image via suika*2009
Last Saturday, I held up my right hand and swore to the online world my commitment to living mindfully. In my efforts, I even decided to give up multi-tasking.
Did I do it? Yes, and no.
Asking a mother to stop multi-tasking is like asking a mammal to stop breathing oxygen. Not to be overly dramatic, or anything.
But I won’t lie — it was hard.
My week started off beautifully, but I slowly began to slip into old habits as the days wore on. One morning I found myself in the middle of five tasks:
1. There was a piece of toast, half buttered. Who stops in the middle of buttering toast?!
2. The coffee beans were ground but waiting to go into the machine.
3. My hot cereal was bubbling on the stove.
4. The dishwasher was mostly unloaded.
5. I was walking back to the kitchen, returning from wiping my daughter’s bum.
A bit much, no?
The good thing is that I noticed it. My committment to mindful living made me stop and realize the things I was juggling. Usually, I would have just continued on as usual. I think this counts as a sign of progress.
Other things that I enjoyed about this week:
1. I was more aware of the chirping birds. Don’t roll your eyes at me…I’m serious.
2. My daughter and I watched a snail stretch and slide, stretch and slide.
3. I did a lot more gardening.
4. I did a lot more listening.
5. I did a lot more lego-building.
I am enjoying this process and plan to continue it long-term. Anyone else want to join me?
{ 1 trackback }
{ 33 comments… read them below or add one }
To stay focused on the present moment, I try to practice mindfulness (see the post on my blog here: http://positivelypresent.typepad.com/positively_present/2009/02/mindfulness.html
Mindfulness isn’t always easy, but it definitely works. That being said, I don’t have any kids. It seems to me that it would be really hard NOT to multitask (as you said mammal, no oxygen) when you have kids. From what I’ve seen, they are a lot of work and there is usually a lot going on.
Try reading The Power of Now if you haven’t already. It’s pretty interesting!
http://positivelypresent.typepad.com
So glad to have you back. I laughed at the multi-tasking moment, though. (Couldn’t help it … hope that’s okay
This week was not the week for me to be “in the moment” but I did try to unplug for a bit, as you know. And I watched snails too!
Am sure over time you’ll learn to be more attune to your moments. Sounds like it’s starting already …
Your kitchen “moment” sounds like my every day (minus the wiping bum thank goodness). Sometimes I think I am so scattered when I start one thing then move to the next without out finishing the first thing. This is especially true in the kitchen. I’m going to watch for this more this week and will hopefully generate a little list like yours.
hmm. I guess it a move against that feeling of being ’scattered’. When even though you are doing a hundred things, nothing gets done. Its a good one. And being mindful. even noticing that you are doing it. must must must be a start! I would say I will join in with it. But I am also doing this 10 days of healthy awareness. perhaps it would be too much. I already have a scattered and unfocused blog going on! But I will bear it in mind. Mindfulness. Enjoying the moment. Beacause if you cant enjoy the moment. Then there’s your life all gone and none of it enjoyed!!
WTG K! I love reading about what you are up to and seeing you make your goals work for you. I am amazed that you can do single tasks with two kiddos to tend too. Great job this week and I am glad you are enjoying the process. Miss ya!
WTG K! I love reading about what you are up to and seeing you make your goals work for you. I am amazed that you can do single tasks with two kiddos to tend too. Great job this week and I am glad you are enjoying the process. Miss ya!
welcome back!!! I also have a hard time with the whole juggling multi task stuff — it’s a work in progress!
@ P.P.~
Thanks for the Power of Now book suggestion. I’ll have to follow up on that.
@ Chania girl~
You’re always welcome to laugh, as long as you’re laughing with me and not at me! (smiles)
@ Denise~
I have to agree — most of my multi-tasking happens in the kitchen; however, our kitchen/great room is where I spend a goo 90% of my life! ; ) kidding, but serious.
@ getting stuff done~
One thing at a time, right? Concentrate on your 10 Days of Health Awareness, first and then join me. I still be here…
@ Danica~
Well, I’m trying to single-task…it’s not always possible with the kids. I miss you, too!
@ Shannon~
I have a feeling it’s always going to be a work in progress. I’m okay with that, though.
Ha! Please tell me you noticed in time to wash your hands…
I’m not sure that a mother CAN stop multitasking. Then again, scientists say we can’t really multitask - or rather, our brains can’t. It’s just that some of us can switch tracks on the linear railroad faster than others.
I like the idea of living more mindfully, more fully in the moment. But it remains an elusive idea.
@ Holly~
Yes! I washed my hands. I always wash my hands. I realize that multi-tasking can’t stop completely, but I do think I can take steps to less-tasking and therefore being more present in each moment.
love the bird chirping moment… i’ve been doing that more lately, too. open the windows and listen to the birds!! i never used to do that.
living in the moment is what it’s all about. why can’t i seem to do it more?
thanks for the motivation!!!
This is great. I constantly need reminders to living in the moment instead of looking for the next thing to keep me occupied.
What a great reminder, it’s so easy to multitask to death-looking around right now I see a variety of things half done.
One thing that so helps me to live in the moment is to purpose on documenting the day through pictures. Something about that makes me pause to really watch what’s going on around me-I miss less that way and usually slow down to enjoy it.
Thanks for a grea reminder.
@ Miss Melissa~
Yeah, the birds chirping…I was like, “Is this new? Or have they always been doing this, and I didn’t notice?” It’s beautiful.
@ songbirdtiff~
“Always being occupied” is a great way to put it. I’m working on just “being.”
@ Gina~
I love that idea of documenting the day with photos. I might use that for a future post!
I love this post. Really good… and thought provoking. Note to self: Free up some time to enjoy LIFE!
Tänia of Faith Prints
@ Tania~
Thanks for visiting!
I love it! And I definitely need to join you! Count me in and thanks for sharing!
God Bless!
Hi Kirwin, I just joined your blog and really enjoy your authenticity. What I have noticed about multi-tasking is that it is truly a myth. WE think we are doing all things well but we are really only doing one thing well (our priority) and the other things - sort of well. I have developed some “in the moment” strategies that I have posted on my site. Would love your thoughts about these. Take care and I look forward to getting to know you.
@ Kyla~
Yeah! I’m going to post it regularly, because I think it keeps me “mindful.”
@ Gerriane~
Welcome. I have to agree with your comment about not doing all things well. I’m off to read your “in the moment” strategies right now.
Kirwin, I’m visiting for the first time, and what a great post to land upon. Here’s to less of the partially loaded dishwasher, half buttered toast moments….and more of the “all in” lego-building and snail-watching!
Loved this post!
-jo
I’m sorry, but we women were made to multi-task. There is no getting away from it!
I know you can’t escape multi-tasking entirely. But good for you to have a pulse on when you may be trying to take on too much. I think that is a great practice!
@ Mylestones (Jo)~
Thanks for visiting and for your kind words. Cheers to more lego-building and snail-watching! : )
@ Laura~
I know, I know. But for me, it’s time to bring the multi-tasking down a notch. I want to remember more “moments” and not lose them in the hustle and bustle of life.
@ Emily~
Thank you. I agree — we can’t escape it entirely,…but we can make it better.
Oh Kirwin - what a wonderful post!!! This part cracked me UP:
Asking a mother to stop multi-tasking is like asking a mammal to stop breathing oxygen. Not to be overly dramatic, or anything.
I’m not going to lie either - I love me another dramatic mama. As I type that, I’m completely convinced that I have the swine flu. hahahahah!
xoxoxoxoxo
@ Crissie~
Thanks for cracking me up. I had to read your swine flu comment aloud to my DH. Not that you’re dramatic, or anything! ; )
Those bums that need wipin’ never fail to present themselves when I’m right in the midst of 3 or 4 other things. Sidenote: When do most people allow their kids to wipe their own bums? I’m wishing my 4 year old was ready, but I don’t really believe that he is…
Love this post and that picture is priceless!
@ Flower Patch~
LOL - Yes, the bums always need a wipin’ at the most inopportune times. Ugh. As for your question, I’m not expert, but we’re trying to teach our 5 1/2 year old before he starts Kinder next year. In my opinion, “bum wiping” is not the teacher’s responsibility. ; )
I didn’t realise that was multi-tasking! That’s how I spend most of my day. Thanks for the reminder to slow down and watch the snails stretch (I think that’s a much better saying than “smell the roses”). Have a great weekend.
Meredith xo
@ Meredith~
I don’t know how you couldn’t multi-task with 6 kids!! ; )
I’m going to have to copy that from you…Slow down and watch the snails stretch. Love it!
Mindful living… I like it. Think I should attempt it.
@ Justine~
Thanks for visiting. You should definitely try it — I recommend it. ; )
I just linked over to your blog from someone’s from someone else’s.
This post and the one called a lesson in legos were really wonderful. I am glad to discover your blog. Thank you for sharing! Kelly
@ Kelly~
Welcome, I’m glad you followed the link trail. I’ve found my most favorite blogs that way!
I’m glad you found a couple of posts that resonated with you.