My Gentle Rebellion

Choosing presence in a world that never stops asking for more.

Do you remember doing just one thing at a time? Don’t you miss it?

I remember buying a new CD (or, more accurately, a cassette, back when CDs were still a future dream), and listening to it while lying in bed. Listening to the lyrics, music, feeling excited. Opening the album booklets, smelling that fresh print smell. Doing just that one thing. Nothing else mattered. Fully immersed and fully experiencing the joy of that moment. Full, active attention.

I want to come back to this. In the time of always listening to something in the background, in the fear of missing out and ‘managing time’, I say it’s time for me to come back to clear and intentional focus. It won’t be easy, but I know it will feel good.

There is nothing wrong with a bit of multitasking now and then. I sometimes listen to music when going to work or cleaning the house. Sometimes listening to music helps me focus too. And I like a podcast or two when cooking or washing up. That’s fine.

What is not fine is the push that I have observed. The idea that multitasking and constant optimisation are, or should be, the norm. That you should always, always do more.

I can’t help but notice, that if you do one thing at a time, you are deemed to ‘waste your time’. You’re just crocheting? But could be listening to an audiobook. A new episode of your favourite series? But you could be reorganising your wardrobe at the same time! It would be ‘good’ for you! And by the way, what new thing have you tried recently? How are you ‘growing’? Isn’t it the time to learn a new language? There is a ‘special’ discount code right here for you. Just click.

And we click. And we add another hobby, another interest, another task. We combine them, we juggle, and we never stop.

The only thing we don’t have more of, is time. Which is one of the most precious things we have. At least, that’s what I think.

It’s good to learn, it’s good to grow, it’s good to manage your time. But! But…

And, of course, I understand. We are not all the same. There are people who thrive with many tasks ahead of them, trying out new things, seeking new adventures and opportunities. But there are also people who need more rest, a steady flow, a slower pace. I am one of them. And I am more and more aware of it.

And sometimes I get swept by the modern way of being a master of multitasking, by the expectations of: I ‘could, should, or even MUST’ do more!

— takes a deep breath —

Even typing it brings a contraction to my throat and stomach! It feels suffocating.

So to this insane expectation I say No. Gentle but loud and firm no.

I am returning to my way of being. Embracing what I need, stepping into how I flow with my energy, what serves me. How I learn and grow and move forward.

So first of all I am bringing awareness to what I do. Like I’ve mentioned above, I sometimes do two things at the same time, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. But I make sure that I spend just as much time doing ONE thing at a time, and being fully present. Listening to music. Cooking. Reading. Walking. Using all my senses, fully aware.

Sometimes it’s easy, sometimes it’s not. If it’s not, I am even more curious to carry on and see where the resistance is coming from. So much to explore there!

And the more I practice those ‘one at a time’ moments, the better my attention span is doing, my focus is stronger, my intention clearer. And I am less tired. And even more than that, I feel energised! And I feel peaceful.

And at some point I also needed to realise that I will not be able to read, listen, and watch everything that has been created or that sounds interesting. That I am not able, and actually I don’t want to consume it all. I was never meant to live that way.

What I can do instead, is reach out for the cherry on top. Choose what makes my heart sing, what inspires me, what is relaxing, what moves me. The best from the best. Quality over quantity.

This way I feel that I have used my time well. I don’t have regrets about the choices I've made and I don’t feel like I have wasted my time.

There is another great benefit that comes with this approach.

I give myself space to actually feel something. When I rush from one thing to another or juggle too much, I don’t allow myself the chance to sit with what’s coming up. And isn’t that the purpose of art — music, words, images — to move us, to make us feel?

There is nothing wrong with being productive but are we giving ourselves the space to integrate what we have learned, watched, listen to? Or are we moving too quickly? Are we not losing too much in this rush?

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And how about right now? Are you rushing now?

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Pause. See what thoughts or feelings are asking to be acknowledged.
And maybe today, you give yourself permission to do just one thing at a time, and see how it feels.

And what will I do? I’ll keep practicing, keep noticing, and keep choosing presence, moment by moment. I am no master of this but hey, I have the time.

Also, if you are a creative; would you not prefer that someone stayed a little bit longer with your creation? Paused, discovered something stirring in them? Be moved…
I know, I would.

A soft yes to doing less.

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From my ever-curious heart to yours, Ela

PS. If you’re into human design, I’m an emotional projector. To me, the key to success is rest. Lots of it. Letting myself recharge, slowing down, being gentle with myself. Giving myself enough time for everything, really is the key.
It’s what keeps me well. It’s how I return to myself, again and again.