lately, i have been observing one particular thing about myself that while doing any activity, i have this urge to rush through it, complete it as soon as possible and move to the next thing and when i start the next thing, the same feeling emerges and this cycle goes on. for example, when i wake up in the morning, i am rushing through to go for my walk; while walking, i am waiting for it to get over quickly so that i can come back home and brew my coffee; while brewing, i am rushing to finish it quickly to get to my table, have the coffee and read. it is as if i am trying to complete a task list rather than experiencing the experience consciously and being present.
during this time, my brain tries to convince me by saying that the next activity will be more satisfying, so let’s rush in the current moment to the next thing and same happens when i get to the next thing. this kind of leads to anxiety and worry in my head and doesn’t let me enjoy the activity that i am doing at that moment. and there is always a feeling of being unsatisfied with whatever i am doing.
from the time i have started noticing this pattern, i am trying to consciously slow down, focus on the thing that i am doing and tell myself that i have time and i do not need to rush through things. just telling myself that i have time and i do not need to rush brings a sense of calm. this practice ensures that i am engaging fully into and enjoying the current moment. i have also started seeing benefits of it in my work where i focus more on adding value through the task/ workstream that i am doing rather than focusing on just finishing it and getting off my plate.
azeem panjwani 