Friction

Friction is best defined as a force causing resistance.

In life friction is everywhere, from a car breaking down, to the water just missing your cup in the morning because you we’re too tired to put on your glasses. Friction can prevent, slow or stop, things that are in motion. It could be good or bad, It not selective. Resistance in the form of friction can be physical, and psychological.

The wind sweeps across the landscape, pulling, pushing, drifting and stirring up or down. It has no clear direction but impacts many. Sand grains are pulled away, stripping the dune to nothing but creating five more in its wake. Flags whip from a distance breeze, the swivel snap clips move with the flag and clang against the pole. Creating a rhythmic harmony. A kite fly’s high above the beach catching each breath of the wind. A kid feels the pull of the kite from the rugged and weathered handle he firmly grips. His feet are locked in place from the dunes of sand accruing, after hours of fun. Seagulls, coast along the wind in flocks, alongside the kite. They fall with the wind in each breath of life and friction.

A simple sweep of friction, takes away, creates and paints a picture that impacts many.

The path of least resistance is the one most often taken. Avoidance of the simplest friction makes it easier to act. It’s not being weak; you’re wired to spend the least amount of energy and self-preserve.

Make it easy, to write, read, explore, exercise, socialize, film, create, draw.

Eliminate the friction for what you want and need to do. Put the book on your pillow to read, you’re already have move so you might as well read it. Create that playlist to help you focus. Change the scenery, only journal outside or in that cafe down the street.

Add the friction to things you need to avoid. Time wasting on the phone, set timers, blockers or give it to a friend. Don’t buy those cookies and have them on the counter, if you really want them drive to the store.

It doesn’t have to be complex, just some simple addition and subtraction.

Friction shapes us all, now use it to shape you.