Kate Murphy, a regular contributor to NYTimes on social-cultural matters, started phone interview with me by saying she was stunned to learn at 83% of people would rather, give themselves shock than spend time in quiet self-reflection. What is she asked, and I was glad we could talk about the deep anxieties people experience today that are both generated, and covered up by speedy pace that eliminates any possibility of self-reflection.
SPEED – always going faster and faster — lets you falsely believe are seeking the American dream of success, that you can have it all, and there will no costs. Just keep going. Don’t stop to think, don’t question. You’ll be left behind if you pause a moment for self-reflection. There’s the cost!
I talked with her about addiction as three-pronged necklace: out-of-control behavior, constricted or wild emotions and distorted thinking. The thinking tells us that action, which leads to nation of impulse-dominated people, behaving like four-year olds on play ground.
One of the key mantras I restate the book is: Pause, Ask yourself “what am I doing?” Take a breath. Reflect. Without at working capacity and value, of self-reflection truly abdicate self responsibility.
Dear Ms. Livingston:
Thank you for your kind comments and your reflections on speed in your life. I am sorry you have had a brain injury, yet it still sounds like you can appreciate many good parts of life. You also capture the feeling that is so rampant in our culture — sitting at a red light is just too long. So many people are poised in the ready-position to GO, to pounce, to hit that green light and they don’t slow down at all.
I hope you find peace and serenity. Thank you for taking the time to write.
Best, Stephanie Brown
i like what you say and how you say it – i have read a book of yours that i found quite profound- sober- i have since had a barin injury and i remember blurbs- and your name= so whatveber it was- it was good-~~~~soo the reason im responding- is i felt that – some of what you have gifted me- has really helped to heal my family- and even me!
it is clearly a longer story- but i will always read what you have going on-
i spent some time doing a ‘vision quest’ which is crying for a vision on a mountain and there us a 24 7 fire- and it takes quite a few people to put people on the hill= but reflection- mmmmmi have seen how iff people cabn get with WHO THEY THINK THEY ARE- the beauty of ‘being in the hill’ is amazing- and i lately- am feeling like every red light is 15 minues long= ot i look at the clock at 11;11 or 333= day or night-
im quite sure that there is an element of light and beauty
that you bring to the tabl
goin to chile to see my son and his girlfriend whom i have not yet met-
hoping to be a grandma=peace