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What Happened To Downtime? The Extinction Of Deep Thinking And Sacred Space.
DaltheJigsaw
Mountain View Veteran
Interruption-free space is sacred. Yet, in the digital era we live in, we are losing hold of the few sacred spaces that remain untouched by email, the Internet, people, and other forms of distraction. Our cars now have mobile phone integration and a thousand satellite radio stations. When walking from one place to another, we have our devices streaming data from dozens of sources. Even at our bedside, we now have our iPads with heaps of digital apps and the world's information at our fingertips.
There has been much discussion about the value of the "creative pause"--a state described as "the shift from being fully engaged in a creative activity to being passively engaged, or the shift to being disengaged altogether." This phenomenon is the seed of the break-through "a-ha!" moments that people so frequently report having in the shower. In these moments, you are completely isolated, and your mind is able to wander and churn big questions without interruption.
However, despite the incredible power and potential of sacred spaces, they are quickly becoming extinct. We are depriving ourselves of every opportunity for disconnection. And our imaginations suffer the consequences.
Why do we crave distraction over downtime?
Why do we give up our sacred space so easily? Because space is scary. During these temporary voids of distraction, our minds return to the uncertainty and fears that plague all of us. To escape this chasm of self-doubt and unanswered questions, you tune into all of the activity and data for reassurance.
But this desperate need for constant connection and stimulation is not a modern problem. I would argue that we have always sought a state of constant connection from the dawn of time, it's just never been possible until now.
The need to be connected is, in fact, very basic in Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the psychological theory that explains the largest and most fundamental human desires. Our need for a sense of belonging comes right after physical safety. We thrive on friendship, family, and the constant affirmation of our existence and relevance. Our self-esteem is largely a product of our interactions with others.
It is now possible to always feel loved and cared for, thanks to the efficiency of our "comment walls" on Facebook and seamless connection with everyone we've ever known. Your confidence and self-esteem can quickly be reassured by checking your number of "followers" on Twitter or the number of "likes" garnered by your photographs and blog posts. The traction you are getting in your projects, or with your business, can now be measured and reported in real time.
Our insatiable need to tune into information--at the expense of savoring our downtime--is a form of "work" (something I call "insecurity work") that we do to reassure ourselves.
http://www.fastcompany.com/1700298/what-happened-to-downtime-the-extinction-of-deep-thinking-and-sacred-space
There has been much discussion about the value of the "creative pause"--a state described as "the shift from being fully engaged in a creative activity to being passively engaged, or the shift to being disengaged altogether." This phenomenon is the seed of the break-through "a-ha!" moments that people so frequently report having in the shower. In these moments, you are completely isolated, and your mind is able to wander and churn big questions without interruption.
However, despite the incredible power and potential of sacred spaces, they are quickly becoming extinct. We are depriving ourselves of every opportunity for disconnection. And our imaginations suffer the consequences.
Why do we crave distraction over downtime?
Why do we give up our sacred space so easily? Because space is scary. During these temporary voids of distraction, our minds return to the uncertainty and fears that plague all of us. To escape this chasm of self-doubt and unanswered questions, you tune into all of the activity and data for reassurance.
But this desperate need for constant connection and stimulation is not a modern problem. I would argue that we have always sought a state of constant connection from the dawn of time, it's just never been possible until now.
The need to be connected is, in fact, very basic in Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the psychological theory that explains the largest and most fundamental human desires. Our need for a sense of belonging comes right after physical safety. We thrive on friendship, family, and the constant affirmation of our existence and relevance. Our self-esteem is largely a product of our interactions with others.
It is now possible to always feel loved and cared for, thanks to the efficiency of our "comment walls" on Facebook and seamless connection with everyone we've ever known. Your confidence and self-esteem can quickly be reassured by checking your number of "followers" on Twitter or the number of "likes" garnered by your photographs and blog posts. The traction you are getting in your projects, or with your business, can now be measured and reported in real time.
Our insatiable need to tune into information--at the expense of savoring our downtime--is a form of "work" (something I call "insecurity work") that we do to reassure ourselves.
http://www.fastcompany.com/1700298/what-happened-to-downtime-the-extinction-of-deep-thinking-and-sacred-space
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Comments
"Our insatiable need to tune into information"? The author should speak for himself.
We have created a voyeuristic society, and voyeurism can be addictive, as well as the need to seek-attention, whether it be for validation or narcissism.
Cell phones, rather the concept of them was a blessing. I like that if I break down on the road I can call someone rather than wait as the cars pass me by one by one until that special someone comes along and helps me. Been there pre-cell phones.
Now that they are portable computers, not so much. Texting while driving, no. We have the option as to how we use this device (or not). Mine has browsing disabled, it's just a phone for me.
The computer, well, yeah it's a problem for me. I use it for social networking to stay in touch with family and friends, and admittedly there is that voyeuristic aspect. I use it for personal education, as it has a wealth of information and is easier than going to a library. All access all the time.
Actually reading the printed word anymore is extremely hard, and I was someone who loved to read. It requires focus that I seem to have a hard time with anymore because of the computer. Something else to look at.
The downside is it's hard to stay away from, and if I am not on it while watching tv too...solely watching tv, I am distracted (read, jonesing) for at least 20-30 minutes until my brain slows down from the multi-tasking. For some one with ADD the computer is good and bad, I call it focused distraction.
The realization of this has made me re-evaluate how I have been living my life. I want and need more quiet time, and I want and need more of a social life outside of the house, not virtually. I have implemented changes already, with more to come in the next couple of months once my living situation changes.
There is something to be said for a walk in the woods, mountains, river,etc.
Hmmm, time for a road trip.
It all depends on how you define "quality of life", and the priorities you choose. It's mostly choices, remember, not necessities, for the most part. People who don't live where there's public transportation or neighborhood laundromats and other services are excepted, of course.
I suspect that all this internet hyper-connectivity is leading to an obsessive-compulsive generation, or an ADD generation.