| Issue #3- April 13, 2007 |
INSPIRATIONS by Emily J Weitz
Pacing
I’ve often heard people say they could never live in New York
because it’s just too fast-paced. The truth, however, is not that
New York moves at a certain speed, rather, it is the people who live
there. And those people should know that there is a slower New York.
It’s a New York with galleries that need perusing, mugs of coffee
that need sipping, couches that need lounging. It’s a New York
that will pass you by easily if you buy in to the fast-paced mentality
too readily.
I have had the luxury of becoming self-employed. This means that I pick
the hours I work. As a result, I am able to slow my life down to a livable
pace and still live in Manhattan. You see, it’s all about the
pacing.
A typical nine-to-fiver allows their work schedule to dictate the days.
From the time one rises from bed to the types of lunches one allows
themself, most aspects of their lives are defined by their jobs. The
goal is, instead, to fit work into the days, in between the things you
love to do. Instead of waking up and making every activity focused on
getting to work, wake up for yourself. Give yourself a few moments in
the morning. Enjoy your commute. Soak up every moment that you are not
working so that you can really work when you are working.
The nine-to-fiver will wake at around 7:30 or 8 a.m., get ready and
follow some sort of morning ritual. If this ritual is chaotic hair drying
and frantic outfit selection, slow it down. Change this ritual into
something slower. Take a few stretches. Take a peek in the deli and
say hello. Make a connection when you order your morning coffee. Take
your time. It takes two seconds longer to ask for something kindly than
it does to grunt thoughtlessly. This mindfulness, and the feeling of
not being rushed, will affect your whole day.
When the morning ritual is completed, it’s time to go to work.
This trip to work is a consistent part of your day, and yet it is so
often wasted. This is quality time with yourself, so what are you going
to do to keep it at a pace you feel comfortable with? If you take public
transportation, this commute should be transformed into a mini-vacation.
You see a filthy subway. How about a time to catch up on that novel
you’ve been meaning to finish? You see a crowded bus. How about
reading The New York Times and finding out what’s really going
on in the world? Books on tape, favorite pieces of music and audio recordings
of stand up comedy are other great options to accompany you on your
morning journey.
Now, you just so happen to end up at work. Right on time, you walk through
the door, but this morning was not focused on getting there. Rather,
getting there was a pleasure that coincidentally led you to the door
of your obligation. Set up your work area so that it’s comfortable
for you, and then be as productive as possible. After all, you’ve
had a leisurely morning and are ready to turn out some brilliant work
in high volume. Throw yourself into your work. Think carefully and do
the best job you can. And when you get tired or bored, just switch gears.
Allow yourself to take a little walk to clear our your brain. Get a
cup of coffee. Do a handstand. Make a phone call. You might be in the
office, but it is still your time.
Lunchtime is a great opportunity to do whatever you want, but too often
we feel the need to work straight through lunch. Whatever you are doing,
you will do it better if you are well fed and working with a clear head.
So even if the phrase “lunch hour” sounds totally passé
(who on earth actually gets an hour for lunch?), remember that lunch
is a significant opportunity to regain your self. Take some time. Bring
a sandwich to the beach or at least take a walk to the deli.
When that clock ticks to home time, say goodbye to your work. Separate
yourself from it. Learn to shut it off and go home to what’s important.
The biggest reason the New York pace is too fast is that the people
get caught up in an imaginary rat race. Take yourself out of it and
move at your own pace.
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