So opines Tom Kreider in his The “Busy” Trap contribution to the NY Times. It’s something that I have become very aware of and do what I can to not feel pressure to always be doing something. And to feeling that doing nothing is actually something, and many times a more beneficial something that another something I could be doing. If you know what I mean.
I have had the fortune to have experienced an extended amount of time among another culture that does not take work so seriously as Americans, especially us Northeast corridor folk. As a matter of fact, I am being forced not to work as a result of the somewhat destructive storms that rolled through the area Friday evening. Lots of power outages, downed trees and power lines, lack of clean water, and, unfortunately, a few casualties as a result of those storms. The storms actually having a name – derecho – associated with the culture that I was about to name: the Spanish. An almost nationally mandatory midday siesta, enjoyment of one another’s company over a few beers and tapas or a coffee, walking most places, separate food stores for each items bread, meats, pastries, etc. I know I know, they are in a financial crisis much worse than what we have seen over here, and you may be thinking that they asked for it with the lifestyle they lead. But that’s for another day. The Spanish generally do what they can to not get stressed out over having too much to do, because they know how to generally keep themselves in check, and are aware of when they need to slow things down, and take more time to go for an evening walk before dinner or meet with friends on a Sunday afternoon to savor the last few hours before Monday’s mid-morning before-work coffee with other friends. And taking a look at South American culture, which, as you know, was and is greatly influenced by the Spanish, they’re pace of life is even slower.
And it’s Friday and the above was written a few days ago and so I figure I better get this out. Hope all had a nice, safe holiday (my new neighborhood is a fan of launch-it-yourself fireworks so I spent a lot of time dodging them) and stay cool this weekend … 105F forecast for tomorrow here in DC!
P
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