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I’m Breaking Up With Our Cultural Preoccupation With Efficiency
How I’m cultivating wonder in a world obsessed with productivity
Wake up, make breakfasts, shower, dress, work, house chores, homework, prepare dinner, clean up, Netflix, bed. Rinse and repeat.
Throw in a few variations for the weekend and special occasions, of course, but the pattern is basically the same: plow through home, work and parenting tasks as efficiently as possible, working to minimize distractions and anything else threatening to throw me off course.
It’s sad, yes, but I daresay it’s how most of us live our lives. I certainly always did, and I was proud of my efficiency and accomplishments.
Then, one day, I decided to vary the course.
With my kids tucked safely away at school, I picked up a coffee and spent the morning at a local botanical garden. I walked the paths, admired the exhibits, inhaled the fresh floral scents and struck up conversations with strangers.
For a few hours, I interacted with art and nature, stepping outside of my normal routine.
My senses were heightened and I was engaged with my surroundings. I was grateful for the moment, and knew it was one I’d revisit when things felt overwhelming.
