I’ve been in a Pink Floyd state of mind for the last few weeks. Besides being my favorite band, Pink Floyd is also my go-to whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed, discouraged or just a bit low. Sometimes I feel this way for a reason, but sometimes, there just isn’t an explanation to be discovered.
As most people at one time or another, I struggle with my mood at times. I fight hard to not succumb to the emotional fatigue that pulls at me constantly. It can feel like I’m fighting a tug of war against something I can’t see, only to find myself trying to hold on to a rope that is too long and too thick for me to ever conquer. It goes on and on and I’m just the idiot trying to hold on against a stronger and unknowable opponent.
Staying informed doesn’t help, either! ISIS, Ebola, Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Ukraine, the useless drug war, missing students in Mexico, Boco Haram and kidnappings in Nigeria, Ferguson and police brutality, racism, Hong Kong riots, global warming and most distressing at times, the sheer stupidity and dishonesty of American politics.
Maybe ignorance is bliss? I’m asking, because I don’t know.
I shouldn’t let these things affect me. Hell, mostly everything I mentioned has no impact on my life or isn’t occurring within a 500 mile radius of where I live, in sunny L.A. But these things do weigh on me. I’m also aware of how misleading all this negative news is! If we sit and really examine things, we will find that we are doing just fine.
Earlier this year, President Obama got a lot of flack for saying this, but he is right. By most accounts, we live in the safest and most prosperous time EVER! Of course, by “we” I mean us, here in America and other prosperous nations. Less fortunate people live in apocalyptic conditions. No need for hell, people! It already exists here.
So, being fortunate enough to live in L.A. with a great family, good job and good home, I ask myself: Why the malaise? I don’t know.
So yeah, Pink Floyd’s been on shuffle for the last few weeks, but I’ll snap out of it. I always manage to, even though age seems to make the lows a little lower for some reason. I guess that comes with the territory.
Since I’ve roped Pink Floyd into this post, there is a silver lining. Their final album, The Endless River, will be released next month, November 10, 2014. I’ve already ordered it and am looking forward to it. Check out their teasers below:
