It has been announced that the new iPhone will deliver this amazing feature of multi-tasking — technologically speaking, to run more than one application at the same time, an ability that some of its competitors already have. I finally upgraded to an iPhone last year, for both business and personal reasons, and though I am enjoying the benefits of this cool techie-type device, the thought of a whole litany of programs needing to be managed at the same time is daunting.
And really, exactly how MUCH do we need to do at once? Isn’t it enough that we get all our email, our phone calls, keep our calendar, etc. How much CAN we actually do at once – how much SHOULD we do at once? Of course, some real geeky people are going to be so thrilled about this smartphone multitasking capability, but what about the rest of us? Why are we trying to stuff every minute with too many tasks – and how does that impact our life?
Modern life is chock full of overload – commitments, huge schedules, infinite tasks. All the gadgets we now use are supposed to simplify our lives. Why does it sometimes feel that they only complicate our reality?
And why are we trying to speed up and cram even more into these 24-hour segments by which we calculate our lives? Am I guilty of multi-tasking or what I term “over tasking” — absolutely yes! Like many others, I face that inner conflict of trying to slow down, be in the moment, relish the NOW, and all the while the frenetic pace of real life impatiently watches, beckoning me to just check that latest email.
But the frantic pace produces stress, overwhelm and anxiety — all unhealthy results of the “too-much” way of living. Though stress is often first emotionally-based, when it is continuous, it becomes physically based — often leading to imbalances, conditions and disease.
It is essential to take some time in your own life, in whatever way works for you personally, to make sure that you have time each day for:
- Focused Breathing (or some form of meditation) – clears out all the “debris,” stress and blockages and lets all things positive flow into your space and place of being
- Relationship Connection – Give attention to empowering, sustaining and enjoying the close relationships that surround you. Make sure to keep the bonds of connection stable, radiant and loving — including family, extended family, and friends
- Grounding – focusing into the powerful earth energy to remain balanced, centered and feeling at peace with the world
- Fun/Pleasure/Humor – This will boost your entire system – and uplift you to that feel-good zone
- Background Music – or foreground music. Listen to something your heart and soul can sing to! Play it softly in the background as accompaniment to your day, or play it loud and “karaoke” along!
- Just Being – not doing, not multi-tasking — just savoring the pulse and energy of the moment. Pause, sit and LISTEN to the natural sounds around you – whether this means the sounds of nature, the cars streaming by on the street outside, or the hum of the refrigerator in the kitchen. Just let yourself BE, with no expectations, no frantic thoughts circling through your brain. Try it – it’s not easy to do – but it’s really GOOD to do!
- Appreciate Yourself – Appreciate yourself for taking the time to be you. Acknowledge the steps you have taken to slow your life to a “perfect-for-me” pace. Be grateful for who you are – cherish your sincere, lovable, authentic self!
