These reflections are spot on. I've caught myself in that waiting space — and instinctively reaching for something to fill it.
Once you see it, though, you can't unsee it. As often as I can, I do nothing. Sit, wait, be bored ... and simply notice. It's an opportunity to slow down, breathe, and get centered. Funny, before we had these entertainment devices in our hands, our parents and grandparents probably didn't even think much about waiting. It was just something they did. Now we even look to maximize the waiting space. Even if we're pausing, I think the key is to do it without a purpose. Not "pausing so that I can be clearer/better/stronger later."
Been thinking of this for sometime. I realised that I am always looking for something new something interesting to happen all the time. Something that is mundane or takes time doesn’t excite me anymore. I stopped reading books, thinking I learning from LinkedIn, podcasts, substack etc.
However, now I slowly started noticing these moments and consciously choosing to not reach for my phone, or listening to music or watch something. Just me and silence. Started reading books and long form content again.
Yes! Yes! You captured something essential and powerful here. I’m from the generation who learned something unspoken from my elders about waiting, about learning, about showing respect. And I am beyond thrilled to pick up my device (far too often) to learn, to connect. But there is a deep value in letting those qualities develop slowly. My grandchildren have lost a precious insight. Perhaps they will come to touch that wisdom in a different way than we did.
I see younger generations with such a lack of patience or silence but I do also see more people picking up meditation and older ways of connecting to the world. Maybe we will all find our own balance.
These reflections are spot on. I've caught myself in that waiting space — and instinctively reaching for something to fill it.
Once you see it, though, you can't unsee it. As often as I can, I do nothing. Sit, wait, be bored ... and simply notice. It's an opportunity to slow down, breathe, and get centered. Funny, before we had these entertainment devices in our hands, our parents and grandparents probably didn't even think much about waiting. It was just something they did. Now we even look to maximize the waiting space. Even if we're pausing, I think the key is to do it without a purpose. Not "pausing so that I can be clearer/better/stronger later."
It’s truly boggling to think about! Thank you for this comment Jacqueline!
Been thinking of this for sometime. I realised that I am always looking for something new something interesting to happen all the time. Something that is mundane or takes time doesn’t excite me anymore. I stopped reading books, thinking I learning from LinkedIn, podcasts, substack etc.
However, now I slowly started noticing these moments and consciously choosing to not reach for my phone, or listening to music or watch something. Just me and silence. Started reading books and long form content again.
I’ve been in this same headspace! I like to set aside intentional time for my books and meditation to re-integrate silence and inner work
Beeen thinking about this topic for days now.
Thank you for breaking it down this well and sharing.
I personally will try to slow things down in this fast fast world.
I am glad this piece found you at the right time! I am trying the same!
Yes! Yes! You captured something essential and powerful here. I’m from the generation who learned something unspoken from my elders about waiting, about learning, about showing respect. And I am beyond thrilled to pick up my device (far too often) to learn, to connect. But there is a deep value in letting those qualities develop slowly. My grandchildren have lost a precious insight. Perhaps they will come to touch that wisdom in a different way than we did.
Yes! Most definitely!
I see younger generations with such a lack of patience or silence but I do also see more people picking up meditation and older ways of connecting to the world. Maybe we will all find our own balance.
May it be so! ❤️
Loved the reflection. My sense is that our nervous systems are paying the toll…
Ah yes, I agree! Well put