When we left the US in 2012, I proudly surrendered my faithful commuter mug. To be fair, it was on its final days anyway, but I did so declaring I would drink coffee from ceramic cups without lids going forward. When I was drinking coffee, I imagined, I would only drink coffee.
Poetic, eh? In truth, nobody does this. We at least stare out into the world, and the mind just rambles. These days, I practice Spanish with my morning joe. It's fine, but I don't commute so... winning?
But there is something to be said for down-throttle the endless efficiency subroutines. In my life, I call this rushing. It's not going fast, far from it. It's the perception of going fast, which manifests in a few ways worth calling out.
• Multi-tasking actions, especially those that use the same part of the brain
• Switching routine tasks around to create fake novelty and the sense of getting ahead of the normal schedule.
• Getting ahead of actions
That last one reveals itself to me when I think I've placed something on a surface squarely, and it falls as I hurry away. I'll notice the mind determining that the object seems to have willed itself to fall, and then agitation arises.
Nope. I'm rushing. Harried is the word. It's a terrible way to live.
I loved this, Lou. Especially the insight about fully living into the liminal spaces between continents. On my list, is the slow sip of my morning coffee. This is how I train myself to be present at the threshold of a new day.
I love this Lou! And I totally agree! Do you think this notion comes naturally with age? I mean with me it is a combination of a conscious physical effort to reclaim the savory, sensory experiences of an analog life (pre-internet), alongside an almost instinctual rebellion against "busyness." When my thirty-something daughter was three and frustrated that I delayed playing with her, she said "you gotta get done with busy." I'm finally taking her advice.
"You gotta get done with busy." I LOVE THAT! I think I'm done (or getting done) with busy. There's something about this that comes with age, I do think. "We've been there, done that" sort of thing. On the other hand, I've had some conversations with folks about to retire or recently retired who adamantly insist they will want to continue to be busy because they detest the idea of "slowing down" as we get older. So, there's a bit of a tug there too. Hmmm. Something to definitely think (and write!) about. 😊
All that talk of efficiency makes me think of Charlie Chaplin's "Modern Times" :)
And talking about "I want it now" brings me back to the memory of when my son was a toddler, whenever he needed something from me, I often said, "I will be right there," and to that, his response was "I want it now!" Seems like it is our innate desire to "want it now". :)
Years ago I came across this idea (or movement) of "slow living", and I have been striving to achieve it ever since. Not very successful yet but I am getting closer ...
I do get that sense from your writing, Yi (re: slow living), a sense of grounding - which is something I've recently realized I want more of it my life. So, I'm definitely following in your footsteps! I suppose we spend all our lives with the "I want it now" mentality and some of us eventually 😂 figure out a different approach.
This is one of the reasons I prefer train travel when that's an option, to enjoy the journey. A trip from NY to LA with my BFF is still sharp in my mind as one of my favorites. The first half, we got an old-timey sleeper car like something out of "Some Like it Hot" or an I Love Lucy episode. It expected Cary Grant to walk past at any moment.
Living abroad (outside of Western culture) has definitely affected the way I see time. Getting older probably has something to do with it, too. You really recognize how much is out of your control, but what is in your control is your mindset. It's so annoying! I'm not perfect, nor the Buddha!
But your post is perfect because in 9 days we're moving a short distance, but to, hopefully, a better living situation. So! How do I plan ahead, but stay in the moment? How do I quit living in the future and be patient for it? I know it will happen quick, so I might as well trust the process...
How is Lou in the Philippines different than the Lou in the US? 😉
Lou, your newsletter sparked a deep thought in me: Is our perception of time truly influenced by our environment and expectations? If we can feel time slow down in certain places or situations, does that mean time itself is subjective? This is getting a bit existential, but it's fascinating to ponder!
When we left the US in 2012, I proudly surrendered my faithful commuter mug. To be fair, it was on its final days anyway, but I did so declaring I would drink coffee from ceramic cups without lids going forward. When I was drinking coffee, I imagined, I would only drink coffee.
Poetic, eh? In truth, nobody does this. We at least stare out into the world, and the mind just rambles. These days, I practice Spanish with my morning joe. It's fine, but I don't commute so... winning?
But there is something to be said for down-throttle the endless efficiency subroutines. In my life, I call this rushing. It's not going fast, far from it. It's the perception of going fast, which manifests in a few ways worth calling out.
• Multi-tasking actions, especially those that use the same part of the brain
• Switching routine tasks around to create fake novelty and the sense of getting ahead of the normal schedule.
• Getting ahead of actions
That last one reveals itself to me when I think I've placed something on a surface squarely, and it falls as I hurry away. I'll notice the mind determining that the object seems to have willed itself to fall, and then agitation arises.
Nope. I'm rushing. Harried is the word. It's a terrible way to live.
Thank you for expanding the conversation, Damon. Rushing. Harried. Just writing these words make my system say, "NO MORE!"
I loved this, Lou. Especially the insight about fully living into the liminal spaces between continents. On my list, is the slow sip of my morning coffee. This is how I train myself to be present at the threshold of a new day.
Oooh, that's a good one to add to the slower list! Cheers, Cathy.
I like to slow roll Substack reading.
Haha, me too.
Oh wow, I want everyone to read this.
😊 😊 😊
Ah, slowwwww. For me, it's sipping a hot cup of coffee as I read. Let me linger.
That sounds like bliss!
I love this Lou! And I totally agree! Do you think this notion comes naturally with age? I mean with me it is a combination of a conscious physical effort to reclaim the savory, sensory experiences of an analog life (pre-internet), alongside an almost instinctual rebellion against "busyness." When my thirty-something daughter was three and frustrated that I delayed playing with her, she said "you gotta get done with busy." I'm finally taking her advice.
"You gotta get done with busy." I LOVE THAT! I think I'm done (or getting done) with busy. There's something about this that comes with age, I do think. "We've been there, done that" sort of thing. On the other hand, I've had some conversations with folks about to retire or recently retired who adamantly insist they will want to continue to be busy because they detest the idea of "slowing down" as we get older. So, there's a bit of a tug there too. Hmmm. Something to definitely think (and write!) about. 😊
All that talk of efficiency makes me think of Charlie Chaplin's "Modern Times" :)
And talking about "I want it now" brings me back to the memory of when my son was a toddler, whenever he needed something from me, I often said, "I will be right there," and to that, his response was "I want it now!" Seems like it is our innate desire to "want it now". :)
Years ago I came across this idea (or movement) of "slow living", and I have been striving to achieve it ever since. Not very successful yet but I am getting closer ...
I do get that sense from your writing, Yi (re: slow living), a sense of grounding - which is something I've recently realized I want more of it my life. So, I'm definitely following in your footsteps! I suppose we spend all our lives with the "I want it now" mentality and some of us eventually 😂 figure out a different approach.
I notice I get very impatient when I'm waiting for the kettle to boil and yet it only takes minutes.
Yeah, I know how that feels! 😊
Happy belated birthday! 🥳
Thank you Bridget! 🤗
Thank you for the shout out Lou. Appreciate it!
You bet. Jeanette! 😊
This is one of the reasons I prefer train travel when that's an option, to enjoy the journey. A trip from NY to LA with my BFF is still sharp in my mind as one of my favorites. The first half, we got an old-timey sleeper car like something out of "Some Like it Hot" or an I Love Lucy episode. It expected Cary Grant to walk past at any moment.
I can just imagine! That must have been an experience. Cheers, Jodi.
Living abroad (outside of Western culture) has definitely affected the way I see time. Getting older probably has something to do with it, too. You really recognize how much is out of your control, but what is in your control is your mindset. It's so annoying! I'm not perfect, nor the Buddha!
But your post is perfect because in 9 days we're moving a short distance, but to, hopefully, a better living situation. So! How do I plan ahead, but stay in the moment? How do I quit living in the future and be patient for it? I know it will happen quick, so I might as well trust the process...
How is Lou in the Philippines different than the Lou in the US? 😉
Lou, your newsletter sparked a deep thought in me: Is our perception of time truly influenced by our environment and expectations? If we can feel time slow down in certain places or situations, does that mean time itself is subjective? This is getting a bit existential, but it's fascinating to ponder!