Hit me with those laser beams...
This one might sound particularly stupid, but if you lived in my head, you'd know that it's a revelation for me.
So I've been unemployed now for five months, but really I've only had the past three weeks to really relax (don't do it/when you want to go to it) because of other things taking up my time. But recently I've been trying to figure out why, now that I have ample time, I still find it difficult to relax (don't do it/when you want to come). And I think I've got a answer, although it probably will sound terribly obvious to you.
You see, I'm one of these people who values productivity. I think people who spend hours commuting are wasting their lives. And I think people who watch television are nothing more than worthless by-products of our overcoming the Darwinian struggle for survival. Movies are pap to tranquilize the masses; intelligent people use their time to create, not to sit around waiting to passively absorb stimulation.
In contrast, I spend my free time in pursuits that require concentration, if not intellectual engagement. I write fiction and critique a lot more. I run an online magazine. I create art. I build Web sites. I drum, cook, and do photography. And don't forget journaling! Literally everything I do requires mental engagement and concentration.
Somehow, it's only now that I realize that even I can't live being 100 percent "on" 100 percent of the time. I need to find ways of shutting the intellect down, to give it time to rest and recharge before diving back in again. I guess it's apparent now because I haven't been on my bike in several weeks, and that was the best way I knew of to relax (don't do it).
I'm sure that the need for non-concentrating relaxation time is second nature and it's a pretty underwhelming revelation to most people. But for me, it really is a big change in how I think about recharging and the value of time.
The funny thing is that I don't have an easy time coming up with "mindless" activities that qualify. Cycling counts, as does seeing live bands, visiting cats, and reading. I suppose socializing would count, if I did it more... That's really about it. I need to spend some time brainstorming other alternatives.
That's all. Just thought I'd capture that thought, since it really isn't a natural one for me.
So I've been unemployed now for five months, but really I've only had the past three weeks to really relax (don't do it/when you want to go to it) because of other things taking up my time. But recently I've been trying to figure out why, now that I have ample time, I still find it difficult to relax (don't do it/when you want to come). And I think I've got a answer, although it probably will sound terribly obvious to you.
You see, I'm one of these people who values productivity. I think people who spend hours commuting are wasting their lives. And I think people who watch television are nothing more than worthless by-products of our overcoming the Darwinian struggle for survival. Movies are pap to tranquilize the masses; intelligent people use their time to create, not to sit around waiting to passively absorb stimulation.
In contrast, I spend my free time in pursuits that require concentration, if not intellectual engagement. I write fiction and critique a lot more. I run an online magazine. I create art. I build Web sites. I drum, cook, and do photography. And don't forget journaling! Literally everything I do requires mental engagement and concentration.
Somehow, it's only now that I realize that even I can't live being 100 percent "on" 100 percent of the time. I need to find ways of shutting the intellect down, to give it time to rest and recharge before diving back in again. I guess it's apparent now because I haven't been on my bike in several weeks, and that was the best way I knew of to relax (don't do it).
I'm sure that the need for non-concentrating relaxation time is second nature and it's a pretty underwhelming revelation to most people. But for me, it really is a big change in how I think about recharging and the value of time.
The funny thing is that I don't have an easy time coming up with "mindless" activities that qualify. Cycling counts, as does seeing live bands, visiting cats, and reading. I suppose socializing would count, if I did it more... That's really about it. I need to spend some time brainstorming other alternatives.
That's all. Just thought I'd capture that thought, since it really isn't a natural one for me.