While on a woods walk, I came across a very large rock, split in the center because of the tree thathad grown through it.  A thriving, mighty tree!
This is the second time that I walked this trail and the second time I paused and beheld this rare marvel.
My first thought was “THIS is amazing!”
My second thought was “I should take a picture of this”.
Third thought But…..Why?
As I considered what an amazing and rare photo this would be, I began to ponder on the reality
that “everyone” now has a camera with them “everywhere” .

Rare
(is no longer rare)

We snap pics of our breakfast, lunch and dinner plates.
Pics of stores we enter, ourselves (selfies), our friends, ….endless pics.
Why?
From the constant use of mobile technology we have re trained our brains (fooled them)
to believe the lie that this “sharing”is a suitable 100 % replacement for in person connection.

Sharing
(then)

Not long ago we would “share” pictures in person with others.
Sharing was alive.
We would see and feel the actual reactions of your friend as you displayed your picture(s).
Pictures of a trip or something rare  or “cool”  were displayed.
I cannot remember showing off pictures of my dinner plates.
I would not have even considered posting my pictures on a billboard, or
on a TV show – They are private!

Sharing
(now)

Today sharing is literally posted world wide, on the platforms
of large-proven  untrustable advertising companies (just) to gain attention!
This shits crazy, I mean the world is a big place!
More crazy is if you choose not to participate in this type of sharing, some look at you
as hiding something devious- as a rebel or “missing out”.

If I share picture of  it- this RARE and brave tree would become a meme, scrolled by , “liked” and and quickly forgotten.
Like a branch in a fast flowing river- headed for the waterfall.
For sharing, my reward might be attention – external validation with likes and hearts.

If I “share” it, its no longer rare.
Yet….
Its only rare because I DON’T  share it.