In 2019, I wrote a blog on ‘Time Is…’, reflecting on, well, what time is; in my case, often scarce! I read back on the words I wrote, musing over my long to-do list and the feeling of constantly playing catch up, and realise, with neither great amusement nor great dismay, that the words still resonate today! I still feel, frequently, the sense that there is just not enough time in the day to do everything. However, even though I was well into my Happynesshub journey in the summer of 2019, it’s gratifying to appreciate a few of the good habits that I have since adopted. For example, Silent Fridays – I’ve decided that I’m drawing a hard line and making sure that I complete my Silent Fridays no matter what. It’s a day of full digital detox, brimming with meditation, yoga, journaling and mindful walks – and it has proven heavenly! Added to which my very special friend Mita gave me a fabulous book, called The Book of Rest and I am truly learning how to fully ‘rest’ – in all senses of the word. I would highly recommend it – thank you Mita!
Something else I’ve been noticing is just how much connecting with others motivates me in my work. I’ve always known I’m very people-oriented, and I’m very lucky that I love what I do in general, but I’m especially seeing how I get a real injection of inspiration from knowing who the work is for, and who it serves. If you’ve been following the Happynesshub for a while, I’m sure you’ve already heard about Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s concept of ‘flow’ – the state in which the human brain is optimally primed for creativity and productivity. Csikszentmihalyi was the first to identify this state, which he discovered was consistently present among people from cultures and places all over the globe, when asked how they felt when they were performing at their best. What enables us to reach this state will most likely differ slightly person to person, but I’ve found an article that might give you a few ideas about how to increase your chances of achieving a flow state. For me, as I’ve said, it’s authentic connection with people that really encourages me into my flow state – and knowing that I’m working on something that is going to be inspiring and valuable to others. So, no matter how busy my calendar is, as long as I’ve got my purpose (and my rest!), I’m sorted.
So for me, these simple things give ‘time’ a wholly different perspective in my life. As does my daily breathing and meditation routine. How do you manage your daily demands on time? I’d love to know!
