What Do We Do Now That We're Here?

This Substack explores living a meaningful life amidst modern challenges, emphasizing mental health, environmental consciousness, community, and resisting societal pressures for productivity. It advocates for slowing down, critical thinking about online presence, parenting in individualistic societies, and the importance of physical movement and connection with nature for personal well-being.

Mental Health Environmental Consciousness Productivity and Society Online Presence and Social Media Parenting and Individualism Community and Communal Living Nature and Physical Activity Creative Thinking and Storytelling Consumerism and Modern Lifestyle

The hottest Substack posts of What Do We Do Now That We're Here?

And their main takeaways

Tuesday night dinner

2408 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Film Parenting Emotions
  1. Finding moments of presence in everyday life can create special experiences, like enjoying dinner while listening to film scores. It's important to appreciate these small, joyful moments before they become memories.
  2. Film scores can evoke strong emotions and help connect with deeper feelings. They can change a regular evening into something meaningful simply through music.
  3. Building community and connection is crucial for emotional support. It helps both parents and lonely individuals find joy and purpose together.

'Aging is another word for living'

4220 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Aging Mental health Parenting Self-care Lifestyle
  1. Aging should be seen as a natural part of life, not something to fear or fight against. Embracing the changes can lead to more joy and freedom.
  2. Taking short breaks for self-care can really improve your mood and relationships. It's important to carve out time for yourself, even if it's just a little.
  3. You don’t always have to keep your options wide open. Sometimes, making firm choices can lead to more happiness rather than feeling stuck in endless possibilities.

More, faster, better

2309 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
  1. The pressure to do more, faster, and better is a common mindset ingrained in society.
  2. It's important to recognize and push back against the expectations of constant productivity and improvement.
  3. Creating spaces in life that are free from the 'more, faster, better' mentality is essential for well-being.

Before good writing comes good thinking

2767 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
  1. Good writing starts with good thinking
  2. Healing the planet and ourselves are interconnected
  3. Taking time for deep thinking is essential for quality writing

Why are we so weird, with Michaeleen Doucleff

1931 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
  1. Living in a WEIRD society can make parenting and caregiving harder than in other cultures.
  2. Individualism is deeply rooted in WEIRD cultures and can hinder cooperation and connection.
  3. Alloparenting and building a support network are crucial for both parents and non-parents in navigating the challenges of modern society.
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How to be online right now

1513 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
  1. There isn't a singular way to consume news events online, and social media plays a huge role in shaping discourse.
  2. The way we interact online, especially on social media platforms, can influence our thinking and communication styles.
  3. It's okay to not always post online, and it's essential to consider the impact of social media platforms on our mental health and society.

The inky below

1274 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
  1. Find liberation in accepting you won't finish your to-do list.
  2. Mutual flourishing is essential in relationships.
  3. Caregiving is incredibly demanding work.

Can't stop thinking about ... Ballerina Farm

1035 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
  1. The Ballerina Farm discourse reflects deeper desires for elemental behaviors like living close to the land.
  2. Criticism of Ballerina Farm often centers on assumptions and stereotypes, reflecting underlying biases.
  3. Engaging with the land and nature is a fundamental human need that goes beyond political labels.

Building a village with Philippa Young

1154 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
  1. Communal living is seen as an antidote to the challenges of modern life.
  2. Living in community involves shared values and personal growth.
  3. Communal living is accessible and can take many forms, promoting collaboration and care among people.

Evidence of our connection

1015 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
  1. In storytelling, the core is about connection and entanglement with other humans.
  2. AI lacks the elements of emotion, embodiment, and spirit essential to human creativity.
  3. The power of art lies in making us feel something, not just in conveying information.

Mom friends

955 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
  1. Motherhood is a complex and transformative experience that shapes a person's assumptions about the world.
  2. The societal expectations and pressures on mothers often do not align with the reality of their experiences.
  3. Connection and solidarity with other mothers can provide immense support and understanding in navigating the challenges of motherhood.

Elemental behaviors with Katy Bowman

637 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
  1. Moving in a variety of ways is important for our overall health and well-being.
  2. Labor and physical movement are closely linked and impact our relationship with daily activities.
  3. Being mindful of our movement and physical activity can have positive ripple effects on our personal and societal well-being.

If I just...

836 implied HN points • 26 May 23
  1. Avoid getting trapped in 'If I just' thinking, where you put off enjoyment until everything is perfect.
  2. Consider implementing 'no to-do list Sundays' to focus on present desires and energy levels.
  3. Embrace enjoying life amidst chaos and uncertainty, instead of waiting for everything to be in order.

Can't stop thinking about...

517 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
  1. The importance of sticking to your values and not being pressured to produce more content just for the sake of growth.
  2. Thinking critically about consumer products and questioning their true value and impact.
  3. Highlighting the contrast between natural systems like composting and the fast-paced, consumption-driven nature of modern society.

A transitional object

557 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
  1. A transitional object can bridge past versions of yourself to who you are now.
  2. It's important not to criticize your old self too harshly as you evolve.
  3. Objects from the past can serve as reminders of our capabilities and experiences.

The big shiny life with Rae Katz

497 implied HN points • 05 May 23
  1. Rae Katz pursued a big successful life but realized it wasn't for her.
  2. She valued community work over chasing traditional markers of success.
  3. Achieving balance between work and community may lead to a more fulfilling life.

Gifted people everywhere

457 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
  1. Knowing your limits and prioritizing self-care is important, even if it means stepping back from high-stress situations.
  2. It's brave to choose your well-being over external validation or societal expectations.
  3. Leaders and role models who prioritize self-compassion and know when to walk away should be respected.

The friendship problem

3 HN points • 24 Nov 23
  1. Friendships require friction and real-life interactions, not just virtual connections.
  2. Modern lifestyle prioritizes self-optimization and convenience over genuine relationships.
  3. Building social connections is essential for human well-being and navigating challenges like climate change.