"Busy is a drug that a lot of people are addicted to" - Rob Bell
I am attempting to distance myself from the word "busy." I wish I could remember where I first read about the common culture of "busy," but since the word's first appearance I have since sought out a lot of literature on being "busy" so the sources have all sort of blurred together. (Google "culture of being busy" and you'll find a plethora of articles related to this modern "phenomenon" - you'll see what I mean). I am using quotes generously here, but if I were actually telling this story, my hands and first and middle fingers would be gesturing frantically from all of the stressed phrases I'm using. It's appropriate I swear.
Even writing this blog post, I wanted to title it as "busy week". It's a trap!
This particular article by Scott Berkun really caught my attention. Specifically, I enjoyed the paragraph where he writes, "The phrase 'I don't have time' should never be said." I wish to avoid this phrase almost as much as I wish to avoid the statement, "I can't, I'm too busy." I believe that modifying how I phrase my talk about time will lead to a change in action, which is my goal. It's all about prioritization. RBF, as my parents have always taught me (
Responsibility
Before
Fun). However, there was always some F
and some R, not just an overwhelming sense of R.
I also frequently come across articles that tell me "stop being busy, be efficient!" but like the Berkun article, I ask myself "what do I do with all this time I've saved?" I could fill it up with other "busy-ness" I suppose, like seeking more work, or finding a nook to clean, or new and different errands, or signing myself up for new classes or work or activities.... but wait, isn't this the type of busy-ness that I keep striving to become more efficient at? The type of activities that I'm trying to do efficiently so I have more time... for what?
I have written many times in this blog about how I don't know what I want to write about. I talk about all of the things I wish to do, and then write about those things. I also talk about how I have NOT blogged in awhile because I have been busy with other things. Consider this a mini, mid-year resolution, but I am going to try and conquer an aspect of the "busy" this month.
Here are my Month of Idleness Resolutions:
I will attempt to refrain from the word "busy" and the phrase "I don't have time" (ala
Marissa Bracke's article). As a result, I intend to question the priorities of events that I am invited to and to make better decisions with my time.
I will also direct my yogic intentions inward to reflection on how I want to spend my time not being busy. Alone, deep in thought? Reading and reflecting? Biking, hiking, kayaking, exploring nature? Baking, cooking or organizing my house (which is therapeutic for me, not necessarily for everyone)? Spending as much time as possible with friends? No matter what I decide is the most important priority outside of "me-time", I will be sure to be thankful for the time I do have, right now.
Long post today. Thank you for taking time out of your day to read my thoughts. I appreciate my time and your time today. Namaste! (As a side note, I think I have fallen in love with yoga. More on that later.)
