Time For Self Reflection

When we first started The People's Countryside Project, it was all about people working in the countryside. We made films, took photographs, wrote articles, and eventually developed this podcast.

Then COVID hit and you, the listeners, started sending in questions. That’s really when the format stuck.

Since COVID we’ve answered two listener questions an episode.

We don't see the questions before we press record, and we always try to bring the conversation back to the countryside in some way.

Our first listener today question comes from Felix in Novi Sad, Serbia - “Why does time move in only one direction?”

William reflects that time is a human construct, while our lives naturally move forward and we age as part of that ongoing process.

Stuart reflects that processes simply happen, and questions whether if time only exists in the present moment, it can truly be said to move forward. He wonders if what we perceive as movement through time might instead involve multiple directions occurring at once.

William suggests that while the environment and life may appear to move in one direction, it is still a process that individuals can influence. Through their own actions, people can affect how that process unfolds.

Stuart suggests that real exploration often happens when people step away from established paths. By going where there are no roads, he implies that new understanding and perspectives about the environment can emerge.

The second question for today’s episode is from Steve in Cambridge, England - “Hi Both, After being on my own recent journey of self-reflection and growth, I’ve been reflecting about how personal development and Stoicism fit into modern life. There’s that line in The Matrix ‘There’s a difference between knowing the path and walking the path.’ It makes me wonder whether our culture’s obsession with self optimisation has made us better at knowing the path but worse at walking it. Do you think this clashes with genuine self acceptance and can Stoicism still work in a world that encourages emotional openness? on a personal level, what are your top three realisations or shifts from your own journey of growth? Thank you”.

Stuart interprets stoicism simply as continuing to move forward, regardless of what happens, though he questions whether just “keeping going” is always the right response. If we keep doing the same thing, surely we’re going to keep getting the same end results?

William believes that everyone is unique, shaped by their own experiences, upbringing, peers, work, and life events. While you can learn from others, ultimately you are forging your own path and must figure things out for yourself.

Stuart observes that our culture consists of individuals "pissing in the wind," with no one truly knowing what they are doing or escaping death. He questions whether society is obsessed with self-optimization or, through social media, with appearing to lead an optimal life.

William believes that we all need a healthy dose of genuine self-acceptance. While habits and work methods can be changed, many personal traits are difficult or impossible to alter. He emphasizes simply accepting yourself as you are and values when people truly see themselves honestly.

What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠[e-mail]

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