September 2013
Welcome --
"Imagination only comes when you privilege
the subconscious, when you make
delay and procrastination work for you."
(Hilary Mantel)
Let's take a different look at procrastination. How many times and ways have we chastised ourselves for not plowing through our "to do" list in record time? What if there's wisdom and a different possibility that "procrastination" offers?
Granted, standard issue procrastination is obvious -- when we're choosing something -- anything -- so we don't "have
to" do what's necessary. Taking this deeper, though, there's a fine, distinct line between procrastinating and
cultivating your right timing.
Recently, I've actively played with this concept on my own.
This newsletter is a perfect example. I delayed writing it-- not hoping for the right time, but rather, listening for it.
I purposely didn't go near it when I thought I "should". Believe me, the chatter mind got pretty loud -- and yet -- I waited ...... I waited while allowing myself to trust right timing and flow.
The result? I breezed through this in no time.
How do you discern the difference between flow and procrastination? -- "the shoulds", castigation, fearful thoughts and worry are immediately off the table. Rather, there's a sense of gathering one's Self -- waiting until a moment of ease presents itself, and then following that ease through to completion.
The practice? As ever:
Stop
Breathe
Dare to defy the "shoulds".
Wait for the sense of ease.
Repeat
A word: Don't begin your practice with complicated choices. Certain deadlines are musts. Start small and allow Your Self to wait ......
This practice is subtle. Yet -- if you're willing to work with it, you'll become aware of your own pattern of flow: when and how you're most productive.
Then the scales tip and procrastination becomes trust in your right timing. You make short work of your to do list, easily accomplishing the task at hand.
