I’m listening intently to a captivating nature podcast, while mindfully emptying out the bins. The endangered South American Scarlet Macaw Parrot is under threat...
“STOP WHAT YOU’RE DOING!” A rather loud and abrupt advert interrupts my focus on the podcast, so I reluctantly reach into my pocket to switch it off. The intrusion triggered a minor sense of agitation in my mind, causing me to look around and reorient myself in my surroundings.
As I glance to my left, I am taken aback by a flock of thirty or forty little starlings, gracefully swooping and weaving in and out of one another. I begin to feel... Deeply. The agitation dissipates as an endoplasmic rumble of exhilaration emerges from my chest; a desirable elation. It’s as though I understand exactly how the previous moments have led to me being right here... right now. I love birds. Is this just for me? I’m happy that I came to take the bins out now. I rarely want to. I waited until I wanted to. Had that obnoxious advert not had the audacity to interrupt me, would I still be witness to this pleasure to behold?
One adventurous young starling, separates itself from the rest of the flock. It dances in a downward spiral towards the vibrant green bushes below, before suddenly darting towards me, gliding just inches over my head. I follow its trajectory and turn further towards my left. I wonder now, if life really does hear my musings and desires calling out to her. Yes, mine. Has this all been divinely orchestrated, for maximum satisfaction? Was I guided here as the one who could recognise it? The more that I give rise to this possibility, the more it fills me with delight. Life wants to surprise and immerse me... I’m ready.
I feel an undeniable affinity with what I see now. My breath escapes me at the sheer size and velocity of this beastly bird... a crow. My gaze interlocks with it. I’m now completely and utterly mesmerised. I follow as it soars effortlessly towards the day time moon. Mother Lunar has just emerged from the clouds, with the crow as her messenger, ensuring that I arrive perfectly in time for our hearts to meet in this fleeting way. It’s like I’ve been waiting to see you, and you me. You seem to revel in my awestruck childlike wonder, as you hold on to visibility for a second longer, before being engulfed by clouds once more.
The heaven lines are beaming down from the sun behind me, warmly caressing the back of my neck. Could I be in the rain forest? Could I really just have taken out the bins? The feelings were the same.
It’s not what I saw that changed me. I’ve been changing inside of myself so that now I can FEEL what life is revealing to me as it unfolds. I let myself dream about days like this. I knew that I would feel it. I always kept that knowing with me, and I waited. I realise that what makes a moment complete, is my wholehearted presence and participation in it. Life is temporary, so I am savouring every detail with my grateful heart. Suddenly it comes to me. Now, I let myself dream of the radiant Amazon skies... I feel it overflow with the way my love feels... and I see the miracle of thousands of thriving South American Scarlet Macaw soaring all around me... I keep that knowing with me... and I wait.
That’s a big dream I know, but it’s okay to dream big. You just have to start from where you are...
Oh I know! That experience I just had would make a great story! Thank you for reading.
About the Creator
Astral Skiies
Following the path of my wildest dreams.
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Notion
Come and take a walk with me? Allow yourself to drift and wander a little, beyond the stories that we usually and so frequently tell ourselves. We’ll soften the resistance as we go, blurring and blending the once rigid vicinities of your mind. I wonder what will seep in through the emergence of new cracks in your perception, now that they are not so cautiously guarded. Why do we defend ourselves, in order to stay active within a story that we would not have chosen to write for ourselves, do we have a choice? That’s just reality right? Sure, it’s nice to see, hear, smell, taste and touch... but how do you really want to feel?
By Astral Skiies4 years ago in Earth
“Are You Dead?”: A New App Reflects the Loneliness of Young Chinese Living Alone
In China’s rapidly changing cities, living alone is no longer unusual—especially among young adults pursuing education, careers, and independence. But as solo living increases, so do concerns about isolation, safety, and what happens when no one is around to check in. Against this backdrop, a new app with a blunt, unsettling question—“Are you dead?”—has captured public attention and ignited debate. Despite its shocking name, the app is not designed to provoke fear. Instead, it aims to address a practical and emotional gap in modern urban life: how to ensure the well-being of people who live alone, and how technology is stepping in where traditional community networks have weakened. The Rise of Solo Living in China China has witnessed a dramatic shift in household structures over the past two decades. Urbanization, delayed marriage, rising housing costs, and changing cultural values have contributed to a growing number of single-person households, particularly among people in their 20s and 30s. For many young Chinese professionals, living alone represents freedom and self-reliance. It allows flexibility, privacy, and independence from family expectations. Yet this independence often comes with trade-offs: fewer daily social interactions, weaker neighborhood ties, and limited support in emergencies. In megacities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, it is increasingly common for neighbors not to know each other at all. In this environment, concerns about what happens if someone becomes ill, injured, or simply disappears from daily routines have become more pronounced. What the App Actually Does Despite its provocative name, the app’s purpose is surprisingly simple. It functions as a digital check-in system. Users set regular times to confirm they are okay—by tapping a notification or completing a brief check-in. If the user fails to respond after a certain period, the app automatically alerts designated contacts, such as friends, family members, or emergency responders. The stark question, “Are you dead?”, is intentionally designed to grab attention and prompt action. Developers argue that softer language is often ignored, while blunt phrasing cuts through digital noise and encourages consistent use. In essence, the app acts as a safety net, especially for people who live alone and may not have daily contact with others. Why Young People Are Downloading It The app’s popularity reflects deeper anxieties among young adults navigating modern life. Many users say they downloaded it not because they fear the worst every day, but because it provides peace of mind—both for themselves and for loved ones. For parents living far from their children, the app offers reassurance without constant phone calls. For users, it creates a sense of being quietly watched over, without sacrificing independence. Some users have also described the app as a form of emotional comfort. Even a routine notification can feel like a reminder that someone, somewhere, would notice if they vanished from daily life. A Name That Sparked Debate The app’s name has been its most controversial feature. Critics argue that the phrase “Are you dead?” is unnecessarily harsh and reflects a growing desensitization in digital culture. Others worry that such language could amplify anxiety rather than reduce it. Supporters, however, see the name as a reflection of reality rather than a provocation. In densely populated cities where people can go unnoticed for days or weeks, the question is uncomfortable—but relevant. They argue that avoiding blunt language does not eliminate the underlying problem of isolation. The debate highlights a broader tension in tech design: Should apps prioritize emotional sensitivity, or practical effectiveness—even if it makes people uncomfortable? Technology Filling a Social Gap The rise of this app points to a larger issue: technology increasingly compensates for weakened social structures. In the past, extended families, close-knit neighborhoods, and workplace communities naturally checked in on individuals. Today, those informal safety nets are often absent. Apps like this one are not just tools; they are symptoms of a society where digital solutions are replacing human presence. While convenient, this raises questions about whether technology is addressing the root causes of loneliness—or simply managing its consequences. Still, for many users, the app is not a replacement for relationships, but a supplement to modern life realities. Living Alone Does Not Mean Wanting to Be Alone An important takeaway from the app’s success is that living alone is not the same as wanting isolation. Many young Chinese adults value independence but still crave connection, security, and acknowledgment. The app’s routine check-ins, though minimal, provide a structured moment of contact. In a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, even small gestures of recognition can matter. This trend also reflects changing attitudes toward mental well-being and personal safety. Younger generations are more open to discussing vulnerability and using tools that previous generations might have dismissed. What This Says About Modern Urban Life The popularity of an app that asks such a stark question speaks volumes about the realities of contemporary urban living—not just in China, but globally. As cities grow larger and lives become more individualized, people are searching for new ways to ensure they are seen, remembered, and protected. The app’s success suggests that people are willing to engage with uncomfortable ideas if they address real needs. It also underscores the importance of designing technology that is honest about modern challenges, rather than masking them with euphemisms. Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call, Not a Warning While the phrase “Are you dead?” may sound alarming, the app behind it is less about fear and more about care. It reflects a generation navigating independence in a world where traditional support systems no longer function as they once did. Rather than signaling a morbid obsession, the app serves as a quiet reminder of something deeply human: the need to be noticed. In that sense, its blunt question is not about death at all—but about presence, connection, and the reassurance that someone would check if you were gone. As solo living continues to rise, tools like this app may become less shocking and more commonplace—symbols of how society adapts to changing ways of life in the digital age.
By Muhammad Hassan2 days ago in Earth
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