I’ve been noticing it more and more every day, it really does feel suffocating. As you wrote, there’s this relentless pressure to do more, read more, "grow" more. Everything MORE. There’s also this conflicting mixed ethic of "do more" and "rest more" (but not necessarily when your body actually needs it, because who has time to listen to the body with all this multitasking). Perfect yourself AND love yourself as you are, it's as if we’re expected not only to consume every piece of content in the world but also to follow to every philosophy that has ever existed, all at the same time…
Indeed! Not necessarily when your body actually needs it - you’ve nailed it that. And love yourself as you are but only when you do ‘all of the below’.
Stephen, this made my day, thank you! I’m so glad it landed and gave you a moment to pause. I know the feeling all too well… I rush too. Skim, skip, promise myself I’ll come back later. And sometimes I do. Sometimes I don’t. But it always starts with that little flicker of awareness.
And yes, I remember cassettes very well, especially rewinding them with a Bic pen!
Be well too, and thank you for reading with presence.
We all find it hard to listen to our inner voice saying "No". At work, play or home we should give ourselves the time to just sit, relax and breathe. I find myself far more able to create, or absorb nature when I stop multi tasking and focus on something that really has meaning in my life. Putting ourselves first is often the toughest first hurdle but definitely worth doing. One thing at a time is a great way forward 🙂
Being intentional when we do something is not as difficult as we often think. It takes practice, but we all can develop this skill. For those of us who remember cassette tapes and listened to our favorite albums without distraction, it may be a bit easier. The real challenge lies with those who spend their days interacting with multiple devices, as maintaining focus can be difficult for them. You make a great point, and I believe we should all follow your advice. Great article!
Thank you and a really good point. And I also agree that it is a skill that can be developed. And it all begins with the awareness and intention. Once I've realised what I am missing and what I need - I could slowly start to work on this skill - and I am still working on it.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and share your thoughts!
I love this reminder. As a master of escapism I just travelled through countries with almost no music. Just one song. Travelled in the car with no distractions rather than looking at the road. You reminded me that simplicity is the key to peace. One thing at a time. Everything done with intention only gives us time. Thank you. I'm going to have s bath. With no music, no podcast and no movie.
I’ve been noticing it more and more every day, it really does feel suffocating. As you wrote, there’s this relentless pressure to do more, read more, "grow" more. Everything MORE. There’s also this conflicting mixed ethic of "do more" and "rest more" (but not necessarily when your body actually needs it, because who has time to listen to the body with all this multitasking). Perfect yourself AND love yourself as you are, it's as if we’re expected not only to consume every piece of content in the world but also to follow to every philosophy that has ever existed, all at the same time…
Indeed! Not necessarily when your body actually needs it - you’ve nailed it that. And love yourself as you are but only when you do ‘all of the below’.
Thank you for sharing your reflections!
You caught me. It's funny. I'm sitting at my desk, reading this while taking a break from writing, when you asked, "Are you rushing right now?"
I realized that I was skimming. I'm always rushing.
So, I took a breath and went back to the top and really read.
I needed to find this today.
Also, there's no way you're old enough to remember cassettes.
Be well, Ela!
Stephen, this made my day, thank you! I’m so glad it landed and gave you a moment to pause. I know the feeling all too well… I rush too. Skim, skip, promise myself I’ll come back later. And sometimes I do. Sometimes I don’t. But it always starts with that little flicker of awareness.
And yes, I remember cassettes very well, especially rewinding them with a Bic pen!
Be well too, and thank you for reading with presence.
Lovely words Ela.
We all find it hard to listen to our inner voice saying "No". At work, play or home we should give ourselves the time to just sit, relax and breathe. I find myself far more able to create, or absorb nature when I stop multi tasking and focus on something that really has meaning in my life. Putting ourselves first is often the toughest first hurdle but definitely worth doing. One thing at a time is a great way forward 🙂
Yes, yes, yes! Just being more present, in our body and in our thoughts.
I am so pleased it resonated with you, Kim!
Being intentional when we do something is not as difficult as we often think. It takes practice, but we all can develop this skill. For those of us who remember cassette tapes and listened to our favorite albums without distraction, it may be a bit easier. The real challenge lies with those who spend their days interacting with multiple devices, as maintaining focus can be difficult for them. You make a great point, and I believe we should all follow your advice. Great article!
Thank you and a really good point. And I also agree that it is a skill that can be developed. And it all begins with the awareness and intention. Once I've realised what I am missing and what I need - I could slowly start to work on this skill - and I am still working on it.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and share your thoughts!
I enjoyed it!
I love this reminder. As a master of escapism I just travelled through countries with almost no music. Just one song. Travelled in the car with no distractions rather than looking at the road. You reminded me that simplicity is the key to peace. One thing at a time. Everything done with intention only gives us time. Thank you. I'm going to have s bath. With no music, no podcast and no movie.
Yes! I love this! Coming back to those ‘one thing at a time’ moments is not always easy but so important 🥰