negative influences. No longer with the attachments creating "need"; a demand that bound them to subject themselves to disregard personal boundaries at the work-place. The space, through immersing in which, they would derive the means to secure access to these "important" solutions. Instead, together, they grew aware of how to practice safety. Conversing about the experiences of the day, the nourishing the gentle guidelines, the failing of which seems possible to be forgiven for.

• No longer chained and harnessed by fear and lack, free of the need for overview caused by the chaotic mess, the surplus to counter the drains, the ease to cancel out the many responsibilities.

• No longer walking through the greyish work-routine of every-day life as a component consumed for fulfillment - the constant worsening safeguarded.

• Lead no longer by advertisements, nor falling prey to the lure of giving away personal responsibility - adhering the presented superior narration promoted in media.

Protected against the "hacks" that eat away at the limited focus and peace available to a life each day. Together with those in whom trust is better invested - free of the leash of everyday gambling. A sanctuary created together; warm, like a cozy bonfire lighting up the surrounding enclosure during the dark of the night.

A space may be shaped through common sense, respect of simple boundaries and a fostered togetherness. This may serve as a guard against being robbed of great opportunities - such as purchasing that item you saw on sale, the lowered cost necessary to care for the relationship you never were able to enter into. Aware instead of what you need - yes you!

As the End Draws Near

Yet in this age of individuality; each aware of personal and unique needs, as though was it tones comprising a melody, needing that safety found behind the firewall of handling information with wisdom. Needs, ignored as elaborate images are painted within - be it a depiction of the self, or the products that others demand money to be exchanged for. If you would like to be able to do awesome things only you can do, and you feel perhaps you may be one of those exposed to daily incidences of being hacked, a simple and easy solution is presented momentarily.

The day Robin went through, much like anyone would, was full of subtle influences, distractions, and manipulations - calls to attention, flashes of need, and reminders of security. Distractions attached to which are intentionally associated memories, designed to capture the mind. But by noticing them, even one by one, focus can be centered in what matters to you - the choice can be claimed and the peace grow.

• Identify when you're acting out of obligation or external influence rather than personal intention.

• Be aware of how content designed to influence thought, perception and decisions, exploit fears (e.g., security concerns).

• Practice mindfulness by recognizing distractions (both internal and external).

• Recognize the subtle ways influences and societal pressures steer our choices.

• Be clear on what boundaries are necessary around time, consumption, and relationships.

As Robin, at the end of the short story, would run off to do shopping, perhaps you too will buy into the idea of needing to care for self. A necessity now demonstrated, by presenting how the average human life is manipulated every single day. Awareness is a shield that can be held against the influences - the empowerment to notice, to pause, to reclaim. In case you found value in spending time reading this article, you can also check out the services on offer by me. Living with less is a good start, while there are numerous indirect ways to grow resilient to the impact on the inner.

This post was initially hand-written, then prepared for the public utilizing processing capacities, provided by an "AI" entity.