As the world thinks it is recovering from the financial crisis, which started in 2008, I can't help thinking about FLOW. The financial crisis was, after all, a serious interruption of worldwide capital flow. In the US, for example, there were surplus houses, offices, shops and production capacity, as well as surplus labour. So surplus capital and labour co-existed but putting them back together was and continues to be, a torturous process involving immense human suffering. If the world economy fully recovers, and in my mind that's a big 'if', then life will proceed at a pace and the 2008 crisis will soon be forgotten. Uninterrupted capital flow will be the name of the game, economic growth will be the principal objective for countries and companies, the rich will get richer and the poor will get poorer - business as usual. The joy of the return to 'normality' for those who benefit from it (i.e. all but the growing group of disadvantaged) will soon be forgotten and taken for granted.
Capital flow rules, OK?
When someone has a heart attack, there is a serious interruption to the blood flow within the body and all organs are under threat. If a person is lucky enough to be treated and he or she recovers, healthy blood flow resumes and life proceeds as 'normal'. The life-threatening crisis gradually becomes a distant memory.
Blood flow rules, OK?
If you are on the internet and start experiencing problems with access to websites or even complete dropouts, then the flow of data to and from your computer will have slowed down or maybe ceased completely. That can be extremely frustrating, particularly if you are in the middle of doing something very important. However, whilst you will be delighted when the 'normal' service resumes, the interruption will soon be forgotten as you carry on with your computing tasks, regarding an adequate internet service as a 'given'.
Data flow rules, OK?
Two weeks ago, the drain blocked to my septic tank, the initial symptoms being the water in the the toilets not returning to the expected level after flushing. After the blockage was freed, the system worked normally and I was delighted, particularly as the remedial action took place one day before a friend was coming to stay for two weeks. But again my delight was soon forgotten and it wasn't long before I took normal flushing toilets for granted.
Sewage flow rules, OK?
In the part of Turkey where I live, interruptions to electricity and water supplies are not unusual. Life without electricity or water, even for a few hours, can be at least annoying and for some distressing. I feel ecstatic when the water returns to flowing out of the tap or the lights come back on but as with the previous examples of 'flowing as usual', the joy is short-lived and water or electricity are taken for granted.
Water and electricity flows rule, OK?
There are plenty more examples of flows in our lives that we assume will always be around but when they are not, we miss them like crazy. We can't spend our lives worrying and having contingency plans for every flow that might go. But maybe instead of being blasé about the wonders of life, natural and man-made, we should be far more appreciative of all that we've got. That way, we would be less fazed when we are deprived of the treasures that we regard as 'essentials' but are really life's bonuses.
So be joyous when things come
Don't be sad when they go
You're more fortunate than some
You should go with the flow!
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