The Dangers Of Multi-Tasking

“Mindfulness is not about creating a pleasant experience, but about being in the present, taking things one moment at a time, and being aware of whatever arises”.

-Some old guy that looks like me sitting in a cave in Nepal”.

 

“Smile, breathe & go slowly…”

-Thich Nhat Hanh

 

What is something that every person working and taking care of family needs does every day?  We all multi-task and although it might be a necessary evil in modern life, it is also the bane of our existence.  I think there is an epidemic of Attention Deficit Disorder, in children and adults, that is due, in part, to the reality that most of us are trying to do ten things at a time most of the day, seven days a week.  As chilled out and laid back as most people think I am, I sometimes find it difficult to relax because I am often wired from trying to do all the things expected of me.  In all honesty, it is difficult and challenging to live a mindful life when we are meeting ourselves coming and going all day long.  If you are lucky enough to get some downtime it is can be difficult and challenging to turn everything off, disconnect, and just breathe.  I haven’t stayed at a monastery in a while but on most of the visits I’ve ever made, the first day or two I felt anxious as I tried to put the brakes on my psyche.  Unfortunately, just when I started to feel calm it was time to go home and jump back in the rat race.  What is a person to do?  First of all, quit trying to be Superman or Wonder Woman.  If you don’t, you may end up feeling more like the Hulk.  As much as possible, try to do only one thing at a time and finish it before you move to the next thing.  As far as it is in your control, don’t over commit yourself.  Learn to say no.  Don’t give your own needs the lowest priority on your to do list.  Even if it is only ten minutes a day, seek out some solitary moments when you can be quiet.  Be aware of your day as you experience it.  Learn to recognize the moments when you need to stop, breathe, and refocus.