The distinction between numbness and peace is sharp. I've done this thing where I'd fill every commute and meal with a podcast or video, convincing myself it was efficient use of time, but eventually it jsut became noise layering over actual thought. The unprocessed emotion idea lands for me too—when there's no downtime, things pile up without you noticing. I tried a similar experiment last month (no phone during breakfast) and honestly the first few days felt like withdrawl. Now it's the only time I actually process anything.
Love this - from James Clear, the author of “Atomic Habits”
"Reflection requires stillness.
One cost of rushing from thing to thing is that you lose the space to think. Hard work matters, but nonstop motion often hides a quiet truth: you could have used your time better.
If you never pause, you confuse activity with effectiveness. Make time to think. Walk outside. Sit quietly. Create space. Then move again, but this time on purpose."
I like the way you explained it as just noise layering over actual thought. That is exactly right. Thank you for reading, sharing, and simply pausing here. I have found that when I consciously look for the goodness and beauty around me, somehow my mind gets rewired and I notice more of it.
That was like a much-needed psychology lesson and Bible teaching rolled into one. You profoundly and beautifully made us think, remember, and realize. Thank you.
The distinction between numbness and peace is sharp. I've done this thing where I'd fill every commute and meal with a podcast or video, convincing myself it was efficient use of time, but eventually it jsut became noise layering over actual thought. The unprocessed emotion idea lands for me too—when there's no downtime, things pile up without you noticing. I tried a similar experiment last month (no phone during breakfast) and honestly the first few days felt like withdrawl. Now it's the only time I actually process anything.
https://blog.wearehealthyseniors.com/
Love this - from James Clear, the author of “Atomic Habits”
"Reflection requires stillness.
One cost of rushing from thing to thing is that you lose the space to think. Hard work matters, but nonstop motion often hides a quiet truth: you could have used your time better.
If you never pause, you confuse activity with effectiveness. Make time to think. Walk outside. Sit quietly. Create space. Then move again, but this time on purpose."
I like the way you explained it as just noise layering over actual thought. That is exactly right. Thank you for reading, sharing, and simply pausing here. I have found that when I consciously look for the goodness and beauty around me, somehow my mind gets rewired and I notice more of it.
You didn’t mention the Biltmore!
Dearest Pat,
That was like a much-needed psychology lesson and Bible teaching rolled into one. You profoundly and beautifully made us think, remember, and realize. Thank you.
Love, Katie
We moved from the coast to the mountains and your description is our everyday. Thanks for putting the feelings into words.
I'd love to know where you are. I've always vacationed in Blowing Rock, but now I am loving the Asheville area.