Dissipating saturation
This “too” shall pass. I am saturated. Too much information. Too many meetings. Too many tips. Too many infographics. Too many experts. Too many communities. Too many white papers. Too many updates. Too many tasks. Too many things to remember. I can’t engage because there is no capacity for absorption.
Saturation defined. The formal definition of saturation is: The state or process that occurs when no more of something can be absorbed, combined with, or added. But let’s not rest or rely on formalities. Saturation numbs, scatters the mind, and leaves a dull headache that throbs a hint of something missed or forgotten.
Dissipation through awareness. It is time to dissipate this saturation not by reading a time management book, writing a to-do list, or slumbering into an afternoon escapist nap that stretches until the next morning. I dissipate saturation not by using expectation and demand to squeeze myself like a dripping sponge but by taking one breath and accepting saturation by writing a short meditation on the experience.
Nudge. I feel less drippy and ready to re-engage with the vital work before me. I recognize the power of reflective writing to nudge myself through saturation and I celebrate impermanence for informing me that even the weight and numbness of saturation evaporates.
David,
Good analogy and prescription for dealing with the onslaught of information and contradicting directions everyone receives on a daily basis. Journaling can lift a lot of weight off of one’s shoulders and free them up to see the bigger picture and the role they play in the process. By the same token connecting with others over coffee or by sending a card out of the blue and also help. The unexpected touch by another can also aid in this process. Many large companies have gone the route of De-humanizing interaction, through shared services or self-service processes, thereby creating a void for a lot of people.
Ron
And a comment from someone like you can further lessen the saturation. Thanks for taking the time to write your response Ron.
David
This really struck a chord for me, David (for our mutual friend Mr. Doug Shaw’s benefit, I believe it’s a Cmaj7). You have given me reason to pause, and I needed it today–thank you!
I have this nasty habit of caring too deeply about too many things. This too often results in self-inflicted saturation that can lead to stress—too many causes to rally around, too many battles to fight, too many frustrations.
Lately I’ve gotten much more serious about forcing myself to consciously take a break, make time to breathe, take inventory, get back in the moment. Pull a few weeds so the plants that will produce something edible have a better chance to take root.
The “short meditation” you mention is great–put it down on paper, slice and dice what I’m feeling and why I’m letting it get to me. Sometimes just venting that way can do the trick. But fairly often the act of writing and dissecting can lead to the conclusion that it’s not worth stressing over. This too shall pass.
Craig:
Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I plan to do more engaging meditations over the summer and this has been well received so I am encouraged.
David