Rethinking what it means to be productive
TSD #001 - tips & insights on creating a slower, well-rooted life
Welcome to the slow down, a column featuring tips and insights to create a slower, well-rooted life.
Last week I kicked off this new column, so if you missed the context, you can check that out here. Otherwise, let’s dive in.
the slow down tip
What’s today’s tip? Rethink what it means to be productive. For the longest time, I measured productivity by my ability to achieve goals and check items off my to-do list. This perspective on productivity still has its place as I, like many of us, have a full time job, family, church and more which all require an ability to show up and do what I say I’m going to do. However, I’ve found there are windows of opportunity to move at a slower pace when we think of productivity less as a byproduct of what we can accomplish and more so as a natural consequence of being rooted in the right place with the nourishment we actually need to thrive.
The berry shrubs and fruit trees teach us this. Plant a blueberry shrub in the middle of a dense forest and it will be hard pressed to bear much fruit while in the shade. Similarly, plant a pawpaw tree in the middle of an open field without its needed overstory, and it will struggle to survive. This is all to say: one helpful tip to slowing down your life is to think of productivity less as things you do. Consider what goodness might flow from your life as you learn how to be: be yourself, be honest about your needs, and be intentional about planting yourself in the places best suited for your growth and flourishing.
nature speaks
Last week I shared about a pineapple sage bush I loved. I told the story of its death and seeming resurrection in the form of eleven new shrubs born of its seed dispersal at the end of its days. A true gift.
I had a similar experience with my baptisia, a perennial I’d planted in my flower garden last year. Much like the pineapple sage, by winter’s arrival, it was nowhere to be found. I thought I’d planted it in a place that didn’t get enough sun. I was certain it was gone for good. But this spring, as I returned to my flower garden day after day, I was startled by these silvery-green stalks breaking up through the clay. It took me many days to realize these stalks were in fact my beloved baptisia, back from her winter’s rest.
Nature speaks: There are moments in life when we’re tempted to believe all is lost, but Baptisia reminded me that there are times when growing things must go underground for a season so they may become strong enough to meet the world in due time.
quotable
“If you don’t choose a time to rest, your body will choose it for you.”
- the author is unknown to me, but if you know, please share and I’ll update this.
off the shelf
I recently finished Into the Silent Land which is a guide to Christian contemplation by Martin Laird. I was first exposed to this text during my spiritual direction training. Not only is the book beautifully written and very practical, but I view it as one of those bridge texts that supported my journey from the spiritual wilderness into holy tradition. One of my favorite sections of this book is about how our emotions function as both barriers and invitations into the deeper waters of the contemplative, spiritual life. Highly recommend.
worth lingering over
Quitting things is rarely easy, but it’s often necessary when striving to live a life of integrity. One of my favorite podcasts about this is Quitted, hosted by Holly Whitaker and Emily McDowell. Their most recent episode helped me process what it means to “walk away from the lives we think we want.” If you’re moving through an experience of quitting or leaving an old form of your life or yourself behind, their stories might give language and perspective for your journey.
In case you missed it
If you’re thinking about quitting social media for a period of time, check this out.
If you’re feeling overextended, you might find encouragement here.
We all need space to pause and delight. I write about that here.
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