Time Out

Last week my friend Anh at Mod31 posted an article entitled Doing Nothing and True Silence. It really resonated in me:

“Really, who has time to waste these days, in the hustle and bustle of work, projects, and various activities? In fact, I don’t think I know how to NOT multi-task anymore. At work I tend to have 5-10 windows and who knows how many tabs are open simultaneously, allowing me to jump from one task to the next, with a quick Facebook breather in between. I work through my lunches, text coworkers my latte order while driving…, call my friends and family while walking from one place to another, mentally going over my weekly schedule while at the gym, and omigosh when can I squeeze in that much needed haircut? You get the idea. Instead of being present at one event, I am already planning my next hour/day’s activities. Heck, I’m reading three different books right now and am not more than halfway through each one”

This describes me to an absolute tee! Recently Anh has been trying to change her behaviour:

“I’ve been trying to set aside a couple of hours every now and then to be truly alone and to just be present. I mean turning my phone off to go for a walk around my neighborhood, enjoying the Farmer’s Market, making a Holy Hour (time set out solely for prayer), and allowing myself to reflect on various aspects of my life, without the anxiousness of feeling lonely or as though precious time is being wasted“

On my way back from work earlier this week, inspired by her example, I pulled off the freeway by Mission Bay and took a long walk:

It’s quite crazy that I’ve lived in San Diego for over two years and have driven past Mission Bay every day…and this is the first time I’ve stopped off on my way home to simply drink in the view.

Busy Doing Nothing

Now, I’m usually quite good at having “alone time”. In fact, if I don’t escape every now and again and spend time by myself, I tend go a little nuts… However, when I spend time by myself I typically spend that time doing something, such as reading or working on my laptop.

I find it really quite difficult to just stop and do nothing. Actually, I think it’s baked into my personality. Several years ago I took the Myers-Briggs Personality Test I came out as an INFJ:

INFJ is a perfectionist who doubts that they are living up to their full potential. INFJs are rarely at complete peace with themselves – there’s always something else they should be doing to improve themselves and the world around them. They believe in constant growth, and don’t often take time to revel in their accomplishments.

The Sound of Silence

However, when I stopped off at Mission Bay, I fought my natural tendency to do stuff and I simply went for a walk. No iPod…no laptop….no book. I just took a stroll, prayed a little and enjoyed the view. My mind awash with a thousand and one thoughts, slowly quietened down.

In short, it was great. I’m going to try and make a point of stopping off somewhere on the way back from work at least once a week, to give myself a chance to relax, let my mind settle and to find a little peace.

Do you find it hard to stop multitasking?
How do you remain in the present moment?
Do you take time out to simply be alone?