No doubt many saw last Sunday’s NYT article about technology and multi-tasking. On the blog were many comments questioning whether the distractions of technology were in fact making us less efficient. We are a society geared toward production, so it is logical that people’s main concern would be the risk to our thinking from multi-tasking.
From a different perspective, two things strike me about this article:
First, the photos show a couple at the breakfast table ignoring each other and talks at length about vacations ruined because of a husband’s obsession with technology. So the question is, what is never pausing doing to our relationships? Can we really give one another the kind of support and acknowledgement that we need to grow and thrive when we are listening with one ear and checking email with the other?
Second, why do we all insist on doing everything at once? Many working mothers say, “You can have it all, just not at the same time.” Well, whether it’s balancing work and family life, getting the next promotion, developing a solid relationship, or traveling the world, focus is such a gift. When we limit ourselves to a few things at a time and avoid spreading ourselves too thin, each experience can be so much fuller and richer. Being present is a wonderful gift to the self.