You may be familiar with the feeling of overwhelm. It’s certainly rampant here in Silicon Valley, and has seeped into a lot of the North American culture.
There’s always a long to-do list, including what has to be done and what you’ve wanted to do for so long.
It’s easy for me to feel overwhelmed, and there seems to be a constant pile of stuff to deal with dumped right on top of my plate just as I feel excited that I’ll finish off what was already there. You, too?
It’s during times like these that I need to really stop and take a clear look at everything, from the present moment. I often forget to do this, swept up in the whirlwind of activity and agitation. But it’s the only thing that changes the cycle of overwhelm.
Returning to Presence
When I take the time to sit down – preferably outside, among the trees and birds and our half-wild lawn – I regain perspective. What really matters in this moment? What is actually happening here? Yellow jackets are scanning the grass for bugs to eat. A gardener blasts leaves into a pile with a blower two doors down. I am sitting on damp grass from last night’s dew, and smelling the moist earth.
It doesn’t change the fact that the laundry needs to be done, I need to pack for my trip, the house needs to be picked up, and the blog is calling to be written. But being fully present, indoors or out, reminds me that only one thing at a time can be addressed. When I think about everything at once, I fall into the spin cycle, and like the wet laundry after the washer finishes, I’m all twisted up and wrung out. Not very effective for tackling anything.
One Step, One Task
When I return back inside to attend to the necessities, the only question really on my mind is, “what, right now in this moment?” I have my list, so I won’t forget the other things. But I can only give my full, quality attention to one thing at a time, and get a satisfying result. What will that be next?
My overwhelm drops away. In every moment, I ask again – what right now? What is next? That keeps me on-task and the overwhelm at bay. Whenever the 5000 things that need attention creep back in, I write down any that I fear I will forget, and return to, “what right now?”
The next thing was to finish up this blog and posting. And so, here I am, writing to you (after taking a short break to make some nettle tea).
Create Space for Yourself
Remember to take the time to stop and be present. Now, more than ever, you need that space and time out from the maelstrom of events in the world and in your life. Then, ask; right now in this moment, what is next? Embrace one thing at a time.
And if you feel overwhelmed and want to reach out, I’m here to support You.