feel unhappy about it. However, to my mind, there is a profound sense of peace to

be found in those orange-brown leaves that epitomize the season, in the blankets

we wrap ourselves in and the thick sweaters we wear, and in mugs filled with hot

beverages that warm not only our insides but our hands as well.

I suppose it is precisely for these reasons that I rush to watch *Gilmore Girls*

whenever autumn arrives. The show’s atmosphere which aligns perfectly with the

season the streets of Stars Hollow that seem to wrap you in a warm embrace, and

the cozy vibe of Luke’s Diner, appealing to both my eyes and my appetite, simply

draw me right in.

Those oversized coffee mugs frequently seen in the hands of Lorelai and Rory

throughout the series seem to forge yet another connection for me with the

series. Because, in essence, that is exactly what autumn signifies. Nature’s

process of renewal and preparation for winter ushers us into a transitional period

as well; we begin to step away from summer routines and holiday modes, turning

instead toward the beverages, foods, and clothing that keep us warmer.

On the other hand, right from the start of the series, we see Rory heading back to

school. After all, isn’t September synonymous with the school season? I love this

realistic aspect of the show because we see a mother and daughter who after

being busy with school or work all day come home in the evening to stretch out

on the couch, eat in front of the TV, and talk about how their day went.

Sometimes they chat about completely trivial things, while at other times they

leave the house to hang out at Luke’s Diner, their comfort zone in town.

Yet, there is a wonderful sense of slowness to it all. They are worlds away from

social media, phones, and the internet which hadn’t yet become a major part of

our lives. That very slowness and the feeling of being in the moment do me so

much good that I find myself watching *Gilmore Girls* over and over again.

As a bookworm, my appetite is whetted so to speak whenever I see Rory

immersed in coffee and books. I can also point to the fact that I majored in

journalism at university as another thing I have in common with Rory.

***

Even though I always start watching it in the autumn, *Gilmore Girls* is my all

season favorite, because it’s my comfort show! I’m sure everyone has shows like

that. But when something naturally without any forced effort inspires you, gives

you hope, and makes you happy, why not simply enjoy it? Even if you’ve

memorized almost every line...

Naturally, with every choice we make, we forgo other options. Yet, even when I am happy with my choices, I sometimes grapple with the unhappiness associated with the paths I did not take. They say that even the worst decision is better than indecision. But what if my soul sometimes needs to remain in limbo? I believe everyone has moments when they feel this way.

Sometimes I pursue an option with great enthusiasm, only to realize later that it wasn’t the right decision for me at all. Although I console myself in those moments by saying, “At least I gave it a try and found out,” it isn’t always easy to simply turn back and set off on a different path. That is because I often feel the real challenge isn’t the journey itself, but the act of starting over. How open am I to the uncertainty that comes with a new beginning? Sometimes, I cannot say for sure. Yet the truth is, dwelling on the unknown only amplifies anxiety and fear.

At times like these, I try to focus on my feelings. I am the one who knows myself best; therefore, even if I am compelled to embark on a certain path, I should focus on what I can gain from it. We do not always move forward through life making the choices we desire or experiencing flawless periods; however, if we can manage to glean something even from the negatives, I believe we can open the door at least a little to a life worth living.

Meanwhile, as all this unfolds, time slips away rapidly. People often say that one’s twenties are a time of great youth a pivotal period for discovering what one wants and achieving self realization. To my mind however, such notions give rise to expectations and consequently anxiety, placing a heavy burden on a person’s shoulders. We try to keep pace with a breakneck speed, overlooking the importance of slowing down and moving forward with steady, deliberate steps. We find ourselves hemmed in by a societal perception that insists we must have everything figured out. Yet the reality is that when we are barely able to know ourselves during these early years of adulthood, making sense of the world and finding our place in it is no easy task.

That is why I would like to use this piece to remind us of the importance of slowing down and, above all, listening to ourselves. Time slips away; the future lies ahead and the past behind, so since the present moment is all we truly have, we should focus on living in the moment rather than rushing and letting it pass us by.

Like everyone else, I have certainly had and continue to have many desires in life. Yet, sometimes, upon obtaining what I thought I wanted, I realize that most of it was merely a passing whim. What I am referring to is not the level of satisfaction the achievement brings, but rather the extent to which that thing actually becomes a part of my life.

The phrase “wanting is a sign of lack,” which appeared in a book I read recently, prompted me to give this subject some thought. It is certainly true; you only want something if you do not yet possess it. When you go to a restaurant while hungry and look at the menu to choose a meal, you desire that food with great appetite. Or, while lounging comfortably on your sofa, you want to reach the remote control which is just a meter away precisely because you do not have it in your hand. In short, dwelling on the absence of something makes us want it all the more. After all, isn’t that exactly how all bad habits turn into addictions?

So, the act of “wanting” is not actually the entirely positive action we often imagine it to be. After all, desiring something with great intensity can lead to fleeting satisfaction if attained, or deep sorrow if not. What, then, should be done? Should one have no desires at all? And is such a life even possible? Of course not.

What I really want to talk about is simply adding a few positive strokes to the things we pursue in the long run things we stress over by treating their realization as a matter of life and death. So, how do we do this? For instance, if we stop limiting our dream to a mere wish and instead take steps as if it were already part of our lives, we can minimize the sense of lack that lurks behind the act of wanting. If you say “I am a musician” instead of “I want to be a musician,” you begin to think like a musician and take actions accordingly. In this way, a statement that started out as a mere manifestation eventually becomes your reality. In short, you won’t even need to want it anymore.

Everyone wants a good life and burns with the desire to cultivate good habits. Yet, because the path to achieving this demands immense patience and repetition, laziness constantly lurks at our doorstep like a fierce enemy. So, why not aim to say “I am already doing it” instead of “I want to”? Why do we put off the process by merely saying “I want to” instead of taking steps however small? I believe that the moment we start seeking the answer, we will also begin to take action.

As I began to ponder this question, the notebooks I had waiting in reserve started to fill up as well. I currently have seven different notebooks in active use. They serve various purposes; picking up a pen regularly, creating something tangible, pouring out my thoughts, summarizing my day, finding emotional relief and planning my life and routines. I still love browsing stationery shops and buying notebooks, in particular. However, I no longer buy them just to stockpile them in a corner; instead, I purchase them to replace the ones I’ve filled and to make room for more writing. This practice not only fuels my passion for writing but also helps me immensely in managing stress and anxiety.

If you, too, are addicted to buying notebooks but don’t know what to write in them, here are a few suggestions based on my own experiences.

1- A journal summarizing your daily activities ❤️

Okay, I know, it’s a very cliché piece of advice. However, summarizing what you did during the day, even if it’s just in a single paragraph written at the end of the day, allows you to view your routines with greater clarity.

2- A notebook for planning your day after waking up ❤️

Sticking to a rigid plan might sound boring. Especially if, like me, you enjoy being spontaneous. However, when you approach it not as a chore but as a way to keep the rest of your day both motivated and productive, this small routine brings significant changes to your life.

3- A notebook where you write down the dreams you have ❤️

If you dream frequently, you are also likely to forget those dreams quickly, as they tend to slip away unless you go over them again. However, if you take five minutes immediately after waking up to jot down as much of the dream as you can recall, you can prevent them from being forgotten. By doing this, you not only strengthen your memory but also move closer to understanding your subconscious. Furthermore, this habit is crucial for developing the ability to have lucid dreams in the long run.

4- A small notebook where you jot down content ideas ❤️

If you are a writer or content creator, jot down ideas that come to mind or themes that inspire you throughout the day in your notebook, even if only as brief headings. By dedicating a notebook solely to this purpose, you create a space where you can further develop your notes and expand upon them in greater detail. This way, your ideas won’t slip away; instead, they will grow and diversify.

5- A notebook where you write down summaries of the books you read or quotes you like ❤️

Reading books is important, but the extent to which we internalize what we read is equally significant. In my view, one way to read effectively is to take notes on the book. This strategy is particularly beneficial for those who prefer to study by writing things down. You can also enrich the content by including lines from your favorite TV series and movies.

6- Bullet Journal ❤️

This notebook is a space entirely open to your creativity. You can fill it however you like, perhaps by organizing it by month or week. You can either buy a premade version or design the entire layout yourself. Personally, I find bullet journals incredibly useful for tracking habits and managing time effectively. Moreover, keeping a bullet journal is a thoroughly enjoyable hobby.

7- Affirmation Journal ❤️

In our daily lives, we often overlook small moments that make us smile, focusing instead on our problems. Keeping a notebook where you record the details that bring you happiness can contribute immensely to your perspective, allowing you to more clearly feel the impact of those positive moments.

8- Learning Journal ❤️

Keeping a notebook where you record your notes on any subject you’re learning will greatly impact your learning process. This could be an instrument, a new sport, a language, or a topic from a completely different field. Taking small but organized notes will have a significant long term benefit.

People do not enjoy reading artificial texts, the cold presentation of fabricated content, or themes devoid of emotion. How do I know? From my own experience, of course. Besides, if that were not the case, instead of coming to a creative writing platform like this, we would simply have AI generate a few sentences and read those. But that is not enough and very far from satisfying.

It is true that technology makes our lives easier in many ways, yet the tremendous speed it brings is often dizzying and even disorienting. However, I need to gather my thoughts, organize them, and put them into writing; because being any other way simply isn’t me. That is precisely why I am on Substack.

This platform not only helps me build myself as a writer but also enables me to discover and develop myself through the diverse content it hosts. Ultimately, one thing is clear to me; good things cannot be written without reading good things.

Whatever content we constantly expose ourself to, our inner world of thought and even our life eventually begins to take shape in that direction. That is precisely why we repeatedly highlight the harms of excessive video scrolling and frequently draw attention to social media usage and the need to reduce screen time.

When I am on Substack, I feel as though I am inside a vibrant, colorful virtual library. Moreover, I have the opportunity to interact directly with the authors of the content I read here. I don’t simply glance at their work and move on; there are times when I read and fully internalize the pieces I enjoy. In other words, I truly take some of that content to heart and allow it to influence my life. When publishing my own work, I never lose sight of this experience, and the thought that I might be touching someone’s life fills me with a unique sense of hope.

On the other hand, I am aware that there are talented writers producing incredible work who lack sufficient visibility simply due to low subscriber counts. Of course, I know that seeing a rising subscriber count is a motivating factor. However, rather than getting hung up on the numbers and waiting, it makes more sense to me to increase my content output and trust the process because continuing to move forward is the most fundamental part of that journey. While seeing the numbers climb is certainly nice, nothing is more satisfying than witnessing the evolution of one’s own writer profile.

Another aspect of this platform that brings me joy is the readers. After all, one of the fundamental purposes of a virtual writing journal is to ensure that the content created actually reaches people and gets read. I really like the idea of ​​sharing content such as by posting comments under the updates of people who share short messages like “I want to read something” to spark interaction. Naturally, I might overlook some of the content circulating on the platform that would otherwise catch my eye; however, when authors share their work directly, it becomes much easier for me to discover it. This allows for a natural form of interaction between reader and writer.

I don’t think it would be simple to cover everything I have to say about Substack in just a single post. That is why I might continue discussing this topic in another article or turn it into a series. If you have made it this far, thank you for reading.

Note: You are also welcome to leave links to your own content in the comments below, I’d love to read them. I can’t wait to discover what you’ve created. See you soon!

Even though it wasn’t a decision made of my own free will, the first step I took out of my comfort zone and into the outside world was the day I started to primary school. I still remember very clearly that moment we gathered in the schoolyard, our subsequent entry into the classrooms, and the point when parents let go of their children’s hands and said it was time for them to leave. I could feel the ache of first day excitement somewhere deep inside, yet I simply couldn’t get a handle on the anxiety and fear that kept mounting. Despite this, I did a very good job of “pretending.” As the days went by, this act of pretending turned into a routine, and eventually, it evolved into a life where I no longer needed to pretend.

I think I am still learning a great deal about new beginnings from the child I was back then.

Note 1: It turns out that the challenge of making a fresh start and especially experiencing it in a new environment feels just as raw and anxiety inducing at any age.

Note 2: One of the best ways to adapt and settle in is to simply “fake it ‘til you make it.”

I don’t know if you agree with these two observations of mine, but if you are curious about the rest of the piece, please read on.

As I reflect on the decisions I’ve made and the paths I’ve taken over the years, I’ve often realized that the real challenge lies not so much in the process itself, but in the beginnings. There is that initial spark of enthusiasm and the mental “lightbulb” moment, followed by a period of deep reflection, the decision-making phase where I waver between “should I or shouldn’t I,” the rapid passage of time once the choice is made, and finally, the arrival of that very first day. I don’t know if you are the same way, but the night before any new venture, I struggle greatly to sleep due to a mix of excitement, stress, and the tension of the unknown. The part of me that usually focuses on enjoying the moment seems to run away from me at times like these. Moreover, it doesn’t even matter how eager I am about the undertaking; in those moments, the most distinct emotion washing over my mind is simply “anxiety.”

That is why I frequently remind myself that wasting energy on things beyond my control is a futile effort. Ultimately, I will live in the moment, and once I am in it, countless things will unfold spontaneously. Accepting and remembering this fact allows my mind to relax and minimizes the disaster scenarios that constantly play out in my head. On the other hand, I have observed that the brain develops these kinds of anxieties and fears which accompany new beginnings as a sort of defense mechanism. Therefore, rather than viewing these emotions as negatives, I accept them as part of my personality. I do not struggle against them or try to eliminate them.

It is also important to remember that new beginnings require courage. We should note that with every new beginning, we expand the invisible boundaries of our own selves and do so despite our fears and anxieties. For precisely these reasons, trying and having the courage to try is of great importance.

When I set my mind on moving to Germany, it was less a calculated decision and more a desire to nurture the child within me a child overflowing with a passion for discovery. As I arrived at the airport with just two suitcases and a backpack, the excitement I felt would frequently give way to anxiety, only to be renewed by hope and transformed into positivity. I saw those same shifting emotions reflected on my parents’ faces; they were happy for me, yet worried about me moving so far away and for such a long time all on my own.

When I first set foot in the country, I had no idea how to handle many things. While planning everything out can be very useful in some situations, I had ventured into the unknown, and taking full control from the very first moment was nearly impossible. That is why I focused on learning by doing; keen attention and an open mind would be my greatest allies.

Moving in any form, involves both physical and mental exhaustion. However, doing so in a different country can make certain situations particularly challenging. Fortunately, the people around me during this process were incredibly friendly. The language barrier was difficult at first; yet, thanks to the language courses I was taking regularly, I was able to improve my skills while also practicing what I had learned in my daily life.

I also discovered a few tricks to help me through this process. When people in the area realized I was a foreigner, they would immediately switch to English, which sometimes limited my opportunities to practice the language. To prevent this, I tried to adopt a natural demeanor, acting as if I were a local. As you might imagine, this wasn’t easy, since an accent often gave me away right off the bat. However, “learning by doing” really works; as long as you make an effort to mimic what you hear, your integration accelerates.

On the other hand, the best way to discover a region is to get recommendations from the locals. What is there to see? What is the place famous for? What should one read or watch to understand the city? What should one eat? Where should one shop? These were the milestones on my ever-growing list. I now apply the knowledge and experience I gained during that first move abroad to almost every trip I take.

As I discover something new in every city, I also catch a glimpse of a new version of myself. It is not merely about going, seeing, and taking photos; it is about traveling, understanding, and internalizing. For I am keenly aware that; with every discovery I make, I find the opportunity to see not only tangible structures that were previously unknown to me but also different facets of myself.

Zaman kendi doğrusal çizgisinde ilerlerken bir an bile mola vermeden uzunca çizgiler çizmeyi sürdürür. Onun içinde bir yerlerde yaşamımızı konumlandıran bizler ise maksimum verimi almaya odaklanmış şekilde devam etmeye çabalarız. Ancak zamanın en doğru nasıl kullanılabileceği, çok büyük bir kısmımız için hala büyük bir soru işaretidir.

Bazen trenimin kalkmasına yarım olduğunu bilmeme rağmen hızlı adımlarla tren istasyonuna doğru yürümekte olduğumu fark ediyorum. Fark etmemle birlikte yavaşlamayı deniyor ancak birkaç dakika sonra bu farkındalığın uçup gitmesinden mi yoksa yavaşlığın sinirimi bozduğundan mıdır bilinmez adımlarımı hızlandırmaya devam ediyorum. Hata bazen bir kitabın sayfalarını bile hızla okurken buluyorum kendimi. Sonra ise aynı sayfaların üzerinden bir kez daha geçmek için geriye gidip tekrar okuyorum. Yemek yerken, yemek hazırlarken, yazı yazarken hatta müzik dinlerken bile akışta olamadığımı fark ediyorum. Çünkü zaman önemli, zamanı iyi kullanmak gerek. Fakat tüm bunlar zamanı iyi değerlendirmeme yardımcı olmaktan aslında çok uzak.

Zamanı hep akıp giden ve geri dönüşü olmayan doğrusal bir çizgide konumlandırdığımız için pek çok kez onu hız ile özdeşleştiriyoruz. Ancak aksine, zaman doğrusal bir çizgi olduğu için elimizdeki en net olan değer şu andır. Birkaç dakika öncesi geçti gitti, birkaç dakika sonrası ise belirsiz. Fakat sahip olduğumuz asıl şey içinde bulunduğumuz andır. Ona müdahale edebiliriz, onu bir biçimde değerlendirmek mümkün. Hıza odaklandığımızda ise düşündüğümüz şey aslında bir sonraki adımdır. İşe yetişmek için hızlı hızlı hazırlanırız, otobüsü yakalamak için koşar adım sokağa fırlarız, dükkan kapanmadan alışverişimizi tamamlamak için aceleyle sepetimizi doldururuz. Kısacası tüm bu eylemlerimiz, hep bir sonraki adıma yetişmek içindir. Evet, bazen bu da gerekli. Ancak tüm yaşantımız koşturmacaya dönüştüyse, o zaman ne yapmalı?

Bunun cevabı çok net: yavaşlamak hatta bazen hiçbir şey yapmadan durmak. Durmaktan kasıt bir yere uzanım telefonu elimize alıp saatlerce ekranı izlemek ya da video kaydırmak değil, gerçekten kendimizi dinleyebileceğimiz alanlar yaratabilmek.

İnsanoğlu sürekli olarak çalışmaya ve üretmeye programlanmış makinelerden farklıdır. Dolayısıyla durup dinlenmeye, mola yapmaya ve bazen daha uzun zamanı kapsayacak iyileşme dönemlerine ihtiyaç duyabiliriz. Hatta kimi zaman en üretken olduğumuz durumlar özellikle bu gibi anlarla beslendikten sonra kendini gösterir.

Devamlı bir koşturmacanın ortasında ve bir kısır döngünün içerisinde kalmış gibi hissediyor buna rağmen zamansızlıktan şikayet ediyorsanız bunun asıl nedeni yeterince çalışmamak değil, gerekli alanı yaratamamaktan kaynaklanıyor olabilir. Durumu iyileştirmek için bazı rutinlere kafa yormakla başlamak gerekir. Hepimizin bildiği üzere, bir şeyi az ama devamlı olarak yapmak bizi inanılmaz sonuçlara götürebilir. Böylece kendimizi hırpalamaktan da kurtulur, oturttuğumuz düzeni hiç zorlanmadan idame ettiren kişilere dönüşebiliriz. Böylece devamlı bir aceleci tutumu da geri bırakabiliriz çünkü planlı bir sistem olduktan sonra bir sonraki adım için şimdiden endişe duymak yerine anı yaşamaya daha iyi kanalize olabiliriz.

Artist: Valeriu Buev

Bu akım başlangıçta felsefi bir öğretiydi ancak bilimsel gelişmeyi yanına alarak varlığını başka alanlarda da genişletti. Günümüzde hümanizm dediğimiz zaman yalnızca insan aklını merkeze almayı değil aynı zamanda insan hakları, bilim ve evrensel etik gibi kavramları da aynı potada toplayıp seküler bir pencereden bakarak açıklıyoruz.

Öte yandan hümanistliği kendi içinde de farklı başlıklar altında konumlandırmak mümkün. Varoluşun özden geldiğini savunan Varoluşçu Hümanizm, insanın merkezde olmasının karşısında duran Posthümanizm ve gezegenin akıbetine kafa yoran Eko-Hümanizm bu başlıklardan bazıları olarak söylenebilir. Ben ise bu yazıda özellikle Posthümanizm ve Eko-Hümanizm üzerinde durmak istiyorum. Çünkü her geçen gün değişen dünyamızı daha pozitif bir yöne doğru götürmek bizim elimizde. Bunu yapabilmek için ise ben merkezli düşünceden sıyrılıp, çevremize ilişkin etik sorumluluklarımıza odaklanmamız gerektiğine inanıyorum.

İnsanmerkezcilik düşüncesi her ne kadar bireyler arasındaki empatiyi güçlendiriyor olsa da bir diğer yandan insanın doğa ile olan bağlantısının zayıflamasına neden olur. Bir tarafı merkeze almak diğer değerlerin daha önemsizmiş gibi algılanmasına yol açacağı için bu durum etik yozlaşma yaratabilir. Bu noktada doğa ile insan arasındaki barışı pekiştirmek için Posthümanizm ve Eko-Hümanizm kavramları üzerinde daha da bir durmakta fayda var.

İnsanoğlu tüm diğer canlıların olduğu gibi ekosistemin bir parçasıdır. İnsanın üretmesi, düşünebiliyor olması ve düşüncelerini paylaşıyor olması onu diğer canlılardan tümüyle ayrıştırmamalı. Çünkü insan varlığı en temelde diğer türlerin varlığına bağlıdır. İnsanoğlunu ayrıştırmak ya da öne çıkarmak sistemde kopukluklara yol açabilir.

Eko-hümanizm bize insanın doğayla olan uyumuna odaklanmamızı öğütlerken Posthümanizm insanı çevresiyle etkileşim halinde olan ve sürekli dönüşen bir canlı olarak yorumlar. Dolayısıyla bu iki akım birbirinin tamamlayıcısıdır denebilir.

Peki Ne Yapılabilir?
Çevreyi desteklemenin en etkili yolu, verilen hasarı minimuma indirmekle başlar. Bu noktada sürdürülebilir ürünlerin kullanımına ağırlık vermek büyük önem taşır. Öte yandan insanı merkezi alan söylemler yerine tüm varlıkları kapsayan bir dil benimsemek, kolektif bilinci yayabilmek adına önemli bir adımdır. Doğa ile uyuşan yasaları desteklemek ve bunun için çaba sarf etmek ise bir başka etkili eylem olarak açıklanabilir.

Öte yandan rutinlerimizi ekosistemin çıkarlarına uygun şekilde oluşturmak da son derece önemli. Bu bağlamda vejetaryen ve vegan beslenme de ön plana çıkar. Birçok insan protein ihtiyacını gidermek için et tükettiğini söylese de bu söylem en temelde bir bahaneden ibarettir. Çünkü protein kaynakları hayvan bedeni ile sınırlı değil. Dolayısıyla insanların etçil beslenmesinin temeli, insanoğlunun kendini hayvanlardan daha üstün görmesine dayanıyor. Özetle: Ekosistemin efendisi değil de ekosistem yapbozunun parçalarından biri olduğumuzu kabullenirsek uyum da kendiliğinden oluşacaktır.

Bana göre bir eseri etkileyici kılan şeylerden biri onun yer aldığı konumda gizli. Örneğin müzenin en popüler tablolarından biri olan Caspar David Friedrich’in Bulutların Üzerinde Yolculuk (Der Wanderer über dem Nebelmeer) eserini daha önce pek çok kez görmüştüm. Fakat yapıtın orijinal halini sergilendiği salonda, o atmosferde, o anki ışıklandırmada gözlemlemek benim için tüylerimi diken diken yapan bir deneyimdi.

Der Wanderer über dem Nebelmeer - 1818

Tabloya biraz daha yaklaşarak resmin detaylarına bakabilmek ve aynı salonda ressamın diğer eserlerine de yer verilmesi sebebiyle oluşan kompozisyon, bence o eseri algılama biçimimi inanılmaz şekilde etkiledi.

Varlığından dahi habersiz olduğum ancak görünce dakikalarca incelemeden edemediğim bir tabloyla devam etmek istiyorum: Selbstbildnis Florenz

Selbstbildnis Florenz - 1907

Max Beckmann 1907 yılında yaptığı bu oto portrede kendisini bir ressam olarak değil de toplum tarafından saygı gören bir elit olarak resmetmiş. Tabloya şöyle bir bakış attığımda ilk dikkatimi çeken şey bana doğrudan dik dik bakan bir adamın varlığıydı. Fakat bunun bilinçli şekilde yapıldığı ve anlatılmak istenen kompozisyonla son derece uyuştuğunu görmek bence dahiyane. Ayrıca detaya inecek olduğumda Beckmann’ın elinde fırça yerine sigarayı oldukça estetik biçimde tuttuğunu fark ettim. Bu görüntü arka fondaki renklerin kontrası ile bence ayrıca uyumlu.

Detaylarındaki işçiliğe hayran olduğum bir o kadar da asil bulduğum bir başka tabloya değinmek istiyorum: Bir Patrisiyen (Soylular/Seçkinler) Ailesinin Portresi (Bildnis einer Patrizierfamilie). Bu eser Abraham Lambertsz van den Tempel tarafından 1672 yılında resmedilmiş. Fotoğrafta güzel bir kızı elindeki meyve dolu sepeti iki soylu adama uzatırken görüyoruz. Ben burada tablonun bütününü değil de özellikle hayran olduğum detay kısmını paylaşmak istiyorum.

Bildnis einer Patrizierfamilie - 1672

Tablodaki giysilerin kumaşlarının dokunacakmışız kadar gerçekçi resmedilmiş olması yüzyıllar öncesindeki imkanlar düşünüldüğünde beni ayrıca etkiledi. Ayrıca yapıtın icra yılını hesaba aldığımızda o dönemdeki tablolarda ciddi yüz ifadelerine yer verilmesi, sosyal statüye gönderme niteliğinde resmedilen el hareketleri, ekonomik gücü sembolize eden işlemeli kumaşlar ve süslü takılar özellikle göze çarpar. Dolayısıyla bu tablo göze hitap etmekle sınırlı kalmıyor aynı zamanda resmedildiği dönem hakkında da fazlaca bilgi veriyor.

Devasa boyutu ve muazzam işçiliği ile dikkat çeken ve aynı zamanda müzenin en büyük tablosu unvanına sahip olan Hans Makart'ın Der Einzug Karls V. in Antwerpen yapıtı ile devam etmek istiyorum. Yaklaşık 50 metrekarelik bu tuval tek başına koca bir duvarı kaplar durumda. Dolayısıyla resmi incelerken kendimi adeta tablonun içerisindeymiş gibi hissetmem kaçınılmaz oldu.

Der Einzug Karls V. in Antwerpen - 1878

Son olarak da resim kadar çerçeveleniş biçimiyle de beni etkileyen ve tam da bu noktadan ötürü müzedeki diğer eserler bir şekilde ayrılan Glaubenstrost (Consolation of Faith)’e değinmeden edemeyeceğim. Giovanni Segantini tarafından resmedilen bu eserdeki hüzün havası ve tuvalinin farklı şekilde konumlandırılması çok ilgimi çekti.

Glaubenstrost (Consolation of Faith) - 1897

Eserde 2 farklı resmin tek bir kompozisyon etrafında birleşmesi özellikle dikkatimi çekti. Öte resmi yakından bakar bakmaz içerdiği yoğun hüzün de netleşmeye başlıyor. İki farklı bölümle ayrılmış olan bu resmin bir tarafında ölümlü dünyanın acı yanını diğer bölümde ise ruhun devamlılığını içeren maneviyat vurgusunu görmek mümkün. Ayrıca müze sonrasında yaptığım araştırmada, Giovanni’nin birçok resminde özel tabloların kullanıldığını ve bilinçli olarak yapılan bu seçimin hikayenin anlatıcılığını pekiştirmek için olduğunu gördüm. Bence çok ilginç ve aynı zamanda da etkili.

Yazımın sonuna gelirken Hamburger Kunsthalle’yi ne kadar beğendiğime değinmeden edemeyeceğim. Oldukça büyük olan bu müzeyi gezmek için bence en az 3 saate ihtiyacınız olacak. Ayrıca iyi bir haberim var, müze her ayın ilk perşembe günü saat 18.00 itibari ile ücretsiz olarak ziyarete açık.

However, when we look back at 1984 from the perspective of today’s world, it is possible to evaluate the book not only from a future oriented standpoint but also through the lens of past experience. Moreover, although the technological methods depicted in the book may appear quite antiquated compared to those of the present day, one can actually discern significant similarities in their underlying operational logic.

For example, the book discusses “telescreens” and the fact that the public is monitored through them. In today’s world, we are in a sense monitored via the screens of various technological devices such as smartphones, computers, and tablets. The software companies collect our data and process it according to algorithmic flows, subsequently presenting us with content tailored to that information. In this context, it is possible to interpret modern social media channels as the “telescreens” of the book 1984.

One of the novel’s most striking aspects is the propaganda apparatus designed to sharply limit the human mind. Vocabulary is restricted to prevent people from expressing themselves or defying authority. That’s why many words are eliminated from the language on the grounds that they are unnecessary, and the communication system is simplified as much as possible. When viewing this scenario from the perspective of today’s world, one can point to the increasingly widespread use across many areas of daily life of new linguistic patterns that have emerged via the internet.

On the other hand, the advent of the internet has introduced various new concepts and routines into our lives. Content that is circulated and captures the interest of large communities goes “viral,” subsequently drawing even larger audiences along in the form of trends. Thus, themes that play an active role even if only briefly become trends. As these trends attract the interest of many, they lead to a proliferation of similar types of profiles. This phenomenon can be summarized as an indirect reflection of the “depersonalization” discussed in the book.

Finally, let’s make a basic comparison of manipulation, which is a very popular concept today, based on books and real life. In this dystopian fiction, manipulation is constantly reconstructed with different techniques and depending on the interests of the regime in that situation. The main goal is to fog people’s minds and shape that fog in line with the wishes and needs of the dominant administration.

We encounter the unsettling effects of manipulation in many areas of today’s world, and we are frequently manipulated ourselves. Unfortunately, even the choices we believe to be our own are sometimes not entirely the product of our free will. We absorb the advertisements, images, and posters presented by media channels into our memories often involuntarily. Subsequently, all this data influences our mindset and our other choices to some extent.

It is for all these reasons that 1984 stands out as a timeless classic. This is because it prompts a comparative, questioning approach that extends beyond the era in which it was written to encompass other time periods as well. We should not be content with merely reading it; we must understand, question, and internalize it.

series: Gilmore Girls

In this context, the real issue is not so much about “finally finding perfection” as it is the desire to repeatedly experience the sense of familiarity that comes with the known and the beloved. Embarking on new things in any area of ​​life is wonderful; yet, when starting something new, we must be prepared to face a vast unknown with hope though at times, unable to maintain an optimistic outlook, we find ourselves hemmed in by our own anxieties. Conversely, we rarely view familiar situations so negatively, for familiarity instills a sense of security. The familiar holds no surprises, thereby allowing one to retain a sense of control.

On the other hand, older productions transform into vehicles for nostalgia as the years go by. Consequently, when watching such a production, we do not merely focus on the theme; we also embark on a journey back to that era. We may find ourselves catching a glimpse of the social life of the time or perhaps our own personal lives from that period and, without even realizing it, we forge a strong emotional bond. In short, every time we revisit the production, our fond memories are stirred, and a sense of emotional relief inevitably follows.

series: The Big Bang Theory

However, the reasons for this attachment to older productions are not limited to these factors alone. Another reason could be described as a “lightening of the cognitive load.”

From the moment we start watching a new production, we strive to pay closer attention and push our brains a bit harder to fully grasp the story. We do not want to miss details; we question things more and ponder cause-and-effect relationships. In short, starting a new production requires extra effort. When watching familiar productions, however, our minds do not need to expend that kind of energy. On the other hand, because they are watched repeatedly, there is naturally a greater chance of catching new details and making sense of elements previously overlooked. Yet, as you might expect, the primary reason for watching these frequently revisited productions is to experience emotional satisfaction rather than to engage in detailed analysis.

series: How I Met Your Mother

When we make a general assessment based on all this, the fundamental point to highlight is that humans are social beings. Indeed, we form bonds with our loved ones and those we hold dear; these connections speak to our human nature and allow our emotions to unfold. Ultimately, we come to communicate not only with living beings but also with various materials and tools.

The main purpose of this event, which was first organized on July 23, 1882 with the support of naval officers and merchants, was the sailing races planned to be held in Kiel Port. Only 20 yachts took part in this competition, which was initially quite small-scale. However, when these sailing races received much more interest from the public than expected, they turned into an organization that lasted for days. It developed and diversified over the years and took its current form. Now we can say that it is not only an event limited to sailing races, but also a summer festival that opens its doors to millions every year.

The aim was to bring the port city of Kiel to the forefront in the field of maritime and to encourage more people to take part in sailing. However, today the festival is not limited to being just a sports event; it also strengthens the bond between the sea and the city with the cultural and social unity it creates. On the other hand, it is also quite remarkable with its colorful stands that promote different cultures. In short, we can say that entertainment, party, sports, events and cultural integration are all intertwined in this festival.

On what dates is it held?

This festival, which corresponds to the last week of June as every year, officially started on June 20 this year and is planned to last until June 28. It is possible to access the event and concert calendar on Kiel’s official website.

From a biological perspective, a sneeze is a sudden and powerful reaction that occurs beyond our conscious control. When we sneeze, we not only clear unwanted particles from our respiratory system but also experience a noticeable sense of relief afterward. In that sense, sneezing is both a natural and healthy reflex. Its abrupt nature and the fact that it cannot easily be suppressed distinguish it from a cough.

When we look at history, we find that sneezing has often been associated with illness, spirituality, and religious beliefs across different civilizations. As a result, offering words of protection, good health, or spiritual well being after a sneeze became a common social practice. In some cultures, a sneeze was even seen as a moment that called for a blessing.

Certain ancient societies viewed the mouth and nose as gateways between the body and the soul. Because of this belief, some people feared that a sneeze could allow the soul to escape the body. Every sneeze, therefore, became a reason for gratitude a sign that the person remained safe and whole.

If we consider that human life has long been symbolically linked to the breath we take in and release, it becomes easier to understand why a sudden, forceful, and uncontrollable exhalation might once have seemed frightening. For people who lacked modern medical knowledge, such an event could easily be interpreted as something mysterious or even supernatural.

Looking at all of this together, it is fair to say that the expressions spoken after a sneeze are nearly as old as human civilization itself. Over centuries, these customs evolved and took different forms, yet they survived into the modern world.

Today, we understand what causes a sneeze and what happens inside the body when it occurs. Yet we continue the tradition of offering kind wishes and blessings. At its core, it is a simple act of goodwill an expression of care, however small.

And really, there is no harm in that.

If only every tradition were so harmless.

Bless you!