How to stop 'running the rat race'? Do you think the world is just too fast paced?

Yes- I feel the same as you do at times...the need to "get away form it all"!

I think the world systems are creating a sense of urgency and placing unneeded demands on us that we readily buy into. We can't all live in the quiet countryside, but we can all take moments to enjoy quiet. We are designed to have times of solitude so we can reflect on life and take stock of our own sense of wellness. In the Christian faith, we are taught that we need a day of rest each week. This is a rest from noise and "busy-ness". It is a time to unwind, pray, meditate, reflect, relax, and mend. We need moments to enjoy God and the beauty of our surroundings. There is a saying to "stop and smell the roses". Both of these require 2 purposeful actions on our parts- stop and smell. It is up to us to be purposeful in our pursuit of quiet.

What ever your belief or faith, your human body requires times of quiet and rest. We have to keep the world from robbing us of that.

I couldnt agree more and I guess I kind of did just that when I moved here, although total escape is impossible. When I was your age (i suspect anyway) computers were the size of a classroom and fed with punchcards.. sounds archaic but... actually it isnt all that long ago. The biggest change I have seen is that the pace of change has changed.. become almost frantic. And although technology has enriched our lives, it hasnt actually made it much easier. Quite the opposite... it (and society as a whole) has created the illusion of increased choice but reduced it in practice...

It is still possibe to find solitude, beauty and inspiration, even around us; I experience that almost daily. And that is what makes my life worthwhile and what I write about. But I have to look for it hard. And more inside myself than expecting it to be presented to me, but that isnt necessarily a bad thing..

I think Paul Gibson's has a good point. We are constantly bombarded with messages about the choices we have. But at the same time, almost everything has become a commodity and everything is alike. If it weren't for the some signs, one would not know the airline one is flying or in what country one is when frequenting certain hotel chains. Retailers are constantly consolidating, limiting choices for customers.

We are also constantly bombarded with messages that we should do this, that, and the other thing while giving our lives to our employer. It is up to each individual to find a balance, go against the standards, and find inner peace. And yes, I do know that this is easier said than done, but it is a worthy goal.

Lily Tomlin once said something like: "The trouble with winning the rat race is that you're still a rat."

Yes, too many rules and too many people. The latter leads to the former.

"Whatever your cause, it is a lost cause without population control."