BEING MORE INTENTIONAL ABOUT VERY ORDINARY THINGS - FIFTEEN

This is the fifteenth in a series of periodic reflections on the "ordinary things" that many people do on a regular basis without much thought. During this pandemic, I am developing a need to "rage, rage" against hast and laziness and replace it with care and attention. My hope is to become personally more intentional about doing ordinary things with care and focused attention, while inspiring others to maybe do the same.

ENTROPY and SENESCENCE

Just Two Fancy Words for Falling Apart

                     

"I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God that you
have. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice,
but rather of power and love and self-control."
II Timothy 1:6-7

Here is a handy word you need to remember - entropy! Entropy is that natural, spontaneous and unremitting process of decline, decay and disorder unless there is an opposing force working against it.

Anyone who owns a home knows that it will fall into ruin pretty quickly without regular maintenance and constant upkeep. One of the hardest points to get across in marriage preparation programs is the point that just because you are "in love" today and promise to "be true to you in good times and bad," does not mean your marriage will survive without constant care and maintenance. Most marriages that fall apart, fall apart because of neglect. America has a major problem with obesity, but many have not figured out yet that weight cannot be managed in our culture without constant attention to diet and exercise. Many people just "let themselves go" until there is a health crisis or it's too late. Gardens need weeding! Friendships needs cultivating! Professionals need continuing education! Even our faith, unattended, is subject to withering on the vine! Entropy is that natural, spontaneous and unremitting process of decline, decay and disorder unless there is an opposing force working against it.

"Senescence" is the process of becoming old or the state of being old. As we age, we "senesce." We can't stop it, but we can challenge it. We can do a few things to slow it down. Here I am reminded of a famous poem by Dylan Thomas.

Do not go gentle into that good night

Dylan Thomas - 1914-1953

(written about his own dying father and here read by the poet himself)

            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mRec3VbH3w

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

No known substance can extend life, but here are some useful tips for improving the chances of living a long time and staying healthy: 

- Eat a balanced diet including five helpings of fruits and
   vegetables a day.

- Exercise regularly (check with a doctor before starting an
   exercise program).

- Get regular health check-ups.

- Don't smoke (it's never too late to quit).

- Practice safety habits at home to prevent falls and fractures.

- Always wear your seatbelt in a car.

- Stay in contact with family and friends.

- Stay active through work, play, and community.

- Avoid overexposure to the sun and the cold

- If you drink, moderation is the key.

- When you drink, let someone else drive.

- Keep personal and financial records in order to simplify
  budgeting and investing.

- Plan long-term housing and money needs.

- Keep a positive attitude toward life.

- Do things that make you happy.

The word "senescence" derives from the Latin "senex," meaning "old." "Senile" and "senior" come from the same root, as does "senate" which dates back to ancient Rome where the "Senatus" was originally a "council of elders" composed of the heads of patrician families.