“Surrealism” is to have 20.000 friends in Facebook&Twitter, but your phone doesn’t ring during the weekend.
P.S. I am not talking about me, but about the society as I see it today (BTW I have more than that in T and FB)
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It’s a Holiday Inn!
~~~ She is swimming in it ~~~
Ja”baby, she’s got it”
:)
It is not very strange that this happens nowadays.
Talking via internet is faster, modern and popular.
But, I think, the MAIN reason that some people resort to internet, is that it “protects” us.
- We can say things, we wouldn’t dare in real life.
- We can pretend that we are someone else.
- It is easier (perhaps less humiliating??) to apologize via net, rather than face to face.
- There is no eye contact, so emotions and face expressions cannot be expressed.
- And if a dialogue goes bad, we can just…disconnect!!
So, the above could reveal a good reason for our silent telephone. Because, we are supposed to communicate face to face and deal with the consequences. We are supposed to say what we feel, to apologize or to start a quarrel, to laugh or let our face become red from the anger, to let our expressions “signify” what we really are.
The choice is ours. BESIDES, NATURE ALWAYS FINDS A WAY…!
Of course, above, I am talking about the wrong use of internet…
Does someone want to take a coffee in Paris with a virtual anonymous student?
Hi…. If only I was in Paris I would take a coffee with you!! The hot chocolate is delicious in Paris with a croissant! Enjoy..
S.
I will take a coffee, in “REALITY” with You in the morning (because it’s almost 2am here right now and I am sleepy, dreaming of a pillow to rest my head on), on the condition I can stay in Estonia and also that I do not have to be anonymous, but can stay as a student aswell.
But in my thoughts I’m already having that coffee with You. In Paris.
Love,
Silly Liina from Estonia
Hmm…That could be dangerous…I’m not that desperate !!!
It couldn’t be Paulo, could it..??? If so, the answer is ‘Yes’!!!
Can’t make coffee in Paris tomorrow unfortunately, but you are welcome to County Tipperary, Ireland for a pint of Guinness anytime!
Shane.
Btw, your btw speaks volumes.
Hi Sandra,
I’m glad I’m not the only one! I was thinking the same thing! Mind you, it’s open to interpretation !!!
Friendship measured in: Quantity, quality, or even the things that go beyond these two words/thoughts.
this is so true. not thousands bt stil i hv hundreds f frnds on fb and orkut and most f them r totally strangers living on other planets and galaxies and i dont even knw why are they appearing on my friends list. lucky tht if not dozens, i hv few ppl around who always keep callin me seeing me. cant imagine life without no one to talk to
… modernisation! Ole! ;o))
That’s why I closed my account on FB, i sent a final message…”to those who know me, you know how to find me and for those I met it’s been a blast”
Bless
I never have spend too much time in internet. This blog is the only place I always thought it was worth while writing. I never was interested in “collecting” friends in communities, because I have enough next too me.
Better spare the time and talk to those who live next to you – family, friends, colleagues. There is still a lot worth while talking about which you did not know.
…and yes Paul, live, love, act, work! This is real live!
Nevertheless I am very pleased to see you here again, dear Paul!
Love Monika
Paulo, qualquer dias desses eu me registro no face book, ja estive no twiter e achei uma porcaria, nao acredito que amizades possam existir nesses meios de comunicacao, acho tudo muito supercial….nao consigo me acostumar com a ideia…. e muito mais do que surrealismo…
For me, personally, relation is the way to know myself, to discover myself, to grow, to transform, etc … I lived many years away from all, well not being there with all of me, maintaining relation on a level that prevented me from hurt (defence). I would be able to be “in communication” with many people, be it 2000, on Facebook and or on Twitter, but that does not appeal me. I prefer to develop my relation to myself, to the other and that impact on the Universe “in live”. My phone does not ring that much … it rings from the calls of the ones with whom I travel, for a time, be it short or long. One day, I realized that I was there in my work, accomplishing what I believe is my vocation, until I realized that I could not be a light for others if in my personal life I was enduring relations that I should not, I was not investing myself in the relations that were important for me, close relations, and I, and I speak for me, saw that I was not being authentic, true and that I needed to put my attention to the relations surrounding myself. I like to have a hello, a say, a word of encouragement, etc, from all over the world, to read, etc, from far away, but I am prudent because I can by that way take from the time I need here and now in my vicinity, my territory, my environment and disperse myself everywhere and not go deeper and deeper to change what needs to be changed, to discover what needs to be discovered. Changes, transformation must go to a level deeper than just rational and I need the proximity of the relation, the experience of the relation “life”. In all things, there is positive but also its opposite. I do not reject that kind of medium to experiment the relation, but I say one must be in harmony, balanced between the two poles, and in that citation, well, in my mind, there is truly a need to see and comprehend why the phone is not ringing. We are meant for relations and need the relations, the power of the relation. I personally do not think that virtual relation can be as powerful as a relation that requires all senses to be there. For me, I am in relation when I can capture, utilize all my senses, be all there. So, I could have the ability to be in many virtual relations, but I would miss important levels … for me. Well, the important thing for me is to not forget that I have a place to occupy, a mission to undergo, an heritage to leave where I am with whom I was meant to be. Surrealism to have 2000 virtual friends and no call from friends in the vicinity … not surrealism … a problem that needs to be solved. Cordially, Jojo.
I ate two jesuits the other day. It was truly surreal!
Dear All,
Yes, I agree that there is truth and real concern.
I love hearing people speak and use the telephone. It is fun to make the time to have a coffee date by phone with family and close friends or even a quick ‘thinking about you’ call. I like to have a few ways of connecting in case of emergencies too.
But, made a few new internet friends and want to expand now, to talk with each other!! This is why I am exploring several options for long distance calling to also include the landline (cell phone gets too hot during longer conversations).
I cannot sit at the computer comfortably to enable concentration for more than a few minutes. But as someone above mentioned, Skype is a wonderful option for many (may also be free?).
The motto at our city’s tele-Miracle network is ‘Ring Those Phones!!’
Wishing everyone a great day and Lots of Love to All, Jane : ) xo
Sorry, forgot one thing ; )
One night I ran into an acquaintance playing music and during his break, came over to chat. I asked if he had a website or a Facebook page and he said ‘No, thankfully all business is through an agent. I care about the friends right here, that would come and help me out of trouble at 3 in the morning’.
Having even one caring friend in the world is a blessing.
Thank you for listening. Move Love, Jane : ) xo
Of course this is not … surrealism.. it is the today’s REALITY. It pictures the lives of our busy times, but of the loneliness we, people feel in the materialistic society of today. 2,000 or 20.000 or 200,000 friends are just numbers with added 0000s. The fact is that we are us and the ..computer. But, as always, our creative mind has found the way out from the … trap! We do have ‘real’ friends that we care for, we share our most intimate thoughts and dreams, in the INTERNET. Because in real life we have become a ‘hostile’, an .. egoistisch community and our friends may share with us a glass of wine, a dinner or a … trip to the mountains -on Sundays – but they do not go beyond the surface; our Mask!
I personally may speak .. on the phone or .. alive on weekends but I have shared much more and opened my soul to you all my beautiful friends, Warriors of the Lights under the unbrella of our .. Paulo Coelho, the Magus, who has the ability to add ‘golden dust’ and ‘colour’ in everything he ‘touches’ with his beautiful aura. Thank you Paulo Coelho, for making us ‘dream’. A REAL FRIEND of our Souls.
LOVE,
Thelma xxx
Nice words, Thelma, I also have a lot of fun here.
Fantastic!
Thelma, The idea that even the people we see everyday(family, friends)”do not go beyond the surface” crossed my mind too, and to have you voice it makes me feel that their is truth to it. A blog like this really does go beyond what most people believe life should be about. The people on this blog can create what the banks, dinners, religion, entertainment, restaurants, can never create. To enrich the true being.
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I agree with what You said about the anomity and misusing the trust/identity: that’s done with possibilities to lie or hide the truth of one’s identity – we can and are able to become ‘pigs’ (recent advertisement in Estonia) when we start to use anomity without our real name – to hide the tracks to our identity and name. Hiding it is, in my opinion, only accepted, when a person is not doing harm with others (as purpously insulting, telling lies about some people that might leave a ‘dirty mark/spot’ on them. Politicians and famous people or people who are jealous or blindly angry at some event or people or how the situation is settled, do this kind of things. I understand where it comes from – fear of showing ones identity. So they do it often anonymously.
There was a big scandal in Estonia recently, about a young man from Spain who pretended online to be a young ‘sexy’ female. He’d hide his identity to seduce young boys, play with their minds and hearts. Manipulate with them. He sent the boys some pictures of some girl, some more sexual than others. Then he’d in return ask them on MSN to send naked pictures of themselves, and on occasions videos… truly horrifying. And what is even more horrifying – some of them killed themselves because of this person, and it is proved. One mother in Estonia lost his teenaged son. Only when the story was brought to medias attention the case was solved – this person was actually a male, in his 20-s, unemployed and lived with his parents.
That’s the truly dark side of online “privacy”.
Thank you, dear Alexandra for a lovely video.
I was interested to hear your ideas, especially those relating to the unknown identities of some online friends. This is a real danger especially where children are concerned…sometimes leading to criminal sexual activity…even deprived adults can be lured into such acts when they least expect it!
Love, Theresa
Having 20,000 virtual friends …
this can be a new way how isolation & alienation can look like in our time (if we assume that one does not have anyone to call on a weekend – why waiting for a call?).
However, being surrounded by people, living in a small village of a couple of hundred people, where everyone knows everyone …
Even in such a “traditional” form of living: isolation & alienation can exist, and may have worse consequences – including suicide – than having many virtual friends.
the virtual communication can have positive power because it takes place among cultures and different religions, and thus can bring a new closeness and a better understanding of “the others.”
i think it is true.
yet still i do not want to agree because these invisible friends really encourage me.
one pop artist said recently, ‘some say electro music sounds cold and not real because it is ‘electronic’. but it is not true because there is some emotional connections from my fans, which come from their hearts’. (sorry i forgot what she really said but she said something like this)
i really agree with her. i think it is all about our hearts.
also, i see Paulo in my dream a few times. every time he tries to say something with his difficult face, i do not understand what he is trying to tell me. and when i try hard to understand it, i woke up. i feel like is there anything that i need to know about it? well, my point here is sometimes invisible friend visits me while i am sleeping and maybe trying to help me on something. so invisible friends are very important as well:)
thanks for reading
love and magic
chieko
Hi chieko!
‘his difficult face’?? Giggles.
love & admiration,
Heart
hi heart,
sorry for replying late.
yes, in my dream, he had a serious looking face. and he really trying to tell me something. but i could not hear so i look at the movement of his lips and as i really tried to figure out what he was saying, i woke up. i was a bit exhausted.
but yesterday, i had a good dream. Paulo was, i think, a captain of a spaceship. and from my impression, i was the designer of the ship. it was so beautifully built. the ceiling was like a gothic cathedral, there were three vertically high ceilings. and everything was painted in white and there were numerous lighting all over the ceiling. then very interesting design happening in the below. there was no floor. you can find the exact same design of the ceiling in the bottom. so there were three long bottoms with the same numerous lighting. my depictions is not so good but it was really beautiful. then he said something like good job. so i woke up with a good feeling.
anyway, thanks for reading.
love
chieko
Fogot to say that I bought the Witch of Portobello today (at last!) and will begin reading it when I get to bed..
Siobhan, Your post made me smile. It sounded like a child opening presents. Enjoy!
Have been reading through the blog. Amazing the different opinions people have. Personally I like to communicate this way.. but I have a choice and I can choose who I want to communicate with, so it’s great. Also when my son was in Peru on holidays I was able to talk to him on SKYPE when he found an internet cafe. I was on line and saw that he was also, so made me realise the world is so small. (i’m in IReland)
Dear Siobhan,
Nice to meet you. My name is Oksana and I come from Russia. I would like to ask you a question that interests me. If you find it impolite, please just ignore it. I have recently read a book in English and there was a character with the same name as yours. It seems so beautiful! But I find it difficult to pronounce. How is your beautiful name pronounced?
With kind regards,
Oksana
I don’t use twitter, and Facebook only occasionally. However I used to belong to an experimental virtual world called Ages of Avatar back in 2000. This was a relatively small virtual world, but the small size helped to grow a tight knit, caring community of regular visitors you wouldn’t necessarily get with a larger world. Though the world closed down after about half a year, we stayed in contact for much longer, met up various times, and for the last 5 years, 2 of them have lived with me in my house.
My main point is this: all three of us were to some extent introverted and alone. Online relationships can be transferrable to ‘real life’, and are particularly good for those of us who are not so outgoing; though I admit it’s not healthy to live your social life exclusively on the internet.
Love to all,
Mapley.
(P.S. I’ve just finished ‘The Valkyries’ today and intend to converse with my angel from now on – Thank you Paulo.)
I’d say ‘surreal is that I’ve met people for all over world without even traveling out of my room’.
But about the weekly quote:
Yeah, it depends what we consider a friend to be. And if You are famous, known, popular or not. The websites and communication portals use words as ‘friend’ … “add this person as a friend”. That’s the twisted logics here. Only possibility. This or no adding.
Love,
Liina
Oh siento haberme equivocado de nuevo.
Al leer la frase me dije en esta frase hay sentimiento, hay corazon, me equivoque.
Buenas noches y hasta siempre.
I think social networking has broadened the definition of friendship with the potential of making it shallow. I say potential, because it has made it possible to touch many people instantaneously. You can touch them with a meaningful tweet or you can bore them with what you ate for breakfast, your choice. It has eliminated the obstacle of distance and now we can show up to each other anywhere in the world. With all of this comes some negatives too. And we do have to remember that it does not replace a phone call or a face to face conversation or a hug for someone we really care about!
Thanks,
Sherry (evolutioninconsciousness.blogspot.com)
brilliant…paulo sign of the times….dont speak! dont speak!
Hi all, I would like to share this haiku with you:
winter stillness-
only a sparrow
to share my meal
Well, I may have a different point of view than all those friends who shared their opinion here. I am somebody who rarely answers a phone call. I prefer to stay alone to read and write. Writing needs a high level of concentration. Imagine somebody coming to visit while I am in the middle of the “Poetical Moment” which imposes itself on us when it wants, the same as a cloud rains whenever it wants. Whenever I feel bored, I prefer to go to the sea. Nature comforts me a lot. I enjoy watching nature. This led me to writing haiku such as:
cloudy morning…
a kite flies higher
than its string
A phone call is a way of communication. You can communicate through the net, too. Real people may hurt for evil is increasing in the world. You can delete a person from your list in the net. But, in real life this leaves scars.
Thank you dear Paulo for this lovely quote. I wrote a short story in which I mentioned your novel : “The Alchemist”. If you like. I can send it to you.
Best Regards, Rita.
Namaste,
Surreal as it may be, it is breathtaking to realize that within those 20,000 people on facebook, the world is represented. Although the phone may not ring, I can touch a life in China with a few taps on a keyboard. Peace comes through communication.
Love to you
Yes peace comes through communication, internet has helped bring the world on a sort of common platform. ultimately it is a question of awareness, are we awre of how we spend our time, distractions are thousand and one, focus is needed.
love
aditya
Normality and Absurdity depend just on your position(inside or outside Camera Obscura),but it is always the choice what to experience.
and then ….
let the experinces, expereince themselves, u just be ??
Hi Irina
love
aditya
Paulo if they know your phone number,you have a big problem !!!
Then you can stay next your telephone to answer phone calls.
We live double lives, more like James Bond, trying to be something we aren’t or outlashing our inner feelings and personality.
Having over 500 friends in facebook and twitter is irealistic, how can you handle them, no one can interact with all of them on a daily bases.
It’s just a waste of time, money and effort to get glued into the virtual world, its still lifeless how much the technology is advanced, even with SecandLife.
heh heh he !
Hi shula !
taking care of the one life is such a ‘time -consuming’ effort who has the drive and pateince to take care of second life — apparently there are many, Zesus was right, we are fast asleep, we have eyes which we don’t use to see, which we use to project our visions if at all we develop one, we have ears which we don’t use to hear, we hear only that we wish to hear.
sadly, the world will go one like this making u spin faster and faster, so watch out !!
love
aditya
For me, I have over 500 friends on FB, twitter not that much because I don’t use it, and 200+ contacts in chat..
And even with all these friends, I do – as everyone else- feel lonely some times. And the fact that annoys me the most is that me and most of my friends we live in different countries.
The internet is the way that we use to communicate almost every day, but yet when I am feeling sad or upset and I badly need a hug internet is useless then.
So I dare say that it all lies in a balance. OR that all my close friends and I move to one city :P
Love,
I may be wrong but when Paulo tweeted this quote, he followed it by saying not his phone, so he was probably not talking about himself.
It would be hard for me to believe that Paulo’s phone does not ring, if that’s the case, I can change that! :D
It is Surrealistic, and not Real! Friendship surely has changed over the years, friendship used to constitute sharing, playing, laughing, talking, crying together, even fighting, to something so virtual and distant, posting a picture comment and a few ‘sweet’ words! Hahahah… that’s kinda funny! Most times you don’t even know who the other person is… it’s like having an imaginary friend, I don’t need the computer to have imaginary friends, LOL.
There is a positive side to it, I think people feel less lonely now because they have so many friends online, and when they need someone and don’t have anyone in real life, that need is satisfied in a way, contact with another person…
Everything has it’s good and bad points.
But back to you Paulo, you should get a phone with a fan in it to prevent it from blowing up because your phone now is going to be ringing off the hook ;D
I would think Paulo has a couple of phone numbers!!! One for his nearest and dearest and one for his publicist and business!!!
Hi C !
hope u are doing as well as u always dreamt to !!
this lonliness stuff would kill us alive if we are not very clear on the issue. better one sees that being alone is no problem, in fact a great oppertunity to dive deep within ( Just like being in compnay is great oppetunity to ….. have fun.
and by the way ‘surreal’ is not necessarily bad, sometimes when we come across heartbeat stopping beautiful moments, beauty ( like your eyes ;-0 ), then also one feels this surreal stuff !
HOW about having a no TV, no net month in a year, let people just hang out togather or better still go to meet their old relatives here and there !!
love
aditya
Yes, dearest Paul, not like some … disturbing .. night callers!! ;-]
LOVE,
Thelma xxx
Who has more than three good friends has none.
i agree with that.
Nope.
Real life is more complex & beautiful. it should not be simplified in this way. I have more than 5 REAL friends.
- friendships can have different qualities …
- people can have different expectations for a specific friendship.
- friendships need to be taken care of.
- age influences the number of friends.
this can all influence the # of friends :o)
Can we really count them? I guess in a way even our so called “enemies” are our friends. Why? BEcause everything teaches us something. . .
Is this another victim of the Winner Stands Alone! My phone never rings – the last call I got was from the insurance company… ha!
Kealan, Funny :)
Dear Kealan, of course you are joking! I cannot believe it… You such a handsome, kind young man..
LOVE,
Thelma xxx
It is not surrealistic, it is sad.
hmmm… perhaps you are ex-directory so not in the phone book ;o)
In such case I think that the term friend has to take an other signification. Or just invent another one. That is a reason why languages and terms keep changing….:PP
And about the phone…Well I’d like to say nothing. Too sad.
But maybe better let it be that way. Can you imagine all of them ringing your phone during all the weekend. Let it better be some annoying peace. Enjoy surrealism!…:PPP
The quote illustrates a very present-day occurrence. Sometimes it becomes a status-quo to exhibit the most number of friends. I have been blessed with lovely real as well as online friends. Both of them (online as well as real) stood by me when I was undergoing a difficult time. Both offer a balance and comfort.
Both real and online friends make life worthwhile and I am thankful for both these groups of people.
this is a fantastic quote, a 21st century definition of the term ‘surreal’. maybe even a solution to a worldwide problem. terrific.
Shane.
Better them than Fish….
;)
Do You mean aquarium fish?
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Beautiful, but whats the link with the quote?
I love the vídeo and the music too.Thank you for this.
Thank you Aglaia, beautiful music and beautiful pictures and Symbols.
LOVE,
Thelma xxx
p.s. Aglaia is a Greek name; are you Greek? t.
Paulo if I had your number….I would call you on weekends….:))
It is surreal and sometimes sets me wondering..Sometimes for me it makes me feel lonely…..
love to you Paulo xxx
Angela !
just today morning, in one of our smoke ‘table’ discussion in office a chap said that he has been given 20 free STD minutes, to call anyone within India for free for the next 20 minutes. u know where we ended up, we have all the emans of communication but not much to communicate..
and by the way sooner one gets over this fear of loneliness, better. u are all alone. u come to this world alone and u go back alone, in between also we are actually quite alone, but we have this appearance of being with others, with this whole. it is said that god felt lonly and s/he cretaed this creation, to enjoy. so enjoy whetver comes your way, company then company, aloneness then aloneness. unsolicited advise.
love
aditya
About one’s privacy:
For a while, I actually felt the need to meet Paulo in person. Later I realised that at this time of my life it will possibly not become possible because of my financial state and other things. So I sent him an e-mail, saying, what was on my mind after reading one of his books. I had no idea if he’d even read or respond to it. But I hoped that he got my message (even if I knew he’d probably get about a thousand or so a day).
After realising that there are more and more people being inspired by Paulo day by day, also seeking to get in contact with him, I felt guilty and selfish for hoping and wishing to get in contact.
A couple of days later I got relieved, because I understood something: I do not have to neccecarily meet him (face to face).
I am already introduced to him through the books – there in books are his thoughts, beliefs, attitude towards life. And I was appreaciative and felt warmth. It wasn’t giving up a dream – it was a realisation – making peace. And besides – if things have to happen, they will anyway. You never know.
And besides, if I was to meet him, I’d probably forget all the “smart words” and “meaningful things” I wanted to tell him what his writing means to me, how has it changed my and many peoples lives.
I believe he has changed and helped so many peoples lives and their thinking towards life and I am so grateful to be able to have had the “coincidence” in my life to be aquainted with his work.
Writing here in the blog with other followers, fans and friends of Paulo, sharing our lives, thoughts and dreams have set me to understand indeed, what I said about changing lives. But here it also opens up the possibility for the people to interact with each other and I think if I was to describe these people here on this blog I’d have to say that often I feel as we form a strong ‘web’, a unity, with our being, thinking, sharing. Yet we are all from different countries with different personalities, experiences, cultures… but we have one thing in common, yet. The love for life.
Even if the web of internet may seem to be away from reality, it really depends, as someone here said, if we are using it, or if it is using us.
For me, the internet was/is a good chance to get even more aquainted with Paulo, and his readers, to understand his thoughts even better – nothing is useless. Even as ‘impersonal’ as the internet CAN be.
I know behind these comments and thoughts are REAL people with REAL lives and their very real words. Even if I prefer from eye to eye contact, I also believe that it’s possible to be friends even with someone who You have never met in Your life.
Thanks.
Have a great All Souls Day.
I will light a candle now.
Love,
Liina
Very well said Liina (hope you went well with your singing the other day).
Hi Liina,
It s nicely narrated.I liked it very much.I hope everybody should have gone through the same kind of feel what you and i have when we read Paulo’s writing
Believe in miracles….
Dhands
Acredito que devemos ter primeiro o número do telefone.Agora conseguir falar??????????????Pode ser…………Bjim ,Meire.
I logged out of facebook for a while, because I feel the same surrealism.
Hi Isabel!
why did u join in the first place, many people do because of peer pressure, because it is the ‘in-thing’ etc etc. when will our enchantment with the new end, only when that enchantment ends, can we see the old in new light !!
love
aditya
I dont have 20000 friends, and my phone ring rarely during week end, but is not so bad, for I could read your novel meanwhile…
I think many seem more friendly when they have not to face real situation and real people. Sorry. Not real people, I mean somebody near. I was amazed when I got my pc and I started chat, how many were willing to be my friend, stick on me, when in real life almost nobody notice me, or not the people I wish to notice me.If you need a phone call, dear Paulo, I will call you each week end, just let me know, anytime…(as a friend, of course).
Much love
Alexandra
O telefone não toca mas todos os 20.000 pensam em você e admiram você e a internet proporciona esse contato, mesmo que virtual. Eu sou fã dos seus livros e sempre dou uma espiadinha no seu blog e site para ver o que anda fazendo, você virtualmente faz parte do meu dia a dia. Não temos o contato físico o olho no olho, mas sinto você perto é muito louco isso, não ??
Até mais…
hi freinds,
can someone show me how can we spend 1 week debating this pseudo-quote?
i really don’t have any courage to do it?
i think we should continue discussion about dreams , life , existence…! may be i’m wrong?
may be i’m not so intelligent to understand wath does it mean, or may be i can’t understand it because i don’t use facebook or hotmail… so i don’t expect calls during the weekend at all!
good discussion,
I think internet, or at least social networks are a part of life/existence. For me personally, I spend a lot of time on Facebook and most of the time I’m available on chat so it’s part of my existence at least. And in a post I just wrote, it shows how relevant this quote is to my personal life.
But honestly a part of me envies you; not having facebook, or chat, I imagine does simplify things.
But yes of course it’s not because you aren’t that intelligent to get the point, it’s just different realities and understandings.
Much love,
Walaa
Hi soufine !!
the best very best way in which u can spend one week is by staying away from everyone for a week, don’t even talk, don’t comminicate, just feel yourself. first hour and u will be ready to quit, end of first day, u would have quit, if not, u would have decided, enough of this nonsence, but if u can hold on for a week, no radio, no TV, no magzines, no books, nothing. just eat minimum. give yourself a week, normally u give all of yourself to the world, give oneweek of your life, to understand yourself, that one week may change u forever !1
love
aditya
I like this quote! it’s so true . Nowdays we have more “cyberfriends” than real friends with whom you can spend real time “on live”.
i think you, you, you… (i don’t find the word..)
you… put an end to this discussion because your answer was so perfect…
waw??? that’s so clear..
we don’t need more discussion??
be happy….
Could it be the 20 000 friends don’t have the telephone number?
Or could it be that Paulo does something on the weekends and his friends know, respect & accept? :)
Suuure! Paulo…what is your number?
If you want…We call you every weekend!
:))
Yeah! Funny point of view…;)..:PP
That was a great quote sent to you.I guess this is a fine definition of surrealism indeed.There’s nothing as terrible as having so many so-called “friends” and no one to really talk too on weekend,no one real around.Real friendship is rare but is a blessing.I’m really lucky to know that.I have few real friends but they are wonderful.They are all different and if you put them in a room together that would be an hell of a party!lol
So we won’t get to see a theme of the week anymore then?A shame.
Anyway,have a nice week everyone!
Love
Candie
Or 1 when u need a bank loan u have no freind who can gurantee it !
Hi freinds !
yes it’s surreal ! this whole virual world ( sadly this site too included ) is surreal and more we are lost in it, teh further away we are from reality, whatever that is ! as if calling this whole ‘real’ world as ‘maya’ was not enough, we have this virtual world too, too keep us away, further away from ‘reality’. or is it so ! like all tools this virtual world too can be ‘used’ to further one’s quest for ‘reality’ ? how would one know if one is using the tool or getting used by it ?
personally, i don’t feel like ‘connecting’ with frinds, relatives, anyone ! only when do i have something, somework do i feel OK to call someone, this is becomming a major issue, my frinds and relatives are not me and they feel as if i am ignoring them. somehow i don’t see it that way and am perfectly happy if i don’t receive any phone calls, personal visits are most welcome though ! personally i don’t feel any need to ‘belong’ anywhere, with any group ( but one needs group if one is to sustain a less hassled life in the society ), i belong where i happen to be at any given point of time.
love
aditya
Aditya,
Can you imagine how many people would call Paulo to ask for money from him, if they had his telephone number!!
I don’t know… the virtual world is great if it’s combined with real world encounters. Really, what we have communicated in this blog, hasn’t been surreal? If I were ever to meet you Mr Aditya, I’d have the out most respect for you, having come to know a little about your thoughts here. As you, I find it hard to discuss many of these topics with family, friends and co workers, simply because we do other stuff when we are together than talking about things that matter. Personally, I like the freedom of being able to relate to online friends on my terms, for instance at any time it suits me.. and for how long I choose. Phone calls are for the VERY CLOSEST intimate family and friends…I don’t even let my mom call me every week end!! Guess I’m very restricted with how my time is spent…and VERY few gets into my private, private sphere anymore.
Love & admiration,
Heart
Puede ser que los amigos no quieran molestar, que se retiren por no saber que paso dar o no sepan como establecer contacto…
Con cariño
..and God must be a surrealist, as nobody call Him/Her on week ends either :))
the comment about money is true. So far, there are tons of emails every day
Yes heart !
as u have said every ‘iinovation ‘ has a plus and a minus side to it. trying to escape one’s reality by using teh web may actually get one entangled in teh web.
communication is of two kinds – one where we commincate with the other, it can be other person, a scene, a place, even our own body. and then there is a commication where we go inside our own being ( starting question being ‘who am i’, the technique developed by raman maharshi. this second kind of commincation is most essntial if the first kind has to have any value. here is teh trick, teh maya or whatever, normally we are afraid / ashamed / aloof with ourselvs and we desprately seek the other to keep us occupied. web is neutral, but because of this second tendency web becomes a trap for most of us. the grip of ‘maya’ is too strong to break free, unless one has awakend oneself.
meeting all these people would be such an expereince !!
to your awakening.
love
aditya
Kathleen, it was tonight and it went well.
Few days ago when I shared it, under ‘miracles’ I was rather anxious about it, because I hadn’t sang for about 10 years. Singing at home and in front of known and unknown people is not the same thing. Although after Annie said a sentence that held the thought of ‘tell us when it will happen so we can be anxious with You’, if You believe, my anxiety of disappeared on the very day I read it. So – thank You Annie!
Just before singing, I was anxious, but after introducing the song and what it was about, I stopped and thought – this is my chance to sing in the memory of my grandfather. Just when I realised that (in my mind), I was able to sing. Many of the people who came were elderly, who don’t know english… but I hope that they got my message from the song and my expression. I think I have never felt so sincere and open before…
The evening was great, there were 9 other people singing and talking about souls, selfsearching, meaning of life, spirituality – sharing their thoughts. Actually I was surprised of how open estonians can be – I haven’t felt it in a while. Was pleasantly surprised.
All best,
Liina
El telefono esta bueno,pero si estas muy ,muy lejos..internet y las redes sociales,te hacen estar cerca,compartir las cosas cotidianas con las personas que queres,tambien te podes conectar atravez del pensamiento..del alma,si sabes..si sentis de verdad,el mensaje llega enseguida…Cuando queremos a alguien siempre esta en nuestros pensamientos..aunque no nos llamen por telefono..
Un beso ..Clarisa
Sis…I hate getting phone calls when I’m in the middle of doing something else (of course with answering machines and voice mail, this problem is solved). However, during the four years of my life, when I lived alone, I loved a nightly phone call from my closest friend, who lived partly in another country, partly in other cities. We connected really well on the phone. So, I believe it all depends Annie. The closer one get to a person, the more one wants to interact in form of hearing each others voice, and of course meet in person. I do believe though, there is a quality in this form of written communication, which is lost in connecting face to face. Sometimes I miss the time when my husband and I would chat for hours and hours online every day the year before we married, as we both listened and had better dialogues taking turns writing, then we do during oral communication (sex) *kidding*.
Hugs,
Heart
Hi heart !
No kidding ! god is of course a surrealist, but not because he does not receive phone calls on weekends, god receives calls, every time of teh day, every minute and normally there is so much traffic that god is also at its wits end. everytime something bad happnes, god gets balmed for it “why oh why God 1 had this to happen to me ” and everytime there is something good, god is again flooded. it must be tough being a god that is why god prefers silence !!
your other observations about beauty of written communication is apt !
love
aditya
Dear Paulo,
Well, what can I say…I tried to get in direct contact with you Paulo, some… a year and a half ago, by sending you a personal e-mail. You, or probably your staff, wrote me a polite, short general reply, not commenting on any of the content in my attempt to start a communication, which was a nice way of telling me that you refused such a communication, and which of course I have respected and do understand. So, I don’t believe I ever sent you another such e-mail. Yes, perhaps my words drowned in the enormous amount of mail you receive, or more likely, you took a look at it, and thought to yourself…there is another one submitting unsolicited manuscript (which the only reason I did, was for you to learn a little bit about who I am)…there is another lunatic who wants to have a contact with me a contact which you are not able to have, and therefore you do what you have to do, write a short friendly professional reply.
In fact what I had been hoping for, was that YOU would call ME…as I had mentioned before, I wouldn’t call YOU due to some superstitious beliefs of mine. Yes, now realizing how thousands and thousands other men and women wish for the very same thing, a phone call from YOU, I’m almost embarrassed to even have had such a thought on my mind. But I did. I gave you MY phone numbers…which haven’t done much good so far :))
Hi paulo !!
your smile and your being always remains with us. fame has its side effects, i am sure u are good at delaing with them.
heart has said something very candidly here. i am sure u will call her even if just to say hello.
i too came to the blog long ago because i wanted your views / endorsement for cretaing a device which will be godsend’ for anyone who wishes to live one’s life meniangfully, i was able to track the root cause of the problem of human ‘unrest’ and the perfect antidote too ( in my views ), long ago before i discovered this blog and before this blog was born in its present form, i too send to u an email, about two pages. Felicidade replied ( how can i forget ) saying the usual stuff. I am still in the process of developing trying to convince some wrist watch manufacturer to give this idea a patient hearing, but crossing the red tape is so difficult, people in creative departments work within the briefs given to them, and contrary to popular ‘campaigns’ top embrace change, change is something very few people want.
I have not made any secreat of my request to u for help, and i don’t find it wrong, if i need help, i might as well seek it.
but by and by, i also discovered that with u and so many other people here, we make a good team where we discuss ‘existential ‘issues and end of the day everyone has a better idea of the issue being discussed. spending time on this blog is not same as wasting time pintlesly on the web !
love
aditya
QUERIDOPAULO,GRACIAS ,SIEMPRE GRACIAS,POR QUE SIEMPRE QUE LE ESCRIBI RESPONDIO CON LAS PALABRAS JUSTAS QUE NECESITABA ESCUCHAR..YO SOLO QUIERO DECIRLE QUE PARA MI USTED ES UN AMIGO,UN AMIGO DEL ALMA DESDE SIEMPRE ASI LO SIENTO,LO CONOSCO DE SIEMPRE,..USTED ES MI AMIGO UNIVERSAL,CON SUS HERMOSOS LIBROS QUE LLEGAN A MI ALMA Y A MUCHAS MAS..NADA MAS SOLO QUIERO DECIRLE QUE SIEMPRE PUEDe CONTAR CON ESTA ALMA,SOMOS TODOS PARTE DE UNA MISMA…uN BESO ,ABRAZO..MUCHA LUZ DEL UNIVERSO..
CLARISA
For me it is a rule: never ask anything, especially money, from a friend and also another one: never accept ‘presents’ or favours from any one, because we are losing our FREEDOM. The only thing that I want from other SOULS is to LOVE and BE LOVED! Everyone is a … STAR; we do not need other’s light! Let’s have our LIGHT shine!
I LOVE YOU.
LOVE,
Thelma xxx
Wow Thelma… I hear your take on this but must disagree. If friends are not there to help, what else is friendship for? And, how can you loose freedom from a happy giver? You gain freedom from accepting a gift, and enjoying it…you gain love? To me gifts are expressions of light and love, why take this grace away? Religion is built on prayers, with God as our best friend, who we can ask whatever we wish. We can foster faith in each other by helping each other, and as they say, if you don’t ask…you don’t get anything.
I must agree with you on never to borrow money from a friend, as I have heard it has ruined many friendships…but gifts…to me its the best we can give each other. So how can I show love for you BFF? Even to take time to listen to your music, to give someone our time is a gift too, no?
Heart
xxx
ha!
No Liina…. or Yes…
I am referring to an old joke:
How many Surrealists does it take to change a light bulb?
The answer is Fish….!
:D
Sorry, I don’t know that joke. Neither do I get it. Explain?
I put that sentence (question) in google and it found the joke and it’s explanation. So, if other people do not know this joke:
Someone explained it on the web like this:
“Surrealists are artists who joined the ‘surrealism’ movement – artwork that is surreal and illogical, working with images from the subconscious and fantasy.
So, the common joke ‘how many ____ does it take to change a lightbulb?’ was made surreal by the illogical answer ‘fish’.”
All best,
Liina
Namaste Aditya,
Focus is always important in life. It keeps us to our path, but the distractions can provide life lessons as well. :-)
There is a wonderful American story by a gentleman named Baum called The Wizard of Oz. Most people know it through the Judy Garland movie from 1939. It’s a wonderful metaphor for life to me. Dorothy’s focus was on getting home, but everything which happened along her path makes the fulfillment of her goal that much more profound.
Love to you
CHEVON IT IS IRISH
Exactly, dear Liina, exactly: never fail to learn something new;-)
Dear Siobhan, thank you so much for your reply!
My kindest regards to all of you,
Oksana
It’s and Irish name… the English version is Joan. It’s pronounced SHIV AWN (the A has a long sound). Thank you for your comment.
:) Smiling.
Indeed, every day we learn new things. ;)
(Great sense of humour, btw.)
Thanks,
Liina
Hi Nancy… Yeah.. it is like a present!! I always love to start a book when I go to bed. S,
Thank You for Your never fading enthusiasm towards everything.
Be well, Annie.
About the commercial about turning into a ‘pig’
There is a short commercial that tells a story of a person who turns into a human ‘pig’ after posting a nasty/hurtful anonymous message in a forum. (I believe in other words it is called ‘trolling in a forum’.)
But about using ‘pigs’ as a bad example in this commercial – it’s just figurative way of telling people and letting them know that even on internet and in anonymous postings, it’s able to track this post. And if it is neccecary, the person can be caught.
The visual ‘transformation’ from being anonymous with ‘courageous’ words full of hatred to a discovered person with an ID, face, name and questionable priorities.
I think it comes from an old belief that pigs are shameful and dirty animals, but in fact, this is not true. But some beliefs and ways of thinking are hard to change. Although, to understand the real idea (and the hidden humour) behind this commercial, You would have to be an estonian or seen a certain cartoon, because it is an ‘old joke’ around here. It started from a cartoon from (I believe) 80′s, when a boy, whenever he’d do things against the rules, or things that would not be concidered ‘ethical’ or ‘nice’, he would immidiately turn into a pig.
I love pigs, but not the human kind.
All best,
Liina
Very sad story, about the man pretending to be a sexy girl. And you know is only one example, lots of variants lure on line. Indeed parents must watch kids, but grown ups too might be so vurnerable. Myself I am not rich, not very young, but I am continually asked money, invitation to my country(just because we dont need passport to travel in Europe, and all pretend at least in the beginnig they are in love with me…what a shame.) Thank you for reply, and thank you dear Theresa too.
Love
Alexandra
Thank you dear Den Rod. Yes it is a real home, here. A blue butterfly is always around..
LOVE,
Thelma xxx
Hi Yannis. I especially love Your last sentence. Nature always finds a way. Couldn’t be more true.
Hugs,
Liina
:) lol
HI BFF, I think ‘Paulo’s difficult face’ may mean: his penetrating, beyond the surface, eyes and his .. child’s like .. smile. The .. qualities of a Magus that make us feel … diaphanous, transparent in front of him. May God bless him and you too.
LOVE,
Thelma xxx
Hello dear Liina,
The phrase is “stolen” from the movie “Jurassic Park”. But I think it is SO TRUE, that I should end all my posts with it!!
Take care and thanks for your comment…
That could be a dream, travelling the world to take a coffee everyday with Coelho’s readers.
Love to all
J.
Hi Marielle!
Long time no see. I am still curious what Chieko means :) To me Paulo’s face is …very innocent looking, with a little bit of mischievous expression when he smiles!! I would like to hear more what a difficult face expresses :)
Love,
Heart
My question is – can we always count on ourselves? We, at times, even disappoint ourselves, as life show us.
Counting on a person can also mean different things to people.
Still, I cannot count them to a certain number. But I agree with the thought that better to have real friends instead of the ones that ‘pretend’. Managable number… we cannot step over our shadows.
Love,
Liina
Absolutely.
Life separates people, just through its course, and I have been amazed at how many many people I have forgotten about, but who remained hidden in my heart.
It is such a beautiful thing to hear from these people again, like finding the end of a thread, you know is out there but are not quite sure where.
:D
Your smile, dearest Swannie has … turned the .. weather.. Today it is warm and sunny .. We went to Larnaca and had lunch at a taverna near the sea.. After the rain the trees and fields are .. shining in the sun.. Wonderful. So I am sending you some sun and a .. big hug and kisses.
LOVE,
Thelma xxx
Dear Thelma. Yes, I haven’t seen his eyes yet, you HAVE. I love to hear your impression of his face. Very beautiful experience. And in this aspect, a face, I really believe we have to see it three dimension flesh and blood, to get a complete impression..In fact, doesn’t it take a lifetime to get to appreciate every little expression in a face of a loved one. I have seen Paulo’s face in many pictures and videos and in a few dreams. Words to describe it for me is kind face, happy face, open to listen face, playful face, seductive face…definitely a face I like very much. I wonder if I would be intimidated by his face? Hope not. I cannot imagine his face enraged, although I believe he has quite a temper!! This is a face I do not want to see in him!!
Yes, God bless him, and you too Thelma, always.
Your own face is the sweetest face on earth!!
Heart
xxx
Yo puedo compartir un poquito de todo eso con ustedes, queridas amigas, de ese paisaje maravilloso .. Yo les mando, un poquito de mar en calma, un tibio sol y mucho amor ..
Las quiero .. Clarisa
I can share a little bit one of all that with you, darlings friends, of that marvelous landscape.. I them command, a little bit one of sea in calm, a tepid sun and a lot of love.. I want them.. Clarisa
Thank you dearest Clarisa, for joining us .. Nature is our .. Mother.
LOVE,
Thelma xxx
So, how do we know, that we can …… LIGITIMATELY try to reach you, dear Paul????? ;-]
Better leave you try to reach us!!
LOVE,
Thelma xxx
Dearest and Sweet Annie,
That was exquisite, so suitable and simple. i read it again and again. Would you mind telling me from which this is because it is kind of familiar to me.
Have a nice weekend.
Thank you very much for your gesture.
With Love
Maria-dove
Dearest and Sweet Annie,
thank you so much this is exquisite, simple and suited.
I read it again and again.
With love
Maria-dove
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