"Our culture aids and abets us with the expectation promoted by the information and communications industry that more information is always better and always potentially available. Therefore, we must always be available to receive any such piece of information that is sent, solicited or not. If we succumb to this illusion, we cooperate in maintaining a persistent dividedness of mind and heart. We deaden and numb our feelings, we fail to ask the deeper more essential questions. We are so busy sending and receiving fragments of information that we can increase our tolerance for violence, escalate our consumerism, and impair our compassion."
--Janet Ruffing,"Resisting the Demon of Busyness," Spiritual Life, Summer 1995.
I have an internal alarm bell that goes off when I am too busy being busy to pay attention to the important things. What trips the alarm is my driving. When I honk at a driver who cuts off my forward progress, as I did on Sunday, then I know I am trying to go too fast, do too much, push past the pace that's comfortable for me.
This spring with all its busyness and planning has fragmented my attention. I need a little break from the inspiring but constant flow of information and entertainment--blogging, Flickr, Twitter, Facebook, ipod, etc.--to create a few more small spaces in my life for quiet contemplation, for the sweet doing of nothing.
Have a Happy May!
6 comments:
I just got my drivers license a year ago, and I'm finding myself getting road rage (something I never contemplated when I only walked or road my bike). It's hard to step back sometimes. More power to you.
sign me up please for Il Dolce Far Niente! That is exactly my plan for this evening - to do nothing. It feels like the first moment in a while that I've been able to be still. aaaaaaaahhhhhhh, sweet sigh of satisfaction. See you when you get back!
dolce far niente... I learn this with my cats. So nice to read this post.
we miss you but also totally understand
hope we can get together this summer
on either side of the border
xo
margie
We're on exactly the same page. Hope you're enjoying stepping back from the constant flow, I know I have. We have a new little puppy that has helped me drop out for a while but I can't help stopping by here and there for a quick hello to friends. Hello!
Hope you're having a wonderful May :)
ah but nothing is ever truly nothing, is it?
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