It's 2017, and technology has our attention more than ever. There was a time when we were kids and we would be upset if we were not allowed to play outside, but these days, it's all TV, Laptops, iPads, etc. With the great outdoors on its way to being forgotten, nonetheless, it remains beautiful, and even with no money in your pocket, a day of enjoyment can be had with those you hold dear.
I took an hour long walk through Battersea Park the other day and in all honesty it was one of my favourite things this summer and it will remain in my memory for a while. There was so much to see, so much beauty, such a variety of smells. Adjacent to the Thames southside, you can see over the river and a couple bridges. Within the park there is also the Peace Pagoda; this was presented to Londoners in 1984 following the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as a statement by the founder of the Japanese Buddhist movement, Nipponzan Myohoji, Guruji. He stated that 'Civilisation is not to kill human beings, not to destroy things, nor make war; civilisation is to hold mutual affection and to respect one another'. In Battersea park there is also the lake, upon which you can go on a boat ride and just relax and take in the marvelous world we live in.
On the flipside of the great outdoors is the beautiful night sky. Of course with all the light pollution, the stars are not always visible, but on the days when they are, and the days they are numerous, there is something magnificent about them. You find a real appreciation for life, and you begin to understand that there is much more to life than the here and now, than the little bubble you call your life, and you just want to experience more.
These aren't things you experience while on Twitter or Facebook, you don't learn to appreciate life by playing GTA or FIFA. Quite the opposite, you become introverted, place decreased value on life and waste so much of your time doing nothing. Essentially, what i'm trying to say here, is that you should go out and explore, share things with your family and friends, experience new things, allow your senses to be expanded. There is more to life, and its all at your doorstep.