And now for something completely different!

Jean and I were looking for something to watch on Wednesday evening and, as is our want, took a browse through the latest films on Top Documentary Films.

There was an intriguing title under the recently added list – People in Motion.

This was how the film was described.

We were hunters and foragers. The frontier was everywhere. We were bounded only by the earth, the ocean and the sky.

Today we go about our business, unencumbered by the frontier. Society guides us, it gives us permission to drive on roads, to stop at red lights, and go on green.

But something is not right.

It often feels as if something is missing. As if the life society has allowed isn’t quite enough.  We spend so much time planning for the future it seems we’re forgetting how to live in the moment. How to feel deep and profound satisfaction with life.

It was this feeling that led us to watch people in cities, trying to understand what drives them. They typically did the same three things: walk, sit and shop.

People in Motion is a film showcasing the potential people have to move through time and space. The film is shot in true slow motion edited using a composite technique which illustrates stretches of time in an instant.

Now before you watch the film, and I really hope you do, just reflect on our closest animal companion; dogs.  As is stated on the home page of Learning from Dogs,

Dogs live in the present – they just are!  Dogs make the best of each moment uncluttered by the sorts of complex fears and feelings that we humans have.

One of the many wonderful ways that dogs enjoy the present is through play.

Rain had raised the flow of water in our creek and earlier on that Wednesday we had given the dogs a run in the rain.  Of course, they went immediately to the creek to play in the rushing waters.  The top picture shows Sweeny doing just that, Pharaoh equally having fun as below.

Play is so important for humans as well as dogs.

Now watch the film and be amazed – the music is pretty cool as well.

Published on Dec 31, 2012