In a modern world,

where you can experience countless adventures

and work from the comfort of your home all day,

there's never been less incentive to go outside,

yet on the flip side,

there's also never been more incentive to go outside.

Some become millionaires

by sitting at their desk for ten hours a day for years,

building online income,

and being chained to their computer

for the rest of their careers

to sustain and satisfy those ambitions,

and likely lose connection with the natural world,

a place humans have lived in for thousands of years.

Maybe the example above is slightly hyperbolised,

but it represents the logical end point of the system.

Despite how familiar and pervasive this lifestyle is today,

it was only built in the last few decades,

a minute period of time in the span of human history.

The majority of humans before then explored and travelled on foot.

Along the way, there'd be unexpected adventures, encounters,

hurdles, and obstacles, that enrich human experience,

and form life-long memories.

Time felt slower,

and life had a steadier cadence

compared to today's rapidly moving attention economy.

Many of us have lost touch with simple pleasures

like watching sunsets or walking in forests.

So what's the solution?

I gave it away with the imperative in the title...

and it's pretty simple,

make time for nature and the outside world,

unplug from technology for a day,

decide to travel on foot somewhere,

and embrace it.

Because humans aren't designed to hunch over screens.

We are active, moving, walking, and alert creatures.

I realised this recently when I played pass in the garden,

while discussing creative ideas and reflections,

and as the ball rolled back and forth across the grass,

and the sun shined before a gentle breeze eased the heat,

a creative idea for a short film entered my mind...

An idea that I probably wouldn't have conjured

if I was waiting for it to come

while staring at a blank document.

There's something elemental (literally)

about being in nature,

that induces a sense of oneness with one's surroundings,

and in that oneness comes clarity and serenity.

A clear, rested mind is the best mind for receiving signals,

forming new ideas, and escaping creative droughts.

Something as simple as a walk in the park

can allow you to unshackle the restraints and frustrations

of staying indoors and feeling stuck,

and reclaim the cadence of life before modern tech.

So, as the saying goes, minus the condescension,

touch grass, and see where it takes you.

Creative Update

This week has seen the discovery of a few funding avenues

that I'm currently working on to develop myself as an artist,

and to meaningfully begin programmes for creatives/artists

through The Writer's Psyche.

So keep me in your prayers and wish I succeed :)

I also continue preparation for a poetry and dialogue event

that will take place on Saturday the 4th of July in Birmingham,

circling themes of faith, justice, and remembrance.

We're looking for a few volunteers on the night

to help us set up and run the event smoothly,

so if you are interested in lending a helping hand,

reply to this email and I will put you on a list

of potential volunteers.

Upcoming Opportunties

Frontier Poetry Guest Reader Opportunity

Frontier Poetry is looking for a couple new readers to join our wonderful team!

This position involves two to three hours per week of volunteer reading through poetry submissions.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: TUESDAY 2ND JUNE

The Giancarlo DiTapano Foundation for Literature and the Arts Fall 2026 Residency

Our residencies are open to writers, translators, musicians, artists (working in all mediums), actors, directors, dancers, etc. from around the world -- anyone who is looking for uninterrupted time to create new creative work. All residencies are fully funded, which means we pay for your airfare and meals, and give you a private room or studio in our 17th-century villa and cultural center in Sezze Romano, Italy (which is located about 40 minutes south of Rome).

DEADLINE TO APPLY: MONDAY 8TH JUNE

Catch Me Next

Event announcements for the poetry and dialogue evening

will be released very soon, so keep your eyes peeled!

All the best for now,

Bilal Psyche Akram